“1,000-Lb. Sisters”' Tammy Slaton Shares Protein Coffee Recipe and Past Food Addiction: 'The Mental Battle Is Real'

“I often ate my feelings, taking out my emotions on food,” the '1000-Lb. Sisters’ star said

Tammy Slaton is putting in the work.

On Sept. 23, the 1000-Lb. Sisters star, 38, posted an inspirational quote on Instagram about making progress on her mental health journey, saying she used to eat her feelings while in her active food addiction.

“The Mental Battle is Real,” she wrote. “The mental aspect plays a significant role. Being depressed and having a food addiction, I often ate my feelings, taking out my emotions on food.”

“So many of us can relate to this struggle,” she continued. “It’s not just about food — it’s about dealing with the deeper emotional challenges we face. Healing starts from the inside, and I’m here to share my journey to show that you are never alone in this fight.”

The reality star also posted two photos on the social media platform showing the protein coffee she’s been making, listing the ingredients and nutritional value for her followers.

“Posing with my proffee,” she wrote alongside a selfie with the drink. “Proud of myself. Over 25g of protein and this is my second one.”

“French vanilla, instant coffee and a drizzle of caramel sauce,” she added in another snap. “About 15g of caramel protein shake and 20g of protein coffee, about five shots of French vanilla, sugar-free flavoring and about five shots of brown sugar, cinnamon, sugar-free flavoring.”

Related: 1000-Lb. Sisters Star Tammy Slaton's Weight Loss Doctor Is 'So Proud' of Her for 'Inspiring' Others

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. 

Slaton — who announced in August that she’d lost a total of 500 lbs. — recently shared that she “wouldn’t have gotten so big” if she’d had mental health support.

“The mental aspect of it does play a lot. Being depressed and having a food addiction, eating my feelings, I was taking it out on the food. There’s so many things that can go wrong. Life is scary,” said Slaton, who at her highest weight was 717 lbs.

The star recently teamed up with Pop Recovery Systems, which promotes emotional as well as physical support for those who've undergone bariatric surgery — which she had in 2022.

Through the program, which she called her “backbone,” Slaton said she’s been able to get moral support from people going through similar journeys as she continues to manage her health.

“I did turn to food for a little bit,” she added. “But I realized it and now I’m back on track.”

For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on People.