Vegan Challenges, Eating Disorders…
Vegan Challenges, Eating Disorders…
Hey guys! I am in Santa Monica right now and just finished a lovely morning run! It was so beautiful along the beach! I need to update my playlist though because I am REALLY getting sick of Call Me Maybe…
I want to film the next POP Pilates challenge down here – I am thinking arms – and I am thinking Payphone. Any objections? If so, leave in the comments!
In just a few hours I will be filming a quickie workout video with Valerie Waters using valslides or gliding discs. We will be doing awesome ab exercises! Should be fun. I need to pick out my outfit still. I am so bad…I didn’t know what to wear so I brought everything. My suitcase looks like a fruit bomb exploded inside. There’s bright colors everywhere.
Anyway…so I decided that in a couple weeks I want to do a vegan challenge! I am only going to do it for 1 week but 1 week hardcore to see the changes in my health and how I feel. I would love for you guys to do it with me! One of my Hollywood trainer friends who I met on the Everyday Health set said he’d write us a detailed meal plan – so you will be getting THE BEST OF THE BEST as far as nutrition advice goes. I’ll give you about a week to get the ingredients and then a week to do it. Who’s in? I’m super stoked.
One more thing…I am also going to be interviewing some health experts on the topic of EDs. I get questions about this all the time, even people accusing me of having an ED, so I feel that the topic REALLY needs to be brought to light. Professionally. So if you have any questions that you want me to ask, please tell me in the comments below. I will directly email them with your concerns. I’d love to hear from anyone who formerly struggled or are currently struggling with an eating disorder or even a body image disorder. This is your chance to get professional advice.
OK, well I gotta get ready!!! So I will write to you more tonight. Excited for all of the things we will be exploring together this summer! Vegan diets and bikini bodies!!!! (Or swim trunk bodies for my boyzzz :))
Much love,
Cassey
164 thoughts on “Vegan Challenges, Eating Disorders…”
There are 164 comments posted by our users.
I want to hear that I should not be on here and trying to do all of these workouts because I am starting eating disorder recovery and I shouldn’t be damaging my progress in recovery by obsessing over fitness. ? and because I don’t listen to myself, or trust my aching body, I need evaluation from someone else telling me to not work out for now. I just realized this.
Cassey! Just something random I noticed when I was reading this post: are you wearing Coach sunglasses in the picture above? I think I may have the exact same sunglasses as you! 🙂
Cassey,
I just want to say how beautiful you are. I love your style and you are so positive. Keep it up. I have been recovering from my ED for 6 months. I am a 16 year old girl and I just want to be able to enjoy my fear foods in moderation without freaking out(pop tarts, bagels, icecream, white bread) I want to be healthy but I don’t never want to enjoy these foods again. Please help me find a balance. I am a muscular girl and I have been told that im not thin. The comments hurt but they are true. If anyone could share there advice with me it would help greatly. Thanks, and keep it up.:) I love your videos
Hi Cassey,
First of all congratulations on your recovery. Six months may not feel like that much but taking those first steps of even admitting you are suffering from an ED can be terrifying and you did it! Staying strong any on the recovery path can be and will be challenging so stay strong. I am a recovered anorexic and excessive compulsive exerciser. I have been in recovery for 6 years. The best piece of advice I can give you is to surround yourself with positive influences that support your recovery. IE- weed out friends that have an unhealthy relationship with their own bodies and food, throw out the fashion magazines, get off of websites that put an emphasis and value appearance. Do- read daily affirmations every morning to remind yourself that you are worthy of love and worthy of self kindness, have a team of professionals that support you and keep you focused on recovery and most importantly – redefine what “beauty” means to you. You say you have been told you are not thin and that this comment hurt you. From your reaction from this comment, I gather that you still place a lot of value and self worth on your appearance. I challenge you to discover other things about yourself that are important and valuable other than your appearance or weight. And yes- I know this is much easier said than done. I challenge you to explore what makes you kind, creative and strong. Fill in the blank- I am kind because I _______, I am creative because I ________ and I am strong because I__________. On days I feel blah and not my best (appearance wise) I do one simple act of kindness. Examples are letting someone in line at the store go in front of me, opening the door for someone, paying for a strangers cup of coffee, ect… It makes me feel so awesome and yes- beautiful – regardless of what others may say or think of me. You will never stop other people from making stupid and mindless comments about your appearance but you have the power to control your reaction to it and rewrite what beauty means to you. I hope this was helpful! Keep fighting the good fight and stay strong. You are worth it and you have your whole life ahead of you.
Please address orthorexia as well as other eating disorders!!
As someone who previously suffered with various forms of disordered eating I think this topic does need more attention. I am now healthy, I live a clean life style and work (through my website) to share with others basic health tips that can help your weight loss process that are only healthy for you. I am still accused of having eating disorders, usually by people that are unhappy with themselves I presume- but until people understand the mentality and the multiple disorders better, they will continue to marginalize people who have ever been unsure of how to maintain a healthy body weight, and tried methods that may not have been the healthiest.
Thanks!
People accuse Cassey as havu ng an ED? WTF? Cassey is all about health. She even tells us NOT to starve ourselves.
Also she’s fit, not necessarily thin.
I mean she is thin, but in a fit way.
Most people with, say, EDNOS or anorexia are more… hm.. well they don’t have muscle.
I’m recovering from ednos, so from MY experience, I was bony, not “fit”.
I shoul just stop before I offend someone
I dont think think that your offending anyone, if anything your stating the truth and YOUR experience,
plus its true that cassey is FT, Fit Thin; its in her genes to be thin anyhow, and she is HEALTHY! if she weren’t healthy and she were to have an ED she wouldn’t be so high and happy all the time and she wouldn’t have the “Food Bites” videos where she EATS her food that she cooks with oil.
Cassey Is Fit and Beautifuly healthy.
The only offensive thing about this is that an eating disorder sadly is viewed, even more so by people struggling, as something physical. Something that has to look a certain way. Endos sufferers look alot of different ways, anorexics look alot of different ways, bulimics look alot of different ways. There is not really a body type for an eating disorder, reason being that the eating disorder is a mental illness. It has physical effects, but a person starting at a BmI 30 going down to a 20 is much more significant than a 20 going to 16, even though they could have been doing feeling and thinking the exact same thing, yet the BmI 16 person would be looked at as ill while the BMI 20 person would be conplimented for effort.
I have kept this anonymous for fear of someone identifying me (although I am not sure how they would! just being cautious)
I don’t have any questions about eating disorders I just wanted to say I struggled with an eating disorder for more than half my life (from age of 11 until I was around 27) with a variety of issues ranging from anorexia, bulimia, compulsive over eating and also over exercising and obsessing over only eating certain foods. My world revolved around food, yet I hated it at the same time.
Some points in my life were worse than others, outwardly sometimes it was very obvious I was ill (anorexia) but sometimes it was taunting me silently without people being able to tell I needed help (bulimia and compulsive over eating) but at all times it was there in my mind taking over every thought and exhausting me.
It is hard to pinpoint what made the shift in me emotionally and psychologically to become ‘well’ and it was a long process, but I eventually got there. I still sometimes have a poor relationship with food but no more so than your average slightly self conscious woman, I think I am finally what they call ‘recovered’
I just wanted to confirm that in no way is what you are doing ‘eating disordered’ or promoting eating disorders. Although this is just my opinion, however I do feel it is a valid opinion having gone to hell and back with a true eating disorder.
I have never once thought unhealthy thoughts about my body or food when reading your articles/blogs or watching your videos and I find none of your website ‘triggering’ it just inspires me to eat more (yes eat more!), move more and be good to my body.
anyway just my random thoughts to add….
I don’t think that one week is long enough to enjoy the challenge of veganism. But i am interested to know if the high meat, high sugar american diet is responsible for the ED crisis.
Would a vegan diet be okay to do along with Crossfit training? I’ve been doing Crossfit for a while now and I’ve noticed that I’m getting much bigger than I want; I want to be fit and toned, not jacked and huge. I tried doing the Paleo diet, but it was very difficult for me so that’s why I want to give vegan a shot! Thanks!
Hey Cassey,
It’s really awesome that you wanna look into eating disorders professionally^. I have bulimia and BDD (body dysmorphic disorder). BDD is a disorder that not many people know about (I didn’t even know until I was diagnosed) and I think it’s actually one of the hardest ones to struggle with. I’m having so many issues right now regarding those two disorders, but I’m trying to rely on your videos & advice to stay on track^
Thanks for everything! It’s really helped me(: <3
That would be awesome! I can’t wait for a vegan meal plan specially because I’ve always wanted to try it, but have no idea of what to eat for each meal haha.
Hi I adore your workouts and cant wait to try the vegan challenge. I have been vegetarian for a year now 🙂 Also abut ED’s I am actually currently suffering from one but I am getting some well deserved help to make me better 🙂 Seeing a nice healthy way to get in shape like you have shown us has made trying to recover much easier.
I would love for you to discuss Binge Eating Disorder(BED) as people forget it’s an eating disorder because you’re more likely to be overweight than underweight but I’m sure it affects more POPsters than anorexia or bulimia.
I too would like to know strategies for tackling a binge eating disorder! And how to eat healthy with PMS… Chocolate cravings at this time are the worst urgh.
P.S You’re amazing Cassey!
Hmm.. Why do you think Binge eating disorder would affect more popsters than anorexia or bulimia? Just curious
She probably said that because Binge Eating Disorder is more common in general.
http://www.anad.org/get-information/about-eating-disorders/eating-disorders-statistics/
I totally agree! I have suffered with Binge Eating Disorder for most of my life. It is not as well known as the other types of eating disorders because many people just think it is a normal problem with over eating. I would like to see something about as well to raise awareness!
1) Arms workout = yay!!! Can you come up with exercises with and without weights, please?
2) Since quite a few of your followers seem to have an eating disorder or related disorder, could you cover positive body image and training to feel more comfortable in one’s body in your blog, please?
I think it’s great you are going to be having a professional disucssion about eating disorders. I dealt with one for 4-5 years and it nearly killed me. But getting through it made me stronger, healthier, and more knowledgable in the long run so no regrets. Hope this disucssion helps a lot of your POPsters.
I’m In!!!!!!! 🙂 I love eating Vegan!!! 🙂
I am a vegan!! Best thing ever! For those who are interested and are looking to maximize your health, read ‘Crazy Sexy Diet.’ It will rock your world!! It is my bible and the author (Kris Carr) my health guru.
I just recently started to follow you and your videos and omg -they are so good! Thanks for making them available to us!
I would like to know more about BDD (body dysmorphic disorder), as I have recently come to the realization that I suffer from this, and it’s making my life and my success difficult. I would like to learn more about how to possibly work towards getting past it.
Totally down for the Vegan challenge and can’t wait for the ED write up!
excited for the vegan challenge! I have been vegetarian for about a year now and go vegan every so often. I would love to see the maximized nutrition meal plan!
Can you include some shoulders in the vid as well?? 😀
Being in an Indian family, a lot of pressure is put on girls to remain thin. My family (and I am talking abt aunts, uncles, grandparents, parents) never stressed on health but just being ”thin”. This really confused me since I was only in 7th grade, an age we all have a bit of a body image problem and since I was hitting puberty, my body was going through many changes. My family was down right cruel and absolutely unappreciative of my body. And so was I. It’s sad that I thought that putting my finger down my throat and throwing up would actually make them happy!! I didn’t love ANY aspect of myself and this made matters worse because instead of nourishing myself I would simply starve and then (obviously) binge and then punish myself for doing that. I have heard comments from my entire family such as ”You’re mother is so thin how are you like this?”, ”I never imagined my daughter would ever have legs like yours”, ”fat slob” and much more and worse. Every day I would be publicly humiliated or insulted at home for my weight. I luckily got help from my close friend’s mom who helped me through the bulimia when it threatened to get out of hand. My wight was at a bad state too!! At 75 kgs, my family, especially the older generations were practically embarrassed of me. I left India for Singapore 3 years ago and joined an International school here where girls were oh-so-confident of their bodies!! They would eat everything, love themselves and look amazing even though not perfect.
I am however really proud to say that I overcame all the criticism. Since the past 3 years after I left most of my family and their taunts behind I took to working out everyday for three hours. Yes, my body image was still shattered but I was getting more confident. However, since a year ago, I have made ”health” my priority so I eat healthy and workout everyday for only one and a half hours. I read up a lot on health and visit fitness blogs like ur amazing one 🙂 I even got selected to train a women’s fitness group in school!! I run 12 km, have good strength and buy bikinis from Victoria’s Secret like there’s no tomorrow!! I love my legs and no longer want to put them under a liposuction surgery (I was collecting money for that btw!!). My calves are a bit chunky but muscular and that’s fine cause I don’t want to be skinny anymore. I just want to be the best I can be.
However, when I return to India this year I am sure there will still be taunts since fitness is greatly under appreciated while ”thinness” is celebrated. I would just like to know how I can overcome the remarks without letting them affect me. I have come so far and I don’t want to fell back into the same trap I fell into years ago. My question is how to overcome horrible remarks and criticism of ur body by other people, who are your family??
Dont let them drag you down!!!! Your post almost brought tears to my eyes. I cant believe how cruel your family is. Have you ever told them how they make you feel??? Did you express to them what their comments made you physically and mentally go through? or are you afraid that your past condition might make them even more ashamed of you or they might get angry and think it is all your fault? It sound to me like you have come a long way. Please don’t listen to what they have to say. Just know that you are beautiful, being strong and healthy is beautiful. Keep your mind strong and when you feel like their comments are dragging you down (this sounds cheesy) think of Lady Gagas song Born this way there are some great motivational lines from that song lol. “Theres nothing wrong with loving who you are cause he made you perfect babe”
That is such a moving story!! Good for you Rhea, you’ve turned what could easily be victimhood into victory. I hope its easier for you when you go back to India, and that your self-love sees you through. Stay strong, and find a support network (even an online one!) to help you stay sane and secure in your body and your voice.
Hi Cassey,
I just wanted to say that I adore your videos and your positive approach to every new challange. It’s so nice to see you sharing this spririt trough your blog here or the youtube channel – it is such a good opportunity for lots of people to get high quality workouts and advice, all the positive thinking and motivation! I appreaciate it very much.
Keep up the good work, you rock! 🙂
Super excited for the vegan challenge!!! I have been a vegetarian for almost 4 years now and have gone back and forth with vegan; I say I’m almost vegan because I don’t eat much cheese, and drink almond milk rather than cows milk, I do eat greek yogurt though because I love the high protein content and I’m trying to not eat too much soy. I would be totally on board for a one week all vegan challenge! Looking forward to a new meal plan to try!
Definitely pumped on the arm workout. I was actually thinking about it the other day.. collective human consciousness in action, perhaps?
Anyway, I never really had any problems with ED until I started my current healthy habits (lots of protein, cardio, pilates, research on all kinds of foods, very clean diet, with exceptions being VERY rare.) I was always average/skinny in body type, and now I lost 15 pounds and am seeing all kinds of lovely muscles, my abs haven’t looked this amazing since I played tons of sports years back. For me, healthy habits have been (for the most part, wonderfully) addictive, however it is hard for me to stop… when I see my parents for two days I stress out before hand and while im there about what I’m eating.. I’m a bit of a candy (mostly chocolate) and carb-y food fiend if it is all around me.. which it is at my parent’s place. Even if I somehow refrain from eating that, I will be served a large portion of not-the-healthiest food instead of my usual small, clean &lean plate of food. I’ve tried to explain this to my parents but they never listen.. I’ve been telling them all this for months. We just end up in an argument, with them telling me I look ‘sickly’ and should ‘eat more’ and am ‘too thin’. This whole thing just causes me so much STRESS that I do not have when I am at home with my boyfriend. I try so hard, and it takes so much self discipline to be where I’m at for me. SO about the ED bit.. If I allow myself a treat of some kind, I feel guilty. So I ‘punish’ myself for it to get rid of the guilt. For example, I’ll overeat or eat some chocolate (lol) and make myself run 5 miles more that week than I normally do. I fear my progress going down the drain in a couple days because of pressure from my parents. (The last time I visited I binged on carbs in tears and ended up gaining 5 pounds in about four days). I’m SO scared of going back to my original weight because of something so preventable.
Sorry that was so long and off topic!
Hi:)
I totally understand you, I’m totally the same. What I’ve been told recently, I actually suffer from ED. It is called Orthorexia..check this website http://www.orthorexia.com/ and if you want to chat about it write me an e-mail;) kutdenisa@seznam.cz
This is super helpful, thank you!
Kat, if you crave sweet foods (aka if they tempt you), you need to focus on stabilizing blood sugar. Sometimes it really worries me how people who are into fitness, even Cassey, talk about having sweet cravings. Sweet cravings are NOT a normal or healthy thing most of the time in spite of being common (except if you just had a workout or alike). Did you ever wonder why some people dont care about sweets or carbs? It means your adrenal system is not able to maintain proper blood sugar. Your body craves high carb foods because it will lift your blood sugar quickest possible. People who crave sweets and starches need to eat more protein and more fats and go low carb with plenty of cooked veggies as a staple. A little protein and fat with every meal. Cut down on fruit, eat berries. Eating bananas and alike all the time just feeds the addiction (yes, you get a reward response in the brain). And eat at least 4-5 times a day. Been there, done that. Only proper eating took me out of the cycle of guilt and blaming myself.
Two topics close to my heart!! I’ve struggled with an ED since I was about 15(I’m 22 now), first anorexia and then later on bulimia. A large part of my recovery is due to my becoming a vegan, and learning to properly feed and nourish myself. I find it incredibly reassuring knowing that I am not causing anyone harm with what I eat, and that being a vegan has such a strong environmental impact. Learning more about nutrition and what my body needs has been a fascinating journey, since going vegan I have more energy than I ever had before, and I pretty much never get sick. It’s so easy to take your health for granted when you have it, now I just want to do as much as possible to make my body strong and healthy.
I wish you the best of luck on your vegan journey!! If you’re ever looking for a book that’s really fascinating(and life changing), I’d recommend Food Revolution by John Robbin
I am 15 years old and currently in the process of battling anorexia/bulimia (I’m getting there slowly but surely) and find your blog truly inspirational! It makes me want to care and nourish my body making it strong and fit again. I was only formerly diagnosed with anorexia about 2 months ago, but with my supportive friends and family, I am already gaining my weight back and getting better again! Unfortunately, during the process of recovery I have had to stop all forms of exercise 🙁 until I am at a stable weight; this website is my incentive to get better- so I can start to join you in your incredible workouts. In my journey of gaining weight my dad has been really supportive, allowing me to continue following a relatively healthy diet – every morning he treats me to an awesome soya milk -fruit smoothie (Pear,apple, and soya milk, yum)! They’re an ace start to the day and completely vegan! Vegetarian/veganism is something that really appeals to me, but in my current state I have been encouraged to keep meat in my diet ( I opt only for white meat). Anyway good luck with you r challenge and I look forward to your discoveries on eating disorders and getting to workout with you again for a super fit body!!!!
x
Hi Cassy,
I think it’s great that you are trying to do something positive about tackling the ED issue. I have suffered from both Anorexia and Bulimia, and am still recovering. I have never had professional help for my problems, and have mostly tackled everything alone, so it would be so useful to see what you find out!
I was wondering if EDs can be hereditary? I know that my mother has also suffered anorexia, and I think it is part of the reason she has always avoided talking to me about my issues and also resisted getting me treatment. I have also noticed that my grandmother often says strange things about food and her weight, even though she’s 87 and really shouldn’t care any more! Just thought it was interesting that it seems to be a common feature of all the women on my mums side of the family.
My friends are vegan and have been for about 10 years I think! They love it, although the only complaint I have hear (from several vegans) is that it does give them bad gas (sorry to be crude!) etc and particularly smelly flatulence! But I love the food they make and all the vegans I know are super slim. I also read somewhere that the Roman gladiators were vegan AND super fit/ripped/muscular. So apparently it can work with an atheletic lifestyle!
Good luck, keep the videos coming, I love them!
xx
Yes, eating disorders likely have a hereditary component. I am a medical student and when we learned about eating disorders in class, one of the major points they discussed was asking about a family history of eating disorders in patients that have them or are suspected of having them. In personal experience, what I learned in class has held true; most of the people I’ve encountered that struggle with eating disorders have family members who do as well.
One of the most triggering things out there is the conflation of weight and health. Our country is so focused on the “obesity crisis” that nobody is really focusing on healthy habits. There are healthy skinny people, healthy fat people, unhealthy fat people and unhealthy skinny people. People really do come in all shapes and sizes, and some people (despite calorie restriction, healthy food and exercise) remain fat.
I am a recovering anorexic, and the biggest challenge I still face is my body size. I have been adopting healthier habits for a long time, yet I still have fat on my body. I think if we lost the attitude of “skinny=healthy” and focused on “healthy habits=healthy” it would help everyone (not just those with EDs). We have tons of ways to measure health (like blood pressure, cholesterol, stress tests, glucose tests etc.) that it’s completely outdated to judge health based solely on external body size. I have found Health at Every Size to be very helpful in my recovery process, and I hope some people here can find help too.
For some more information about the Health At Every Size movement, visit here: http://www.haescommunity.org/
I so agree with you !
I feel such a pressure to be skinny because thats what supposed to be healthy.
Even at Blogilates we are encouraged again and again to lose weight and to exercise to get a dream body.I do the exercises because I think it is fun ,but I have noticed that my ED has worsened due to the skinny = healthy mentality and the amount of attention to appearance in general.I would love us to focus on things with more depht instead/also .
Yay vegan challenge! I’ve been vegan for almost five years for ethical reasons and am totally on board! I am excited to see a meal plan that I don’t have to change.
I love people that promote healthy veganism!
Hi Ladies! I recently went vegan and I am loving it! I feel great and dropped a couple of pounds right away! For me, planning ahead is key to staying vegan and I think just putting more thought into my food is helping me eat much healthier. You can do it Cassey!
I do not have an eating disorder and I never have had one, but I have always struggled somewhat with stress eating. I am thin and fit, but I feel bad if I eat something too fattening or too sugary- even if it is just a treat and not an every day thing. This makes me feel bad about any food I put into my mouth. How can I stop this sense of anxiety about eating and get back to ENJOYING my favorite treats? They are meant to be savored but I cannot shake off the feeling of guilt after eating.
Hello there! once again, as i do everytime i comment on here… i love your site and your routines.
I have a few concerns about the topics that you are getting into but only because i fall under both: ED and Vegan..
I developed my ED (anorexia nervosa with bulimic tendencies) in high school. In the beginning I would barely eat anything but binge and purge at night and when I realized I couldnt hide my bulima I turned to anorexia. I lost weight, alot of my hair, my friends, and so forth. I have suffered with EDs for about 7 years and I still do… my excuses to people stemmed from all over the place but i have to say this is where my caution on the topics come in: vegan. NOW i have to say that this is not everyone, this is MY PERSONAL story but I can imagine that I am not alone and it is very VERY easy to become overly concerned and lead to things you dont understand your in until your obsessed and its too late. I had many many excuses not to eat, my excuse of choice was by picking a lifestyle very different from the “norm”. by being vegan I was able to excuse myself from dinners, drinks, parties… basically anything where food or drinking was involved. It helped me into one of my darkest times BUT it also helped me from my darkest times as well… I have been slowly trying to recover (as much as you can recover) from my ED and being vegan allowed me to stop counting calories in and out in my head as MOST vegan options are very low in calories. however, now that im getting more and more comfortable without consistent counting in my head when i eat ive been able to SLOWLY add healthy foods back in.
Im not saying Vegan is bad. I actually am quite fond of the lifestyle and on most days I operate almost completely as a vegan. my concern is that if you embark on a vegan challange, you must make sure that you are getting ALL of your nutrients and what your body needs each day. For me personally, I have found that extremes are dangerous and that sometimes if you eat carefully but not cautiously your better in the end.
Vegan is obsession. you cant eat at restaurants, you have to know what every ingredient in EVERYTHING is (especially those pesky trace ingredients that they dont always list on packaging), you have to know where to get what your body needs for each day… its exhausting!! just be aware… but education is power and I do love that you are interested in these topics! I look forward to seeing what you discover!!!
I would love to know how to help someone who has an eating disorder. How to encourage them to get help, what to say when they are struggling with one, and what NOT to say
It sort of depends on the person and your relationship with them. I was anorexic in high school (and still consider myself to have issues with it but have since learned to allow my intellect to control my ED tendencies, but that’s another story) Anyway, I had one best friend in high school and she would just harass me in silly ways. Like one day, we were in her kitchen and she was making a cheese sandwich and she would just throw bits of bread and cheese at my head until I would eat one to make her stop or she did the same thing with pasta once. But then I had another friend that was changing with me in our hotel and she looked at me in my bra and pajama pants and said “you know, you can see all your ribs, you look really disgusting.” Now that would be harsh and damaging to some people so I DON’T suggest that approach necessarily. But we were close and I knew she was an honest person and very blunt so it did make me pause and try to see how other people saw me (I couldn’t see myself how they did but it made me think). I guess what I’m saying is based on your relationship you can be silly with it, or blunt or sensitive. Don’t say “but you’re so skinny” or “you don’t need to lose weight” or “stop being dumb, you know you’re not fat.” Mostly just because none of those are helpful and they’re either going to just ignore you or get irritated with you. No matter how skinny we are, we look in the mirror and still see fat… still see all the places where things could be tighter or thinner or see places where there is “fat rolls” so those statements just sound like lies to us b/c in our heads we can see exactly what we look like and we either thing you’re just trying to be nice or lying. If worse comes to worse, maybe you could stage an intervention with family members or other friends and at least maybe get them to counseling.
agreed. this is very good advice!!! thanks for sharing!!!
hey i have mostly recovered from anorexia and co built and moderate a recovery forum (yes pro recovery not pro ana) and we have some threads offering this sort of advice, have a look
http://www.recoveryboat.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=42
Cassey, please please help me with this one:
I have junk food cravings, and really bad ones, that is whenever I see food, I can’t help myself but to reach for them. Is there any advices to stop my cravings and love healthy, clean food more, especially when I live in a family that eats unhealthily which tempts me with those “bad food” all the time? Thanks sweetie <3
I’m in!!
Hi Cassey,
I’ve been struggling with my body image for more than 2 years now. I am 15 years old, and as you know, it matters a lot to the life of a teenager. When i was in 7th grade, I was still perfectly fine with my body, never cared about the foods I eat, and never had to worry about my body image, because even though i exercised a lot, I’ve always stayed tiny. But ever since I moved to a different country, things changed. I still exercise almost everyday but I just don’t seem to be able get rid of all the weight I’ve gain…and I feel like it just keeps increasing instead of decreasing. I try to eat clean and healthy most of the time, but I know that when I don’t see results immediately, I will lose my focus, feel like a failure, feel depressed, and go to food for comfort. It has been like this for a while now, and I really don’t want to continue being stuck in the cycle and finally be able to go back to how I used to be, and be proud and comfortable in my own body.
I would really appreciate it if you could give me some advice.
thanks! 🙂
I have the same problem and it has to do with hormones. I have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and it is no fun. Basically if I don’t exercise I gain weight and I’m always hungry. Have your doctor run a full hormone test and maybe that will shed some light on what’s going on.
I definitely need to work my upper body so an arm challenge sounds great! I’d love to do the vegan challenge too. I went vegetarian for about six months and I loved it, but it was hard to get all the right groceries together and make sure I was getting enough protein. I’m glad we’ll have some expert nutritional advice! 🙂
I’m also really glad you’re addressing ED’s, I think it affects a lot more people than we realize. I try to avoid diagnosing myself, but I think I might have a slight body image disorder. I was overweight my entire childhood. I lost some when I hit high school but was still really heavy, and didn’t really start to see and make changes until 2010. I’ve lost over 100 pounds from my original weight, but sometimes I look at myself and I still just feel like that big girl. It’s almost like it’s hard for me to know what I really look like. Does that make sense? haha, it’s just weird trying to explain, but I would mos def love some discussion about body image disorders as well as the ed’s; I think both are really important.
Maybe ask about orthorexia nervosa? It’s not technically medically recognised, but it’s about crossing the line from being conscious of healthy eating to developing an “unhealthy obsession” with being healthy, to the extent they feel terrible when they slip up. I think many fitness models might cross this line sometimes.
Hey Cassey, I am also up for a vegan challenge. Can’t wait to see the plan prepare and then set the wheels in motion!!
Payphone is my favorite song atm so yes please!!
Also I’ve been thinking about going vegan but it’s hard but I’ll do a week with you!!!!
hey Cassey. Thanks for bringing this up. I have recently been diagnosed with another variant of bulimia that I have never heard of prior to my diagnosis. It was an eating disorder classified as varying between exercise bulimia and anorexia athletica. Who knew there is a thing such as too much exercise? I would love if you can bring this up =]
I will do it!:D and yea i kinda thing i have ED…i just want to know how to feel good about myself?like whenever i go out from my house my self esteem goes under 0, its really bad:/ <3
Hey Cassey!
I’m thrilled about arm video and vegan challenge! One knows I need to have much stronger arms… Could you tell me what I can do about fact that I can’t do low push-ups (like the ones in your tricep toner video)? I always fall down when I try to get lower 🙁
Anyway, I have question about ED: Is it eating disorder when I don’t eat until 3 pm and then I eat only about 800-900 cals but in other days I eat like 2000? *blushing* I don’t know, some people call me anorexic but I don’t really feel like one and I haven’t said this concern before…
Love you Cass,
(now rather) Not Sure
Hey Cassey! I really appreciate you bringing up the topic of Eating Disorders. Its something you’ve touched on in the past and I appreciate the way you handle it, with gentleness and an informed mind. I have struggled with compulsive overeating for about as long as I can remember, and its so much better than ever before, but I really wish I could get to a point where I was not only much better in my behaviors around food but with my mental state as well. I actually am a vegan (perfect topic combo for me!), and have been for several years. It has really helped me in many ways because the central motivation (for me at least) is to have compassion for all beings, and that includes my fellow humans and -shocker- myself! That tenet really helped me to confront the way I could use food to really abuse myself, and that even though it *felt* good at the time to start the binge, I knew it would hurt far more later. I had been warned by some friends that vegan or vegetarianism is very dangerous for people with ED, and I think that it should definitely be observed, but for a lot of people I know who have moved from ED to veggie-ness in one form or another, there’s sort of a feeling of relaxing, finally. There’s a certain formula, but its not so minute that it controls your every waking thought. Plus, for a lot of us I think there’s a general feeling of comraderie with the animals, as in “Hey, guess food really screwed you up too, huh?”. I was curious as to your thoughts on the degree to which ED is inherited or learned. I was ‘weird’ around food from the time I was tiny, so I feel some of this is encoded. Also, is there any treatment which goes beyond behavior, and helps to ease the mental pressure that drives anorexia, bulimia, and compulsive overeating? Thank you so, so, so much Cassey for addressing this topic. I really look forward to your analysis!
you should also adress the issue of people being overly obsessed with healthy food – an eating disorder where patients cannot eat anything that is not “healthy”
Hey Cassey, i think its great that you’re going to be discussing eating disorders, it definitely need to be addressed, its such a big thing right now!
I was diagnosed with Anorexia only this year, although i’d had it for alot longer, i’d just refused to see anyone about it and because people dont know much about eatcing disorders no one had an understanding of what i was going through so i didnt get help for years- most of my life really. So i definitely think its important to discuss what the signs of an eating disorder is- caught early enough, eating disorder dont have to ruin a persons life!
Thanks for all you do Cassey!
lovee
April-Tequila
xxx
I want to do this vegan challenge, it sounds like fun! I love how you interact with your fans 🙂 And also, is it possible if you could do a video or a blog post about the types of exercise that is safe and effective when you’re on your period. I recently just got mine for the first time, and I really need help because I still want to exercise
Definitely keen on attempting the vegan challenge with you! Maybe this is just what I need to get started, since I’ve been thinking about it for a while.
I think it’s great that you want to talk about EDs but it’s not that easy to help. I’m anorexic since I was 10 years old and I’ve been struggling a lot. I had an ok period around my 17th where I gained a little weight and around my 19th I got back to anorexia again.
I do love your workouts and it’s great to hear you talking about healthy food, I even tried your meal plan and it went great for 1 week, but then I got back to my old habits again as it’s really hard.
I have been struggling with body image issues for the last several years and keep trying to eat clean and eat healthy but I never can stick to a “diet” or lifestyle plan. My problem is that I can’t tell when I am full, I will just continue to eat and eat, never really getting any fuller. Because of this I tend to eat a lot of foods that are the biggest bang for your buck in terms of calories (i.e. sweets and carbs). Is there any reason this is happening and is there anything I can do to change this?
Super keen for the arm workout challenge!
i have had an ED and i do know that from experience, its very difficult to get away from. I still struggle from time to time with it. I think the biggest issue with any ED isnt just a self image problem but also a control issue. My ED started when I started to feel like my life was totally out of control. I couldnt regulate any aspect of my life.. til i realized that there was something i could control. What i ate and how often. I became bulimic when even tryin to control how much i ate didnt work. It wasnt until i realized how sick i was making myself that i stopped. That was 5 years ago and still to this day sometimes the thought of eating makes me sick to my stomach. To anyone suffering from ED’s please know that controlling your food intake isnt the way. Since I started to work on gettin better from my sickness I’ve learned that i did more damage to my body then just losing 50 lbs. I now have a severe iron deficiency and have a weakened heart. Know what these ED’s can do to your body and if you think you have one find help as soon as you can an exterior look only last so long.. You only get one heart to live with.
Yes! Excited for a Vegan challenge! Watching “The Weight of the Nation” & am both terrified & inspired.
I’m excited for the vegan challenge and I’ll totally do it with you!
hahah cassey beat you to it 🙂 i started my vegan challenge yesterday and i doing it for two weeks. im already vegetarian full time but just like you i want to see if i can see a difference in my body
Cassey I’m so glad you are doing a vegan challenge! As a vegan, it’s always awesome to see other people trying it on. And I love seeing how NORMAL people are starting to think it is! You’ll love it. <3
Also my heart goes out to everyone with an ED. I have soooo been there and body image is such a crazy topic – especially as a female. Actually veganism is something that helps me because I feel so completely GOOD and PURE about everything I eat now. I never count calories anymore and eating so clean makes me feel strong and wonderful. I've never found any other diet that made me feel good about myself. Plus, it's not really a diet — it's a lifestyle 😀
So excited!
hey cassie, i have a question to you: did you ever feel unhappy about your body? Did you have to prep yourself mentally? If so, what did you tell yourself? I often get really discouraged about losing weight. It just all overwhelms me and I give up. I just want to know what mentally keeps you going 🙂
Hey! That is so society talking. JUST BECAUSE YOU CARE ABOUT YOUR BODY, DOESNT MEAN YOU HAVE AN ED. Their is a massive difference! I’m am currently recovering from an Ed, and now even though I’m in recovery, I GENUINlY care about looking after my body and health and being fit an strong! If this was an ED symptom, then why am I recovering and so happy all the time? It’s actually helping me recover and focus on the positives! So cassey don’t listen to them, they’ve obviously never had an Ed, don’t know anything about having one or are just jumping to conclusions. Love Neish xx
I really want to try a vegan diet. I have tried in the past but gave up, because I felt so uncomfortable with the foods I was trying. I was raised on beef, so I definately feel I need lots of protein. and a lot of those vegan cookbooks claim that you don’t need that much protein. One such recipe stated that a piece of pita bread with tons of veggies will be sufficient for dinner. NO WAY! if I want education on how to plan for the diet responsibly. especially for someone whose parents raised him on lots of fast food.
Hey Cassey! 🙂
I’ve always been a silent reader but I want to take this chance to say, a huge “Thank you” to you for bringing some light into my life when I was feeling at my lowest. I was struggling really badly with bulimia when I came across your videos/blog/tumblr. I felt inspired and motivated to change. No one in my life has ever given me such motivation to change my lifestyle and for me to even think about recovery, so I really really want to say thank you cassey.. really 🙂
Currently, for almost a month now, I’ve been eating healthily. I started removing fastfood and oily food from my diet and started eating more greens, fruits, fibre and whole grains. Also, I’m trying to eat more times a day (around 4-5?) and drinking loads of water (2L). And, not forgetting, your workouts! 🙂 I love them (I even went to buy a mat hehe)
But sadly, I disappointed myself.. Even though I’m doing all these things to change my eating habits for the better, I fell back a few times.. I would like some advice on how I can have better control over bulimia, as I don’t want to ever fall back again. Is there away to have better control over it?
Many thanks cassey!! You’ll always be my motivation 🙂
I warn you this may be a mammoth comment, sorry! I am NOT a healthcare professional at all so I cannot give you proper advice. I discovered this website http://www.your-bulimia-recovery.com/ recently the forum/Q+As help answer some questions that don’t really get asked normally. I supposed it helped me feel like I wasn’t a total freak. You have to pay for the programme but I just look at the Q+A and that’s free.
I’ve had bulimia since I was 15, for 5 years, on and off. It was at it’s worst a few months ago and now my boyfriend and mum know about it, which is hell but it’s the only thing that can actually make me stop.
If you haven’t spoken to anyone, please do. Admitting it’s a problem online is a great step – I couldn’t do that a few months ago because I didn’t actually believe it was a problem, I thought I had control. I do slip up and I actually did last night, for the first time in about 5 weeks. It’s a long, long road.
Now I’m try to focus my energy into being strong, not skinny. I try and do some of Cassey’s videos when I feel I may slip up because she’s so cheery and gorgeous and makes me concentrate on pushing myself harder. All I want is go one day and not be overwhelmed by thinking about food or my body. I want to accept the compliments people give me and stop comparing myself to other people. I will get there. It may not seem like it, but I’ve come so far from a few months ago and it sounds like you have too. Yes, we may slip up, but that’s what happens. You’re only human, you’re allowed to slip up. Admitting it’s the problem is the first step to getting control over it.
Thanks alot for your reply, I appreciated it & Yes I’m accepting it now 🙂
I’ll try a vegan diet! Any suggestions for those of us who cook for others? Would I have to prepare 2 meals?
I’ve never had an ED but have friends that continue to struggle. Maybe you could find out if there’s something specific that we could do to help and support.
I love that you’re doing the vegan challenge! 🙂
Also, like that you’ll be covering EDs…I currently struggle with binge eating – which isn’t mentioned as often as anorexia/bulimia, so what are ways to recover from it? What things can I do to start healing? I know it’s an emotional disorder, that’s developed into a physical habit. How do I break it?
Thanks!
I lalalalove this idea for a vegan challenge!! Do you think you could ask your trainer friend about adapting vegan diets for those with nut allergies, though? A lot of people (myself included) have trouble getting into veganism, because nuts are so heavily relied on with the vegan diet. It’s not an issue often addressed, I imagine a nutritionist/trainer would be the best source of info! If your friend or anyone else commenting has ideas about making a vegan diet work without nuts as a staple, that’d be awesome!
I’m a vegan and I honestly don’t eat too many nuts. But one thing that you could do is substitute sunflower seed butter or soy “nut” butter instead of peanut butter or almond butter. I’d say don’t worry too much about it 🙂
Oh goodness Cassey! This is so awesome! I’ve been thinking about going all out vegan for a while and I’ve just had no idea how to start. Thank you so much!
hey cassey,
I think i might have anorexia and am really struggling with it. I am so hungry all the time and have NO energy and feel very depressed but i keep pushing myself no workout all the time even though i really don’t want to or feel like it. It wasn’t like this before, I used to be happy and excited about working out and being healthy… i just want to be the old me 🙁 please help?
much love<3
Yay! Replacing cheese with nut cheese (fauxcotta made from cashews, yum!) is much better for you anyway! Beans and nuts, the vegans friend.
I would LOVE to do a vegan challenge! I’m already a vegetarian but I’ve been thinking about going vegan for a week or so just to see how I feel. Can’t wait for more details!!
I would love to know what are the “best” steps to take towards having a healthy relationship with food and with one’s own body/body image. I’ve struggled with body image issues in the past and they’ve recently reared their ugly heads again, so I’d love to get some advice.
Hey Cassey,
I have been struggling with an eating disorder (anorexia and binge eating) for about a year now. It would be really helpful to know what the first steps to having a healthy relationship with food are while I have an eating disorder right now.
Thanks 🙂
I’m not Cassey, obviously, but Andrea, even though I don’t know you, you’re beautiful just the way you are. I recently tore my ACL while I was playing tennis for my HS and am not going to be able to workout for at least a couple months after my surgery. This experience has really taught me to be grateful for my body and take care of it because something horrible can happen and you won’t understand what you lost until you lose it.For me it was running, playing tennis and soccer, walking, going to prom with heels on and actually be able to dance; for you it can be something else. Remember you need to take care of your body if you want it to help you do what you want, so stop hurting it by not giving yourself food. You’re beautiful and don’t you forget it girl! 🙂
I mean this to everyone who has/had an eating disorder. Step back and be kind to yourself.
I think it’s good you’re tackling ED, and I was wondering what resources, like websites and such, for people who have friends who have eating disorders and what ways there might be to help them. My best friend since first grade, and now my roommate, is bulimic, but she isn’t your typical bulimic. Looking at her you would think she has an overeating problem, but she’s always been more voluptuous and has a thyroid problem that she doesn’t take medication for, so it would be hard for her to loose properly even if she tried. She and I have talked about it, but not in a while, and I don’t really know what to do or how to keep my own wonky habits kinda normal or get normal. Since we live together, sometimes she will want to eat late, and I won’t, but I will eat anyway so she won’t eat alone and potentially feel worse about. It’s almost like I’m binging and purging sometimes, but without the purging part. I think it would be neat to ask/find out all the types of EDs and the people and how some people may not look like a person with and ED, like someone overweight.
This is completely random now, but there’s a site I really like called mybodygallery.com. You can go there, but in almost any weight and height and see real images of real women who weigh exactly what you do. People upload pictures of themselves with their weight and height and looking at the images there was a really positive experience for me. I could see women who weighed what I do now and what I do weigh in middle school before I lost 50 pounds. If you’re struggling with body image, as I often am, this sight helps me gain a little perspective and see past the extra weight I gained in college.
Thank you so much for linking to MyBodyGallery. I just happened to need a bit of positivity like that right now. :]
I’m totally up for the vegan challenge!!! And look forward to your ED post, I know it will be very well researched and informed 🙂
Hi Cassey! I love love LOVE your videos.
As for the whole ED thing, I was diagnosed with anorexia nervosa in October 2010 and was hospitalized for a month due to my heart being so weak. I am much better now, stronger and a fast runner, though I am definitely not completely recovered. I am getting better at seeing “food is fuel”, but then my family freaks out when I choose healthy things all the time because they think I am reverting to old behaviors. How do I get them to understand that I really do enjoy eating healthily and that you can be a “health nut” but not anorexic?
I have been really considering becoming vegan so this will be oh so fabulous to have a strict meal plan/ test out to see if I’m up for the challenge. Yayyy! Thanks again!
Your comments about needing to eat super clean and doing 2+ workouts every single day sound very disordered. As well, your post about wanting to stay in “competition shape” was very triggering and upsetting. I’m still trying to reach 100 lbs at 5’4″ and 18 years old, recovering from an ED, so a lot of what you say makes you sound like you have an eating disorder or at least body dysmorphia (I would know). I am wondering how many calories/fat/carbs you eat per day (ie. what is a typical day of food for you?) because it seems like you’r enot eating sufficient calories and you equate skinny as being equal to healthy, and eating any type of processed food as being “bad”, even if you eat one bad meal you “can feel the difference in your energy”, etc. It’s somewhat condescending and rude, because sometimes people can’t afford to buy 70 servings or organic fruits and veggies/week and don’t have time or resources to eat 100% clean and work out 3 hours a day, and the yshould NOT have to feel shamed about that.
i feel the same way katie, a lot of it was triggering, like i wasn’t good enough. i agree with the last part of your post too.
I suffered from an ED throughout my high school years. It took a lot of self-love and dedication to pull myself out of it and sometimes….I hate to say it….it comes back. It never really goes away and that is something I don’t know how to overcome. Now matter how much I love my body, eat healthy, and exercise-there are always certain times where I feel like relapsing. If possible, getting advice on that would be more than welcomed.
Also, I think this particular blog will be extra informative and hopefully help many young girls realize they are beautiful and what they can do to help themselves
Im totally in on vegan challenge. I’m practically there anyway. If using it for health/nutrition benefits one needs to remember to eat clean as well.
I have celiac and allergic to dairy and found that, at first, when I eliminated those foods from my diet, I’d allow something else that I wouldnt typically eat just because I couldn’t have the other foods .
sry fake name but i cant b honest while giving my real name.
so i have thrown up every single day the past 7 days. its really dangerous. i never mean to throw up. but every day after school i always end up eating way more than i mean to and i just have to get it out of my system and end up throwing up. first time i threw up was about 2 years ago. it was nothing serous and i quit after that one time. when it really struck me hard happened about 4 months ago wen i threw up every day at least 1 or even 2 a day. this one night i woke up and i felt so horrible my head hurt so bad i literally thought i was going to die… but i didn’t.
and now theres this lightcolored blood in my puke. its nothing very serious – just a cut in my esophogas – but i know it could turn into something more seriuos. i know how to quit doing this – i need to eat healthy. but you know, healthy food costs money and im jsut a teen living at home. i would be able to stop throwing up if i just had more self-control. plus i cant afford “treatment”.
Hi Cassey!
I suffered from an ED when I was younger (I’ve been recovered for about 3-4 years and am in my mid 20’s) and I’m wondering how to maintain a healthy weight and relationship with food without sliding back to ED. I still avoid the gym and workout only at home and outside because the gym used to be my trigger (comparing myself to others etc etc). So thank you Cassey, for allowing me to workout without going crazy!
Thanks!!
Hey 🙂
Just coming from a recovered anorexic I hope you get some real girl testimonials about eating disorders. I am sick to death of the incorrect information out there that makes us who’ve had them sound like vain, self-obsessed people. Its a damaging disease and I want real info out there. Also I called myself a “recovered” anorexic before, but in truth there is no full recovery, its a day to day issue. Thanks and I look forward to it
Hey,
I would like to caution you on the “professional advice” you may be getting from “professionals” on eating disorders. I’ve had anorexia all my life and I know that no matter how much a doctor studies the disorder they will never actually know anything about it unless they actually have one. They will tell you things that happen but will never be able to comprehend the struggles. Also, this is my opinion, but EDs cannot be prevented and are not linked to today’s media other than it is easier for people to get “inspiration” now. Eating disorders have existed for hundreds of years. Whether we had size 0 models or not eating disorders would still exist.
I have been trying to explain what eating disorders are to people for years and I just want something to accurately explain what they are instead of what people see on Dr Phil or “learn” in school.
Also, I would be totally up for a vegan challenge! I’ve been making a slow transition from vegetarian to vegan for a while now.
I’ve been vegetarian for about 5 years so I am super excited to see you doing a vegan challenge!
Also, I never developed an ED but came pretty close to it when I was hanging out with the wrong kinds of people, one person in particular who had a history of ED and BDD and it was rubbing off on me really quickly. So, thank you for opening up the floor to ED’s :]
ooooh a vegan challenge. I’m down for that!
when I was 14 I was diagnosed with an eating disorder, which was linked to an anxiety disorder – I had a compulsion to control everything, and the ED was just one facet of that, as well as having horrid self-image. On the road to healing from my ED, I went the other way, using my therapies as an excuse to be lazy and eat all the bad foods I wanted. At first, it was liberating, a relief – but then I began to go to the other extreme, and my anxiety disorder took on another form. This time I was eating to express the fact that I couldn’t control everything, and by third year of Uni, I was 160 lbs (at under 5 ft tall).
Now, I am just under 120 lbs, having finally gotten into a *healthier* lifestyle (still not the healthiest, which is why I keep up with fitness people such as yourself). But I can feel the old thoughts creeping in… I still feel as though I am 160 lbs, still feel as though I could lose 15 lbs more, still feel ugly and disgusting. And the compliments and people laughing at my old pics don’t help that either. I’m scared I must either live as an underweight, compulsive anorexic, or as an overweight, depressed neurotic. I am getting help for my anxiety disorder, but the ED seems to be quite a different beast, and I’ve spent years trying to tame it, but it’s alllll relative to where I’m at in the moment, so it feels as though tips and tools and filters become useless once I lose or gain the next 5 lbs.
Sorry for the long rant 😛 Looking forward to your arms video 🙂
Yay! I’m so excited to be doing a vegan challenge! mainly because I’ve never really done it lol and for the ED topic i think it is absurd to say you have an ED from someone who used to have an ED, you’re lifestyle of healthy eating and exercise is something i admire so much
Hi ! I have a question.
I went close to anorexia last summer. It wasn’t completely anorexia because I wasn’t eating because I refused to eat anything. It was just that my body didn’t feel any hunger anymore, due to meds/depression. & When I was eating, I wasn’t feeling well at all. I struggle with my weight (ups & downs), my nutrition & body image since then.
My question would be how do you difference anorexia/bulimia from and body image disorder ? How can you know you suffer from one of them ? What are the signs that we are sick & need help ?
Yessss I cannot wait to do an arm video!!
Arms workout !! Yes,it is a good idea. Because I have been keeping watching the previous arms workout videos over again and again.It is time to learn something new with some new pop musics ! I can’t wait for it now ! BTW I am also doing something special for you,Cassey now ! I want to make a workout video to show you what I have leaned from you and the passion I have in Pilates.I tried to type all the notes of the positions to memorize how to explain in English.Even it is a great and challenging job for me,I will try hard to reach my goal like you do for yours. 😀
Arms workout !! Yes,it is a good idea. Because I have been keeping watching the previous arms workout videos over again and again.It is time to learn something new with some new pop musics ! I can’t wait for it now ! BTW I am also doing something special for you,Caessy now ! I want to make a workout video to show you what I have leaned from you and the passion I have in Pilates.I tried to type all the notes of the positions to memorize how to explain in English.Even it is a great and challenging job for me,I will try hard to reach my goal like you do for yours. 😀
sorry for typing your name incorrectly in my comment. FORGIVE ME !! ***Cassey ***
I was a vegan for two years, and I found it very refreshing for the body, but also very difficult to find food when out with friends and in foreign countries. Also I realized that my obsession with food and healthy eating had gone way overboard (I think it’s called orthodexia or something), so I went back to vegetarian to try gaining some sorely needed weight. It was a real struggle, but I did manage in the end. Now I’m at a healthy weight, but I now want to loose a few pounds again because I think I gained a little too much. To be honest I’m a bit scared of relapsing back to overtraining and obsessive eating.
I would really appreciate if you could ask about obsessiveness with food and healthy eating, because I know a lot of young girls struggle. I’m also curious about the probability of relapsing…
<3 marie
I think it’s great you are going to interview some pros about ED’s. Maybe it will help some people to be less judgmental of others who choose a healthy lifestyle/watch what they eat. Outside of the US people laugh at us for our ridiculous portion sizes and I really think we as Americans could use some perspective when it comes to eating healthy.
Yay for the Vegan challenge. I’m up for it! I keep trying to go vegan for the health benefits. I’m already a vegetarian because I don’t like meat, but I’d love to see if I could survive a week without cheese haha.
I’m in for the vegan plan! I really want to try it sometime 🙂 So this would be perfect! The only thing I need to do then is beg my dad to buy vegan food haha.
And payphone; YESSS 🙂
Where are your weekly challenges by the way? Did you just stop them? Or did I miss something haha. Really liked that ones!
Oh I would totally join! It is nice to do it along side you! I was late for the 90 day one (but still would like to do it soon!). I also do NOT understand how some are saying you have an ED =.= foreal? You eat so freaking well from what I can tell haha
Looking forward to that post!
I would LOVE a Vegan challenge… I was Vegan for a short while several years ago and would love to do it again as a challenge.
As for EDs, I have Binge Eating disorder (I’ve diagnosed myself) and have struggled with it for years on my own. I don’t know where to get help or even where to start, I’ve just suffered with it. I’ve even started purging this past year as well… I know this is horrible but I really feel like when I start to eat it’s an out of body experience, like I’ve been taken over and can’t stop myself. It’s so upsetting and frustrating. Anything as far as help for that would be GREATLY appreciated!
Love your posts/vids and advice, TY for all you do!!
I have a body image disorder which ties into how I’ve become overweight & how challenging it is for me to lose the weight & make sure I’m eating right. I’ve recently changed my lifestyle around & have become a vegan. I feel way better; physically & mentally since becoming a vegan. But that doesn’t mean my B.I.D has suddenly gone away…
I have been vegan for 21 yrs and I had EDs for most of my lIfe…starting with anorexia then bulimiarexia, and finally binge eating. I am now as healthy as I will prob ever be…yes, I will always have some issues with food but I am happy. I have a BS in nutrition and a masters in social work so I have spent a lot of time and education trying to understand and help myself…what I want most to say is that no matter what the symptoms and no matter what other people say…an eating disorder really is only an eating disorder when you are not feeling healthy and happy. I am hyperaware of what I eat and am also vegan so of course people think I am taking things too seriously and not enjoying the good life, thinking that I have an ED, blah blah blah but those ate the same people who r eating products with prerogatives, high fructose corn syrup, trans fats, etc….WE NEED TO BE HYPER AWARE OF WHAT WE EAT IN THIS INDUSTRIALIZED WORLD OR WE WILL END UP SICK! EDs are not a bunch of symptoms, in my opinion you only have an ED when your life or health gets disrupted…not when people think u eat “weird”. Great blog post!
I became vegetarian (again) in January and will go vegan once I graduate college at the end of the summer and have a job that will provide the money to be able to afford such. I would love to do the challenge with you. I know a few vegans and at first the concept appalled me. But I’m starting to really grow towards it. Meat, though I love the tastes, never really liked me at all, so giving it up was not that hard. I know I’ll have more trouble giving up dairy though, such as cottage cheese, cheeses, and such like that. It would be interesting to do the challenge with you though!
Cassey, I’m super excited about the vegan challenge! I started eating vegan at the beginning of the 90 Day Challenge last year and have never stopped. I was in the best shape I have ever been in my life. I have been vegetarian for 10 years now so it wasn’t that big of a change. The wildest part for me was smelling/tasting dairy products after not eating them for a couple weeks. BIZARRE!
Also, I believe the ED and body image discussion would be an excellent subject to delve into. I would also like to hear about any body image issues you may deal with in your day to day life. I sometimes realize that others know and see me as thin and the clothes I wear are small but no matter what, I don’t perceive myself the way others perceive me. I work out (with you!) almost everyday and that makes me feel better. I do it because it makes ME feel good. So thanks! (:
Please ask about disordered eating and the forms of it…it’s technically not classified as a traditional eating disorder, but I suffered from it and was basically on the brink of full-blown one, so it’s just as serious in my opinion. And soooo many people consider it “normal” and “okay” when it’s really not….
cassey- i’m so glad that you are going to talk about eating disorders and body image because those are both struggles i face and you are my favorite fitness guru. i’m a 13 year old girl, and i hate everything about the way i look. before bed, i always stare at myself in the mirror and try to find things that i like about myself, but i can’t do it. it’s hard for me to sleep now also. a few weeks ago, i tried to make myself throw up in frustration, but it didn’t work. but this past friday, i did it after eating a huge meal that i felt guilty of. i’ve barely eaten all day and i skipped lunch yesterday and i’m so scared. i just want to love myself.
Amazing idea to aks professionals about the topic. It is really difficult subject because its a mental health problem, and they are always difficult. From personal experience my tip would be to try to see food not as an emotional thing but mechanical. What I am trying to say is if you understand how your body works and how nutrition is needed for all your bodily functions you get much more relaxed about it. At least that is what I experienced.
I’m super stoked about a vegan challenge!! Bring it on!
Actually, since your offering, I would like to know about how to overcome body dysmorphic disorder. I can’t look in mirrors, and when I do I always see a fat girl. It’s very disheartening to not know what you really look like. I’m always comparing myself to other girls. And I leave love notes on my mirror to try and pump up some self confidence. I leave them in bathrooms too, hopefully another girl will get to feel beautiful because of it. Any advice you have would be beyond appreciated.
Thanks and we all love you, your amazing!
Hi cassey! I would like to know how do you tell if you or someone you know has a disorder? What are the signs? Thanks!
Hi Cassy,
Firstly, I’d love to say your so inspiring and such a fantastic role model! I have a slight binging and bulimic condition that I am trying really hard to beat at the moment. It is really something that was triggered by people telling me I wasn’t eating enough when I was actually just eating super healthy. I have literally tried everything but I just have to be strong because I know beating it will be the best thing!
Do you have any kind of advice when you have that craving or just have the urge to give up and not push though? It would really help me!
Thanks, your a fantastic person!:D
I used to have ED. I’ve been wondering if I had a low metabolism during my ED because of starving myself, how can I increase it back up. After my recovery, I gained all my weights back (and plus). But I don’t want it to go any further than this. In fact, a few pounds less would be nice. I tried increasing my intake to 1200 kCal/day. I heard if you eat lower than this it’d put you into starvation mode….Is this true? I also exercise, both cardio and weight training. But nothing seems to work. My weight still seems to go up. I drink a lot of water throughout the day. Could this be one of the reason? Water retention? I’m guessing this and there…PLEASE HELP!!!
Btw, I really love your blog. Really inspirational to have a healthy life. Please keep it going. 🙂
Love that you’re actually interviewing health professionals rather than using the internet as a sole source like some blogs I’ve read! I’ve struggled with anorexia and body dysmorphic disorder for almost 5 years. I was an avid runner in high school, even running my first 1/2 marathon in the 11th grade. I would run at practice after school (which was always up to 8 miles because I ran distance) then come home and go to the gym for an hour with my mom and slowly made my way from eating healthier to straight up restricting. I really felt that I was just being healthy even when I was at my lowest of 89lbs ( I’m 5’2).It took a lot for me to realize that I needed help and I wish I had been reading blogs like yours that promote a love for your body and how you feel rather than basing your feelings on the way you look. 🙂 Woo, go you! P.S Love love love your blog!
I’m looking forward to the vegan plan!
I was wondering if you could ask about orthorexia too? I eat clean but I’ve been accused of having an eating disorder. I’d love to know if that is considered being orthorexic!
Hi. can you ask about the idea of eating disorders following down in families?
Hi!! definetly trying to do the vegan week challenge!! cant wait! Can u please upload a workout including any John Mayer songs? pleaseeeee!!! 😀 hugsxxx
I love the fact that you are bringing this into the light, and I was wondering if I could share my story..? =)
I had an ED and I do think its important for the topic to really be talked about because many people stereotype. I also think it will be important for you because then you will understand more yourself and see that maybe you do tend to show signs of an ED without even knowing it. That was my problem… I didn’t think anything was wrong with me, but there was a lot wrong as I discovered throughout my ongoing recovery.
With all of your “challenges” that you have for yourself, sometimes I wonder if you struggle with some of the issues that someone with an ED has. Just be mindful of that, it can be hard for others to watch and hear. Its one thing to like to be healthy and its another to be obsessed.
If you do try a vegan challenge, try to do a month. You really don’t start to feel the full benefits until your body settles into the new routine. =)
The vegan challenge sounds AMAZING!!! I’m almost totally vegan (i’ll go back to being vegetarian if other people serve me dairy/eggs and I don’t want to be rude, or if i’m travelling in places where there aren’t vegan options) and it’s improved my health so much. And there are a TON of great vegan recipes out there!!!! I’m so excited!
I have an ED and it’s not anorexia, bulimia or binge eating – it’s EDNOS. Many people don’t know it so they can’t know that they might already have it.
Cassey, to be honest, and it’s not meant rude: I often think you might as well have something like that, or at least some signs. Each ED is different and very personal and does barely fit into one of those categories. Please talk to them and think about your behaviours, your thoughts as well as your past and maybe hidden emotional problems or so.
I don’t know if it’s a real question to ask them, but:
What can be done to reduce the influence of stuff like models etc. on teenagers (and adults)? How can EDs prevented in our current society?
I have an ED and it’s not anorexia, bulimia or binge eating – it’s EDNOS. Many people don’t know it so they can’t know that they might already have it.
Cassey, to be honest, and it’s not meant rude: I often think you might as well have something like that, or at least some signs. Everyone’s ED is different and very personal and doesn’t barely fit into one of those categories. Please talk to them and think about your behaviours, your thoughts as well as your past and maybe hidden emotional problems or so.
I don’t know if it’s a real question to ask them, but:
What can be done to reduce the influence of stuff like models etc. on teenagers (and adults)? How can EDs prevented in our current society?
I’d love to see a vegan challenge! I’m vegetarian and have thought about trying out being vegan for a short period.
Regarding ED’s, I struggled with bulimia w/restricting tendencies for a couple of years. I honestly didn’t see that what I was dealing with was really an ED because it was very atypical–binging/purging one week, restricting one week, heavy exercise all the time. I think a common misconception about ED’s is that you either have anorexia or bulimia, and people don’t really recognize that having severely disordered eating & exercise habits are still considered an ED, are life-threatening, and can be diagnosed (many times as EDNOS). I know I refused to get help for a long time on several levels–not just because i refused to admit I had any problem, but because I thought I couldn’t possibly have an ED if my symptoms didn’t exactly fit into either anorexia or bulimia. So maybe addressing the fact that you can have a mixture of the two, how to look for the signs and symptoms (for friends and family to catch a problem), how to talk through this sensitive subject with someone, etc. Thank you for being willing to address this difficult topic!! YOU are just a fantastic and beautiful person inside and out!
Yes, great idea Amanda. Cassey, pls ask about binge eating.
Hello! This blog post couldn’t have come into my life at a more appropriate time, actually! So basically, my life has been devoted to fitness and eating healthy for the past year and a half +. I lost about 60 pounds so far and weigh about 129 now and am 5’7. So, I moved down to work in Disney World for a semester to work and my biggest fear was that I’d gain the weight back. Fortunately, I was able to keep up with my healthy habits and continued to lose weight. The jobs at Disney all require tons of walking and standing all day, so my legs started getting really tired after my long days at work and 5-6 mile run interval runs and P90x workouts I kept doing everyday.. I ended up tearing my ACL in my left knee about a week and a half ago, and have had to rest my knee and haven’t really been able to workout at all, especially not the running- which is so unbelievably hard and makes me feel so disgusting. I’ve been doing short videos, like your pop pilates ones that are easy on my knees, and trying to test the waters with getting on the stationary bike and liptical when my knee’s not hurting.. The doctor here just gave me a knee brace to hold me over until I can start physical therapy and cortison shots next week when I return home to Chicago. However, the point of all this – I’ve been having to talk myself into eating more (since I’m not burning 700 cals a day anymore I have this intense fear about gaining weight and getting fat again.) And the other day I almost passed out at work because of low iron because I’ve been basically just eating cereal with almond milk for all 3 meals.. I’m just feeling really bad about myself and not being able to run. I would appreciate any advice, or any help regarding nutrition and diet or exercise that anyone would be able to provide me with so I don’t gain weight during my injury. 🙁
I struggled with an ED during my late teens and into my early twenties. Happy to say I’ve put it behind me, but sadly, when I got back to a healthy weight, I noticed I hadn’t gained it in the same places I’d lost it. Then just last night, I was reading about Mila Kunis’ experience dropping to an unhealthy weight for her role as a ballerina in Black Swan and she also said that when she started gaining weight again, it came back in the same places mine did (mostly the stomach and thighs, but also in my arms which never had an ounce of fat on them before). Like me, she said her body has never been the same since she lost all that weight.
I’m wondering if this is fairly common among people who recover from eating disorders, or who gain weight after extremely restrictive diet and exercise regimens.
I am extremely excited to hear about the EDs interview! My sister and I are both recovered(ing) annorexic’s, and I am a recovered bulemic as well. I have struggled with body image since middle school, even to the point where I’d do crunches after eating lunch in the cafeteria to “work off” what I’d eaten. Although I’ve learned what is healthy and what is not, I still have moderate to severe body image issue (now 19 years old), and honestly am not sure if it will ever completely go away. The problem I have is mostly mental: When thinking about being healthy, how far is too far? My annorexia began by me just trying to get healthy… it just went to the extreme. I still struggle with whether my thoughts are healthy thoughts or not.
YAY! Vegan challenge! I can’t wait. I try to go vegan for a week every few months to kind of clean out my system, but it’s hard for me to find recipes I enjoy.
Hi Cassey!
This is my first message on your blog, which I’m totally addicted to! Thank you so much for your support and advice.
The vegan challenge is something I have been thinking about for a few months now, I’m totally following your vegan plan! I’m very excited about that!!
I’ve recently decided to “take matters into hands” about my health and my overweight problem (ok I don’t know if that’s in English but I’m a French-Polish girl living in Germany – English is definitely not my mother tongue :p)
Can you ask if binge eating is an eating disorder and how to overcome it?
Yes, and what qualifies as binge eating? Also I’ve read that there are some health advantages to occasional fasting … any guidelines on this type of information would be appreciated.
Yup, I think arms is a great idea. Just, please, no weights though. I like using my upper body strength (plus I do not own any weights :P) Oh, and looking forward to that meal plan. 😀
I love the idea of a vegan challenge!! Mostly because I’m (don’t laugh at this) 90% vegan and I feel I’m just eating salads all the time and because of this, I end up binging in the afternoon and I feel bad about it later so I come back to salads to balance it out 🙁
It would be great also if you do a challenge every week or every two weeks. It doesn’t matter if we repeat them but I think it’d be cool for most of us who need to stick to a diet 🙂
Im currently struggling with a binge eating disorder and its one of the hardest things in my life, especially having put back on all the weight i lost, ive lost all my self confidence and almost all my self worth. My question is are there any medicines or anything to reduce the anxiety that makes you want to binge in the first place? Ive tried all techniques etc and im at the end tbh
yay, awesome. the world need more vegans!
I am currently trying for recover from Anorexia and unfortunately it has taken a turn for a worse and a couple of months ago it developed in bulimia! Not fun 🙁 As hard as I am trying, I still have starvation days, (hardly ever though as I have rediscovered how much I love food!) and I still have binge days. The binge days are becoming for frequent and quite frankly, it’s stressing me out! Your videos and advice help so much, it lets me know that I need to eat to be able to exercise and all your food looks so good! (I love running, ballet dancing, pilates and aerobics) I have a question though, why, even though I don’t like biscuits, cakes and chocolate, do I binge on them? (and white bread, makes me so ill) The past week I have pretty much over done it everyday. (No weight gain as of yet, though. Thank God.)
I am a vegetarian but I still get my protein and I usually eat loads of veggies and fruits. Recently I have been eating frequently, so will these horrid binges slowly go away? Or do I have a BED now? 🙁 I don’t want to end up obese..
All my love
xo
Please do an arm workout without putting pressure on the wrists, I’ve got some probs with those 🙂
ps. lovelovelove your workouts!!!
I’m not sure if this is a question for the expert or just a suggestion for the post but… It would be great to include some info on how to go about getting low-cost professional help in real life. I’ve been an on-and-off ED sufferer for years now and this time around, without insurance that covers mental health, I wasn’t sure what to do. I’m currently paying out of pocket for help and it’s costing more monthly than my rent and car payment combined. I’m lucky that I can manage this — with lots of cutbacks in almost every other area of my life — but if I was making just a little less, I wouldn’t be able to. I’m sure there are lots of other people in my situation, and it’s hard to know where to turn for help when money is an issue. Keep up the great work on your blog — your positive attitude is really helpful on days I’m not feeling too great about myself 🙂
I love your work outs & do them frequently with my friend. I think she has an eating disorder. She is very underweight– 5’4″ and a little over 90 lbs. I remember watching a youtube video where you said you consumed about 2800 calories to keep going; however, the food you post pictures of seems like diet food that would a) never amount to that many calories in one day and b) food that I see her eating. Should I be concerned and how can I respond to her when she says, “I eat the same things as all the other fitness freaks like Cassey.” She is a big runner and I’m getting extremely worried.
Please do an arm workout without putting pressure on the wrists I’ve got some problems with those 🙂
ps. I love love love your workouts!!!
I am SO in!
I’ve always wanted to try eating vegan to see what it’s like, but I’m a college student and live with my parents. My parents would laugh and throw beef on my plate if I ate vegan
Wow, that is a coincidence! I just started eating vegan yesterday, just to see how it goes for a few weeks. I’m already a vegetarian, but I’m curious to see how my body responds to no diary at all. Perhaps it feels better, perhaps it doesn’t. There’s only one way to find out 😉 I’m excited for the challenge, I’ll keep in touch! Good luck to all of you 🙂
oh how exciting!!
I am a vegan and super pumped to see what kinda advice your friend is giving 🙂
Also I think it is fabulous that you address the ED issue.
You are a star!!!
Now if you excuse me, I am off to do some POP PILATES 😉