Transforming Food Habits: A Journey of Weight Loss and Culinary Discovery Abroad

Halona Black's experience living abroad has significantly transformed her relationship with food and contributed to her weight loss of approximately 100 pounds over seven years. Initially struggling with weight and health issues in the United States, Black's move to Thailand in 2018 marked the beginning of a new approach to grocery shopping and cooking.

When I moved abroad, I stopped buying groceries 'like an American.' Now, I eat and shop better — and I've lost 100 pounds.

In the United States, Black's grocery shopping habits were characterized by stockpiling processed foods and bulk items, often leading to unhealthy eating patterns. This approach was rooted in a mindset of scarcity, where she felt compelled to buy in excess, reflecting a survival mentality. The reliance on prepackaged goods contributed to her weight gain and health struggles, including anxiety and sleep difficulties.

When I moved abroad, I stopped buying groceries 'like an American.' Now, I eat and shop better — and I've lost 100 pounds.

Upon relocating, Black discovered open-air markets in Thailand, where she interacted directly with farmers and accessed fresh, seasonal produce. This experience prompted her to reevaluate her shopping habits. Initially, she faced challenges in adjusting to the freshness of the food, which spoiled more quickly than the processed items she was accustomed to. Over time, she learned to buy only what she needed for a few days, leading to less waste and a more sustainable approach to cooking.

When I moved abroad, I stopped buying groceries 'like an American.' Now, I eat and shop better — and I've lost 100 pounds.

Living abroad also proved financially beneficial for Black. She reported spending around $50 weekly on groceries, with $30 allocated for fresh fruits and vegetables and $20 for specialty items like locally made sauerkraut and high-quality oils. This budget allowed her to access gourmet ingredients that felt out of reach in the U.S., enhancing her culinary experiences.

When I moved abroad, I stopped buying groceries 'like an American.' Now, I eat and shop better — and I've lost 100 pounds.

Black's dietary shift involved simplifying her meals, focusing on one-pot dishes, salads, and homemade dressings, which reduced her intake of excess salt and sugar. Coupled with an increase in physical activity through daily walks and runs, these changes facilitated her weight loss journey. She emphasizes that her motivation now stems from a desire for health and vitality rather than merely achieving a certain body size.

When I moved abroad, I stopped buying groceries 'like an American.' Now, I eat and shop better — and I've lost 100 pounds.

While Black's narrative highlights the positive aspects of her transformation, it also reflects the difficulties many face when altering long-standing habits. The initial struggle to adapt to a new shopping rhythm and the temptation to revert to old habits underscore the complexities of changing one's relationship with food.

When I moved abroad, I stopped buying groceries 'like an American.' Now, I eat and shop better — and I've lost 100 pounds.

Black articulates her journey as one of liberation from a survival mindset, stating, "I no longer feel the need to buy summer watermelon in the middle of winter." This sentiment encapsulates her newfound respect for seasonal eating and the joy of sharing meals with friends.

When I moved abroad, I stopped buying groceries 'like an American.' Now, I eat and shop better — and I've lost 100 pounds.

• “Living abroad helped me build a healthier relationship with food that's rooted in seasonality and respect for nature.” — Halona Black, Writer

When I moved abroad, I stopped buying groceries 'like an American.' Now, I eat and shop better — and I've lost 100 pounds.

• “I learned to rely on simple meals like one-pot soups, stir-fries, and salads loaded with produce in every color of the rainbow.” — Halona Black, Writer

When I moved abroad, I stopped buying groceries 'like an American.' Now, I eat and shop better — and I've lost 100 pounds.

• “Looking back on my old habit of stockpiling food, I realize I spent many years living in survival mode.” — Halona Black, Writer

When I moved abroad, I stopped buying groceries 'like an American.' Now, I eat and shop better — and I've lost 100 pounds.

Through her experiences, Halona Black illustrates how living abroad can reshape dietary habits, promote healthier lifestyles, and foster a deeper connection to food and community.

When I moved abroad, I stopped buying groceries 'like an American.' Now, I eat and shop better — and I've lost 100 pounds.