Wrapping Up Eating Disorder Awareness Week

  According to NEDA's website, about 20 million women and 10 million men here in the United States have had an eating disorder at some point in their lives. We can all work to decrease this statistic.

  This week was National Eating Disorder Awareness Week (yes, I'm a little late to post about it). I am a survivor. But many people who have or will struggle with the terrible mental and physical illness of an eating disorder are, have not been, or will not be so fortunate.

  Here's the shortened version of my story that I shared on a facebook page called "Purple Project: Eating Disorder Awareness Month 2014" (Check it out: there are some amazing and inspirational stories and photos on their page):


I struggled with anorexia for about 6 years: 8th grade through part of my first year of college. My high school years consisted of mostly scales, doctors offices, hospitals, and self torture. About halfway through my freshman year of college I finally decided enough was enough. Nothing felt as amazing as the transformation I made in 2007. Everything the doctors and therapists tried to tell me throughout my high school years finally clicked. Food was not something I was afraid of and exercise was no longer a punishment for eating. I completed my first half marathon that spring, only possible because of my new found strength. In 2008, I did my first full marathon and triathlon, again only possible because I became strong and healthy. My new lifestyle was born. I have been relapse free for 7 amazing years now.

Now, I am a happy, healthy endurance athlete. I have a couple of awesome jobs and amazing friends and family. I'm getting married and hopefully starting graduate school in the fall.


  My advice for everyone: love yourself. Love your body and the amazing things it can do. Ignore those messages running rampant in the media that try to tell us that we aren't good enough. Life is too short for self-hatred. Encourage others and show compassion. Everyone needs love, and you never know when someone is in desperate need of a simple act of kindness.

  If you or someone you care about show signs of an eating disorder, get help. The National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA), among other eating disorder awareness and recovery groups, has some very helpful resources.




the photo I submitted for "Purple Project: Eating Disorder Awareness Month 2014"; my sign says: "I wear purple because I won the battle and you can too!"