Part 2: Surviving, Thriving! Overcoming My Eating Disorder

My eating disorder (introduced in previous blog entry) brought me to do more research about better nutrition and how I could improve. After dealing with those early days of inner struggle I was feeling like there was hope, finally.

I had begun a ‘nutrition revamping’ process, it played a central role in my journey. I had started being more aware of my eating habits, go-to’s, and patterns around food resetting and rebuilding myself from the inside out and began intuitively, healthy eating. 

I didn’t need to focus on calories, looking at macros, or heavily restricting myself– just simply being more health-conscious. Making healthier choices, substitutions, cutting down on things like fast food, oil content, junk food consumption, etc. But I still ate out rather frequently at places like Freshii, Cultures, and Pita Pit– but saw these little things make an initial difference. This, fuelled my growth because I got a taste of a small piece of what was to come.

The more serious diet revamp came with an inspired decision to adopt a paleo-based lifestyle/diet. Paleo, to put it simply; no bread, no dairy, no artificial/refined sugar, and nothing processed; eating very clean and simple, similarly to how we (our ancestors)ate centuries ago

Subsequently, this big change in diet served as a reset of myself mentally, physically, and nutritionally– a new beginning! In this reset I began re-tuning my body, reprograming my taste buds, turning myself off of processed food and onto whole foods that provided the most nourishment, and nutrients to fuel my workouts, day-to-day life, and aid in reaching my new fitness goals in the process.

Getting to know ourselves and inward thinking is what I emphasized initially. So we can take the most naturally progressive steps and action towards these things we want. It’s working towards something, it could be a weight loss goal or a goal to gain muscle mass but at least we are creating an avenue to get on that road. What we think about ourselves through this manifestation most magically will show us the way to utilize our calling upon it.  It’s all in and about taking progressive action, gang!

Developing and establishing these healthy habits and routines make it all easy! I began preparing all my food, paying mind to ingredient lists– analyzing and looking into all the little things; buying fresh, cooking simply as a way of regulating what I was eating, training my body, making sure I knew exactly what composed the meals I was fuelling my body with, and of course, enjoying the meal! Doing so has provided me with an incredible sense of control, which I loved, and now you shall feel the same too! We prep things ahead for ourselves, set ourselves up to succeed, and thrive– that progressive action I was mentioning! You could also learn with us at InsideOut studio where we could help you achieve your nutritional goals.

Getting in shape due to a diet revamp, the switch to a paleo-based diet, and working out, I had managed to lose an immense amount of weight, as anyone would initially in such a short amount of time. While the gym has been of invaluable help to me, it is the paleo-based diet and the incredible increase in water intake (keeping hydrated– always, hydrating even before the onset of thirst) that contributed the most to this journey.

Though there is still more to come, I've finally reached the moment when my journey is shaping up. The significant adjustments I've undergone have all played a significant role in moulding the new chapter I started as a personal trainer. I am more eager than ever to go through the curtains, leave the bad things behind, and enter the light to succeed in my next endeavour. 

By: D. Michelle