Jo Hill is a remedial teacher, qualified personal trainer and gym owner based in Umhlanga. Although she has fully embraced a balanced, healthy lifestyle, she struggled with disordered eating for many years. She shared her experience with us…
TELL US ABOUT YOUR JOURNEY WITH DISORDERED EATING.
My journey began in my early 20s. Growing up, I was always very active and could eat whatever I wanted. However, when I entered university, I wasn’t as active and made many poor food and lifestyle choices. Naturally, I began to gain weight. I eventually decided to do something about it, so I joined a gym and got a trainer. I was put on an extremely strict diet and followed it precisely. I lost weight in a very short time, but I soon learned that a large calorie deficit leads to a significant rebound. The eating plan I followed wasn’t sustainable. I eliminated all the foods I loved and began to categorise food as ‘good’ or ‘bad’. Ignoring my cravings, I would binge on the so-called ‘bad’ foods, which created a damaging relationship with food. I felt guilty and continued to restrict my eating, only to binge again. I also did extra cardio as a form of ‘punishment’. This cycle continued for years! It was only when I began to take my training more seriously that I realised how crucial it was to fuel my body correctly. Nutrition and training must complement each other. Forcing yourself to exercise because you feel you’ve over-eaten is no way to live!
WHAT WERE SOME OF THE KEY TURNING POINTS THAT HELPED YOU ON YOUR PATH TO RECOVERY?
A major turning point was when I lost my period in my early 20s. My doctor told me that I was putting unnecessary stress on my body, and that conversation changed my life. I realised that I have only one body for my entire life, and I needed to take care of it. I started exercising because I wanted to, not because I felt obligated. I stopped training with my trainer and immediately felt a huge sense of relief. I decided to combine my love for baking with my passion for health and fitness, creating healthier alternatives to my favourite sweet treats. I no longer felt the urge to binge because I enjoyed what I was eating.
HOW HAS YOUR EXPERIENCE WITH DISORDERED EATING IMPACTED YOUR VIEW OF HEALTH AND WELLNESS?
My experience made me realise that sometimes the ‘health’ industry isn’t as healthy as it seems. There is a lot of pressure to look like the people we see in magazines or on Instagram. We compare ourselves to these images without realising that they may not represent the ‘norm’ and may not always be healthy. Many of these individuals are dieting to the extreme and leading unbalanced lives. Their diets and training regimes are often unsustainable, and with Photoshop in the mix, it’s no wonder we feel inadequate in today’s society!
WHAT ROLE DID SUPPORT FROM FRIENDS, FAMILY OR PROFESSIONALS PLAY IN YOUR RECOVERY PROCESS?
Support from my loved ones was crucial! However, it took me a long time to be open and honest about what I was going through. It felt like a secret I was too ashamed to share, and I was somewhat in denial. When I eventually confided in my family, they helped me think logically rather than emotionally. Together, we developed a game plan, and they helped me stay accountable.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE WHO MIGHT BE STRUGGLING WITH A SIMILAR ISSUE OR SUPPORTING A LOVED ONE THROUGH IT?
My biggest piece of advice is to reach out to someone – whether it’s a friend, family member, or someone you know from social media. You don’t have to go through these feelings alone. Honesty is also crucial. By being open, you can help others understand you and your actions, or find that there are people who can relate to your struggles as they may be going through something similar themselves. Many people may be struggling silently, and you could be the one to make a difference in their lives.
Details: IG: @pullupsandpeanutbutter
