I see so many amazing women visiting me for counselling at Eshé Counselling who all have a secret …

They are addicted to food … with binge eating, restricting food to dangerous levels and are completely obsessed with their weight, body image and you might be surprised to hear wave, the “wellness” flag as their motto both personally and professionally.

Copious tears and confessions that this tiny secret kept from friends and family and for a few … actually themselves in some cases has finally taken hold and they are now gripped with the reality that this “healthy lifestyle” has a hold on them … and not in a good way. 

It is heartbreaking but not surprising in a society that somehow is promoting healthy lifestyle, balance and wellbeing which I think is fabulous HOWEVER the motivation for so so many from the inside is actually “size” although promoted differently on the outside with the statistics on eating disorders in Australia potentially supporting this.

The key is balance. The other key is individuality married with self esteem. There is not a one size fits all approach to eating plans, diets and yes “fads”. Health is different for every single human being because every human body, psyche and personality is in fact unique.

As I sat talking to one soul 3 weeks ago, tears streaming down her face, as we discussed the practical solution of getting treatment and help, my heart ached knowing what lies ahead of her. It is an epic journey the road to recovery and I am inspired weekly by women (and men) who rise up and fight the disease that is anorexia, bulimia, binge eating and overcome the deep secrets that have from the outside seemingly looked inspiring in the name of being fit and healthy.

Everyone has a story – health, weight, mental, emotional, spiritual ALL play a part in living a full and incredible life. There is not a one size fits all, not everyone is going to be at the gym 7 days a week, restricting food types. Whatever your angle is – make sure it is is authentic and what mirrors on the outside to everyone else reflects the same motivation and reason on the inside to yourself. If there are two stories, can I encourage you to get real with yourself and work towards the one that is going to carry you longer, stronger and healthier into the future?

You can have it all …it will be just YOUR all

Lisa x x