Surviving Eating Disorders: I Beat Anorexia Twice (Here's How I Keep It at Bay) by Dawn Taylor

As a certified personal trainer, I am always careful with clients the minute I see them showing signs of an eating disorder. I always emphasize functional fitness and only weigh clients if they are really wanting to lose weight in a healthy way. Instead, I focus on giving them fitness goals that will be manageable and realistic – and the weight will come off if that is necessary for their health. But I don’t ever discuss the weight regularly.

We weigh in once a week if they choose to, but I barely register a reaction at the scale and instead ask them things like, “How do you feel since beginning this exercise program?” Or I say, “Your posture and fluidity of movement is great since starting up!” I also point out the muscles that appear even before weight loss occurs and know this is what truly matters.

Strength is what matters. The regular fitness will bring the weight loss in time, but it should never be rushed or the habits won’t stick. It’s little changes over time and learning to love being healthy.

I survived anorexia twice. Once in my late teens and once in my 40s (yes, it is more common than you might think). My obsession with calories and exercise was killing me. The minute a doctor pointed out that my kids would be parentless should I continue without treatment, I snapped back and turned my focus to becoming strong and healthy. That’s where my true journey into fitness for life began.

I had always been thin and athletic, but it became a mission to stay that way. Once I became the strong, healthy woman I am today I knew I wanted to share it with others. Luckily, I’m blessed enough to do this every day through personal training and fitness classes that teach clients how to take care of themselves in a healthy way.

That’s my mission now.

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