From 7,000 Calories in One Sitting to a Healthier Life: Why I Had to Delete My Deliveroo App

I grew up overweight, sneaking sweets and chips from others. By the time I reached my 30s, I weighed as much as a small car. My childhood was filled with emotions I couldn’t express, and food was my comfort.

My parents separated when I was young. I lived with my mom, who struggled with addiction. This made her emotionally unavailable, leaving me to fend for myself. When I was around 13, my best friend moved away, and I found a new group of friends who drank heavily. I dived into music, becoming a DJ and producer, but my issues with food didn’t vanish.

In my late teens and early twenties, I replaced food with alcohol. I hit rock bottom by 24 and stopped drinking. I went to recovery meetings, which helped me confront my addiction to substances. But when I gave up alcohol, I turned back to food.

Suddenly, I felt all the suppressed feelings I didn’t know how to deal with. I went from 11.5 stone to 18.5 stone very quickly. Ordering takeout became my new norm. When Deliveroo was introduced, I treated myself to massive meals. I’d sometimes consume over 7,000 calories in one sitting. It was scary—I could order three Deliveroo meals at once and wolf them down.

The compulsion to eat wasn’t about hunger; it was about escaping feelings. I often ordered food alone so I wouldn’t feel judged. I remember going through a McDonald’s drive-through multiple times in one night, stuffing myself as if it would make me feel better.

In London, I continued this cycle of binge eating, spending money I didn’t have on unhealthy food. I would delete the Deliveroo app but would reinstall it out of impulse. It was like a dance I couldn’t escape. I’d justify my orders, even getting refunds for missing items. My life had become a chaotic cycle of food dependency.

People often overlook food addiction because it carries a stigma. I felt ashamed, but once I found support, I realized I wasn’t alone. Rock bottoms happen to everyone at different moments in life. It’s about finding the right time and support to make a change.

A friend invited me to an Overeaters Anonymous meeting, and it clicked for me. I started practicing food abstinence, which meant finding a healthier relationship with eating. There are different methods in recovery, but I found avoiding certain trigger foods worked best for me.

Potato chips, donuts, and sugary treats became “red foods” that I avoided. I even bought a popcorn machine, only to discover I could binge that too! The key was replacing eating with constructive activities like talking to friends or attending meetings.

Now, it’s been eight years since I ordered from Deliveroo. I’ve re-learned how to cook and take pride in healthy meals. I sought help from a nutritionist to understand balanced meals. I’m happier and feel liberated from my past burdens.

Food addiction is real, and many deal with it silently. Organizations like Beat provide support and guidance for those struggling. Finding healthier coping mechanisms can transform your life, just as it did for me.

Check out this related article: Join the Maverick Food Recovery Network: Combatting Hunger and Reducing Food Waste Together!