During my high school and college years, I struggled with anorexia and dropped to a weight of 89 pounds.
After graduation, I switched to binge eating and climbed to a weight of 145 pounds.
I was extremely depressed, lethargic and lacked confidence. When I was so unhappy with my appearance that I was reluctant to leave my apartment to attend my mother’s birthday party, I knew it was time to make some changes. Rather than bounce between two extremes, I wanted to find a healthy weight. My body image was awful and my eating habits were dictated by my moods. Before I could focus on my physical wellness, I needed to concentrate on my mental health. I started practicing deep breathing exercises and the mindfulness techniques of meditation. I really thought about how I wanted to look and feel over the course of my life. I became determined to succeed and hired a personal trainer. She helped me to develop a nutrition plan and avoid emotional eating. I no longer eat a meal while watching television, talking on the phone or working on the computer. I take the time to focus on the meal, eat slower and I’m satisfied with smaller portions. There’s no more late-night snacking or fast food in the car. The personal trainer encouraged strength training, motivating me to take on heavier weights and more reps. He suggested writing down both my goals and accomplishments. I’ve now lost the extra weight through healthy and safe methods and finally feel good about myself. I am confident I will continue a better and stronger way of life.