Dr. Viviana Coles is best known for her role as a relationship and intimacy expert, often appearing on popular shows like Married at First Sight. As a professional who guides others through emotional and intimate struggles, Dr. Coles has always placed a strong emphasis on mental well-being and personal growth. However, her own personal journey toward health and self-care was one of the most profound transformations she’s experienced. In a year-long process, Dr. Viviana Coles lost a remarkable 50 pounds, but her story goes far beyond numbers on a scale. It’s a tale of self-discipline, emotional breakthroughs, and a renewed commitment to herself.
“I’ve spent my career helping others with their relationships, but I realized that I had to start with myself,” Dr. Coles shares in a candid interview. “I wasn’t taking care of my body in the way I knew I should, and I knew that needed to change.”
Her weight loss journey wasn’t just about physical transformation; it was about redefining her relationship with herself, tackling emotional eating, and discovering a new level of confidence and strength.
Realizing the Need for Change
For Dr. Coles, the decision to focus on her health didn’t come overnight. Like many, she had been living a busy life, balancing work, personal commitments, and the pressures that come with being in the public eye. But as the years went by, she began to feel increasingly disconnected from her body.
“I was always putting everyone else first. I was so focused on helping other people with their relationships that I neglected my own,” she admits. “It wasn’t just about the weight, it was about how I felt. I felt tired, overwhelmed, and out of sync with myself. That’s when I realized something needed to change.”
Dr. Coles wasn’t new to the challenges of emotional eating. Like many people, she had used food as a source of comfort during stressful times, especially during particularly busy periods of her career. “Food became a way for me to cope with stress,” she explains. “And I realized that this wasn’t serving me. I had to confront that.”
A Holistic Approach to Weight Loss
Once Dr. Coles made the decision to prioritize her health, she began crafting a plan that would work not only for her body but for her mind as well. “I wanted something sustainable. I didn’t want a quick fix; I wanted a lifestyle change that would support me long-term,” she says.
1. Exercise: Building a New Routine
For Dr. Coles, exercise wasn’t about punishing herself or following extreme routines. It was about finding ways to move her body that made her feel good. She started with simple, low-impact activities that she could incorporate into her routine.
“I started with walking,” she recalls. “It was easy, and it allowed me to get outside and clear my mind. I gradually started adding strength training and yoga to my routine. It wasn’t about pushing myself to extremes, but about finding joy in movement again.”
Her goal wasn’t to become a bodybuilder, but to regain her strength and energy. “The goal was to feel strong and capable. It wasn’t about a certain look. It was about feeling good in my own body.”
2. Dietary Changes: Mindful Eating and Intuitive Practices
Dr. Coles didn’t subscribe to fad diets or restrictive eating. Instead, she made simple yet effective changes to her eating habits. “I focused on mindful eating,” she says. “It wasn’t about counting every calorie or depriving myself. I learned to listen to my body and eat in a way that made me feel nourished and satisfied.”
Her meals became more intentional, focusing on whole, unprocessed foods, including lean proteins, healthy fats, and plenty of fruits and vegetables. She also reduced her intake of sugar and refined carbs. “Food is fuel, and I wanted to fuel my body properly,” she explains.
However, Dr. Coles didn’t believe in a “perfect” approach. “I gave myself permission to enjoy food without guilt. It was about balance, not perfection,” she says. This mindset shift allowed her to form a healthier relationship with food — one that was free from shame and focused on nourishment.
3. Mental Health and Emotional Well-being: Addressing Emotional Eating
Perhaps the most profound part of Dr. Coles’ transformation was her approach to emotional well-being. “I had to face the emotional eating patterns I’d developed over the years,” she reflects. “Food had been my comfort during stressful moments, but I needed to learn how to cope with emotions in healthier ways.”
She sought therapy to address the emotional triggers that led her to overeat. “It was important for me to confront the underlying emotional reasons behind my eating habits,” Dr. Coles says. “I needed to learn how to deal with stress, anxiety, and emotional turbulence in ways that didn’t involve turning to food for comfort.”
Incorporating mindfulness practices such as meditation and journaling helped her stay grounded during challenging moments. “When I felt stressed, I would pause, breathe, and check in with myself. I learned how to process my emotions instead of suppressing them with food.”
Emotional Hurdles and Setbacks
Like anyone on a weight loss journey, Dr. Coles faced her fair share of setbacks. The emotional challenges were particularly tough. “There were days when I didn’t feel like working out or when I wanted to revert back to old habits,” she admits. “But I had to remind myself of why I started. I was in this for the long haul.”
One of the biggest hurdles was learning how to stop judging herself. “It’s easy to get discouraged when the scale doesn’t move the way you want, or when you have a setback. But I had to change my mindset. I had to focus on the progress, not the perfection,” Dr. Coles shares.
She also had to battle the guilt of putting herself first. As someone who was accustomed to putting others’ needs ahead of her own, Dr. Coles struggled with prioritizing her health. “It felt selfish at times, but I realized that by taking care of myself, I was better able to take care of others,” she reflects.
Achieving a Sustainable Transformation
After six months of dedication, Dr. Coles had lost 50 pounds. But more than that, she had cultivated a sense of inner peace and confidence that she had never experienced before. “Losing the weight was just one part of the transformation,” she says. “The real victory was reclaiming my health and learning to love myself again.”
Dr. Coles now feels more energized and self-assured. “I have the energy to keep up with my work, my family, and my personal life. I feel strong, both physically and emotionally,” she says with pride. “This journey has been life-changing.”
Confidence, Health, and Empowerment
Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of Dr. Coles’ transformation is the newfound confidence she exudes. “I feel like I’m finally the person I’ve always wanted to be,” she says, smiling. “I’m no longer defined by my weight or my past habits. I’m in control of my health, my life, and my happiness.”
This transformation has also impacted her work. “As a therapist, I guide people through their personal struggles, but this journey has deepened my understanding of what it takes to truly transform. I’m living proof that change is possible — and that it’s never too late to start.”
Dr. Coles’ Advice for Anyone on a Weight Loss Journey
Dr. Coles offers some valuable advice for anyone looking to embark on their own transformation:
-
Start with a mindset shift: “Your relationship with yourself is just as important as your physical health. Work on your mindset before you work on the scale.”
-
Be kind to yourself: “You won’t be perfect, and that’s okay. Don’t beat yourself up over setbacks. Keep moving forward.”
-
Focus on balance, not perfection: “It’s not about depriving yourself. It’s about finding a balance that works for you and makes you feel good.”
-
Prioritize your emotional health: “Emotional eating is real, and you can’t ignore it. Seek support and practice mindfulness to manage stress without turning to food.”
-
Stay consistent: “Consistency is the key to long-term success. Small, sustainable changes will make all the difference.”
Dr. Viviana Coles’ weight loss journey is more than just a story of physical transformation. It’s a testament to emotional growth, self-care, and empowerment. Her story proves that anyone can achieve their health goals — not by following a quick-fix diet or extreme workout routine, but by making lasting changes that support their mind, body, and soul. So, what’s stopping you from starting your own journey of transformation today?
