Rebuilding a Normal Relationship with Food: A Journey to Recovery

Recovery from an eating disorder is a journey that takes time. This isn't just about eating all three meals; it's about gradually rebuilding a healthy relationship with food, one that is sustainable and nourishes your body and mind. From my personal experience, it is about learning to make healthier choices and understanding that pleasurable foods can be part of a balanced diet.

From Suffering to Recovery

For many, including myself, it isn't that we are forced to overeat, but rather, to eat consistent, balanced meals during recovery. My journey of recovery from binge eating and bulimia was not an easy one. It took several years but was ultimately transformative. After getting unwell physically, I took control by educating myself and applying various strategies to my daily life. Regular meals and a balanced diet were key. Additionally, incorporating foods that once triggered binging helped diminish the feeling of 'missing out.'

I went a step further by studying eating psychology, which taught me the importance of nourishing both the body and the mind. By practicing self-love strategies and creating healthy morning and night routines, I transformed my relationship with food and myself. These newfound skills not only allowed me to recover but also gave me the confidence to help others in their own journeys. Today, I run a beat binge eating masterclass and a podcast called 'Love Yourself Healthy,' sharing my knowledge and experiences to support others in reclaiming food freedom.

Building a Relationship with Food From Scratch

For some, like myself, recovery is a gradual process, especially for those who have struggled with food addiction and shame. My relationship with food was rooted in a deep-seated emotional void and a cycle of overindulgence and self-harm. My desire to eat foods that were unhealthy, such as dairy despite lactose intolerance or junk food to fill an emptiness inside me, led to feelings of shame and addiction. My history with food was complicated, stemming from childhood experiences of overfeeding and underfeeding.

Recovery was challenging, and the hardest part was adjusting to a new diet and recognizing that what I believed was my coping mechanism was harmful. It was about learning to enjoy food without letting it define my existence. There are other reasons to stay alive, and there are better ways to cope than using food as a crutch or punishment. After four months of hard work, I now have a much healthier and happier relationship with food. I am no longer as dependent on food for comfort, and I have lost 22 kilograms in the process.

One crucial aspect of recovery is realizing that you are in control. It's about acknowledging the influence of an eating disorder but also knowing that you have the power to change and grow. It is a process of learning to separate the food from the emotion and finding new, healthier ways to cope with life's challenges.

Recovery from an eating disorder is not just about physical transformation; it is also about mental and emotional healing. It is about finding freedom and joy in the food you eat, without shame or guilt.