Overcoming Fears on the Road to Recovery
Recovery from an eating disorder is incredibly difficult, yet so unbelievably worth it. As Victoria shares in her podcast, there is an immense amount of fear we must face to break free and reclaim our lives.
The Fear of Weight Gain Looms Large
One of the biggest fears for those of us with eating disorders is the prospect of gaining weight. As Victoria relates, this was a massive fear for her as well – she would have rather died than gain weight. Yet today she lives in total freedom with food and helps others achieve the same.
If we want recovery, we must make peace with the fact that weight gain is likely. Our bodies need to restore all that was lost and prepare in case of future starvation. But the exact amount we will gain cannot be predicted and obsessing over a number on the scale will not serve us. As Victoria wisely asks, is staying small worth how we have to live to get there? For most, the answer is a resounding no.
Sweet Food Cravings are Normal In Recovery
Many of us fear not just weight gain, but also an unrelenting desire for sweet foods if we let our guard down. However, Victoria assures us these strong cravings are biologically normal when underfed and will balance out in time. Allowing ourselves sweets without limits (no “imaginary lines” as one question asker described) is key. Even though it’s terrifying, recovery requires we honor our hunger. With proper support, we can get through the discomfort knowing freedom awaits on the other side.
Choosing the Path of Self-Love
Ultimately, the questions Victoria leaves us with come down to choice – are we willing to walk through the fire and do what it takes to unchain ourselves from the eating disorder? It means releasing control, surrendering to extreme hunger, and radically accepting the strong likelihood of weight restoration. And it means bravely exploring what this weight gain would mean to us and our deepest fears around that.
This is incredibly hard emotional work, but we can choose to love ourselves through it. As Victoria suggests, we can ask ourselves “What would my self-loving self do right now?” And lean into that voice inside. Each small act of trusting our bodies moves us closer toward freedom.
Facing our fears and rejecting diet culture’s rigid rules around food and weight is an act of revolution. When we step into radical self-love and acceptance, we reclaim power over our lives. With courage and the right support, freedom awaits all of us. The choice is ours.
