Eating disorders have been a part of my life for quite some time. I struggled with anorexia nervosa during grade school and high school, and although I was able to manage it with the help of therapy, there were times when things seemed particularly challenging.
I learned that food is not the enemy and that it can be used as part of a healthy lifestyle. With this realization, I started seeking out ways to incorporate proper nutrition into my life in order to maintain balanced eating habits.
It has sometimes been difficult to keep up with these new eating habits due to busy schedules or stressors. Yet, I have discovered strategies for coping with those factors which have allowed me to better manage my relationship with food. For instance, planning meals ahead of time ensures that time doesn’t ruin an otherwise healthier routine.
By striving to build positive relationships with food through mindful eating, I am now more aware of the signals of hunger and fullness and how to respond accordingly. It’s important that this becomes a priority since treating your body respectfully is something absolutely fundamental for mental and physical wellness. There are still going to be temptations out there; however by learning how to listen closely to what our bodies need we can set ourselves up for success with our diets as well as our overall health goals!