One full year. One hundred pounds. I’m not glorifying weight loss, because everyone should follow their own path.
But as someone who has struggled with both restrictive and binging ED’s, doing this as safely and healthily as I have in a year has been incredible for my health.
Two years ago I wouldn’t have been able to do this without struggling. But with the help of my primary care physician, my dietician, and my therapist? I set myself up for a healthier life.
Not to mention the home gym equipment companies that heard my story and sent me things to use at home because they knew going to the gym was triggering for me.
A year ago, I couldn’t get out of bed without being winded. I couldn’t walk up my stairs without feeling dizzy. This is for me. Not for vanity.
And I even kept my ass.
Embarking on a weight loss journey after struggling with both restrictive and binge eating disorders can be incredibly challenging, but it is also deeply rewarding when approached with the right support and mindset. From personal experience, I learned that having a strong healthcare team in place—my primary care physician, dietician, and therapist—was instrumental in guiding me towards sustainable, healthy habits rather than quick fixes or drastic diets. One aspect that truly made a difference in my journey was adapting my exercise routine to what felt safe and manageable for me. Rather than forcing myself into a public gym setting that triggered my anxiety and past struggles, I embraced home workouts. Receiving gym equipment that fit my space and needs enabled me to stay consistent without the added stress. This adjustment not only supported my physical health but also nurtured my mental wellbeing. It’s important to acknowledge that weight loss isn’t simply about vanity or fitting societal standards; for me, it was about reclaiming my vitality. There were days when basic tasks like climbing stairs or simply getting out of bed left me breathless and dizzy. Over the course of a year, gradual improvements in my strength and endurance transformed these everyday challenges into manageable activities. Furthermore, maintaining body confidence was crucial. I focused on body recomposition rather than just losing weight, ensuring that I kept muscle tone, including what I affectionately refer to as "keeping my ass." Working on strength through resistance training helped me achieve a healthier body composition and boosted my self-esteem. For anyone on their own health journey, remember that progress might look different for everyone and that expert support can make a powerful difference. Embracing patience, kindness to yourself, and sustainable lifestyle changes are key components that helped me build a healthier life. This experience underscores that weight loss, when done safely and thoughtfully, can significantly improve quality of life beyond appearances.