Today, in the last part of our interview, author Shani Raviv shares more insights about her recovery from anorexia, including how critical it is to follow your meal plan.

Shani is the author of the award-winning book Being Ana: A Memoir of Anorexia Nervosa. In it, she writes about her 10-year struggle with anorexia, drugs, alcohol and exercise. She writes about trying to figure out exactly who she is — without anorexia, which had consumed her life for so long.

It’s amazing — and often difficult — to read the harrowing things Shani experienced. But it’s another powerful story — fortunately, one of very many — that reminds us that full recovery is possible, even after enduring countless dark moments.

It might not feel like it when you’re in the depths of your eating disorder, when you’re starting treatment or, some days, really at any point in your treatment.

But one step at a time, as you immerse yourself in your treatment, you’ll get better. Stories like Shani’s remind us that this is absolutely true.

I’m grateful to Shani for sharing her story (and really her heart) here on Weightless.

This is part two of my interview with Shani Raviv, author of the award-winning book Being Ana: A Memoir of Anorexia Nervosa.

In part one, she discussed her inspiration for writing Being Ana and how she was able to separate anorexia from her identity.

Below, Shani reveals what helped her recover from a 10-year struggle with anorexia, the powerful role yoga played and what full recovery means to her. I especially love what she says about being full recovered.

I’m honored to present my interview with Shani Raviv, author of the award-winning book Being Ana: A Memoir of Anorexia Nervosa. Shani began struggling with anorexia at 14 years old when she started dieting. She’d continue to struggle for 10 years.

In her memoir, which is riveting, raw and beautifully written, Shani recounts how anorexia became her identity, and really her whole world. She also reveals her struggles with drugs, alcohol and cutting — along with trying to find self-worth in all the wrong places, with exercise, and with men.

Today, Shani is fully recovered from anorexia and, a year ago, gave birth to her son.

Below, she shares why she wrote Being Ana and how she finally embraced her identity — separate from anorexia.

Tomorrow, in part two, Shani reveals what helped her recover and what recovery means to her.

Here’s part two of my interview with Jenn Lawlor, who talks more about her recovery from an eating disorder. She also shares the lessons she’s learned from her struggles with and recovery from anorexia along with her wise advice for families — and much more.

Check out part one of our interview here.

Also, if you’d like to share your story of recovery, please email me at mtartakovsky at gmail dot com.

Today, I’m honored to share Jenn Lawlor’s story of recovering from anorexia. Jenn is the founder of a website called “The Best Body Ever is Yours,” where she interviews individuals who’ve fully recovered from an eating disorder.

(She recently interviewed one of my favorite people, Julie Parker, who talks about her work helping people reach full recovery.)

Below, Jenn talks about how dieting triggered her eating disorder, how her parents intervened and what helped her recovery.

What struck me from her story is not only her unyielding commitment to getting better, but the importance of familial support. It’s the support of her parents — who got her into treatment — and later her husband that would play a pivotal role in her recovery.

{via etsy by Lori}

Yesterday, in part one of our interview, a student and former patient at The Renfrew Center shared how her eating disorder started and how she was able to recover.

Today, in part two, she shares how she deals with eating disordered thoughts, how families can help a loved one and the lessons she’s learned from her struggles and recovery.

If you’d like to share your story of recovery from an eating disorder, please email me at mtartakovsky at gmail dot com. You can check out more stories here.

{via etsy by Lupen Grainne}

Today, I’m honored to share my interview with a student and former patient of The Renfrew Center.

Below, in part one of our Q&A, she recounts what sparked her eating disorder, how she found treatment and what helped her recover. It is an inspiring story, and I’m so grateful for her words.

Stay tuned tomorrow for part two. If you’d like to share your story of recovery, please email me at mtartakovsky at gmail dot com.

Also, you can check out more stories here.

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Here’s part two of my interview with Laurie Glass, a Christian counselor who recovered from anorexia. Below, Laurie continues telling her story of recovery and the pivotal part her religious faith has played.

She also reveals what recovery means to her and the myths associated with eating disorders.

Like I mentioned yesterday, Laurie’s story teaches us about the importance of identifying and cultivating meaningful values in our lives. Whether you’re religious or not, figuring out what matters to you most – your deepest values – along with nurturing a greater sense of spirituality can be deeply healing.

This gives people a sense of direction, a compass to guide you, and reminds you that there’s so much more to life than your ED.

You can learn more about Laurie here.

If you haven’t read it yet, check out part one of our interview.

Today, I’m pleased to present an interview with Laurie Glass, who recovered from anorexia and now works as a Christian counselor. Below, she talks about how her faith helped her heal.

Laurie’s story speaks to the significance of having greater values and faith, whether that’s through religion or spirituality. We’ve already discussed on Weightless the importance of identifying your values and cultivating spirituality.

Laurie’s story also speaks to the difficulty of finding treatment for eating disorders. Her rural town didn’t have any ED professionals and the people she did see weren’t helpful. While she was able to recover, please remember that getting into treatment (whether that’s seeing a therapist who specializes in ED or entering an ED facility) is our first line of defense.

Everyone’s story and recovery is different, but if you live in a place where treatment isn’t available, don’t give up! Try contacting the nearest university, which may do research into EDs, be able to give you a reputable referral or have a counseling center with a therapist who specializes in ED. You also can find ED therapists by calling NEDA’s Information & Referral Helpline. You might have to travel further for treatment, but it’s worth it.

I’m grateful to Laurie for sharing her story with us. You can learn more about Laurie at her website.

Stay tuned tomorrow for part two!

By the way, if you’d like to share your story of recovering from an eating disorder, ditching dieting or overcoming body image issues, don’t hesitate to email me! You can reach me at mtartakovsky at gmail dot com.

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Here’s part two of my interview with Sam, who writes the blog Quantum Vegan. Below, Sam talks more about eating disorders and recovery.

Specifically, she discusses how families can help a loved one who’s struggling with an eating disorder, recommends several ED resources and explains what recovery means to her.

You can read part one of our interview here, where she recounts how her eating disorder started and what helped her recover.

By the way, if you’d like to share your story of recovering from an eating disorder, ditching dieting or overcoming body image issues, don’t hesitate to email me! You can reach me at mtartakovsky at gmail dot com.