Whenever I have a new client at the gym or in my own business, I make a point of letting them know that I was overweight as a teenager. I do this not only for them to realize that I know what it's like to struggle with a weight issue but also it reminds me to be supportive with them.
Depending on the client, I may also share with them my ongoing battle with an eating disorder. It's something that I'm not afraid to talk about because it's part of who I am and if it can help others then I'll share my story with them.
I usually get the same response from my clients, who are mostly women, and that is that they don't realize that men suffer from Eating Disorders. There have been some clients who are in need of more help than I can offer so I try to encourage them to get the help they need. Their first step, though, is to admit that there is a problem. I can usually spot the clients who have an eating disorder a mile away as they usually have more knowledge about foods than I do. Their problem is, and will be until they get help, how they view themselves and NOT the food itself. I think that I'm fortunate to be a position to help these people because most of the trainers/managers at the gym really have no idea of just how difficult this problem is to overcome.
My past has kept me grounded and will never allow me to forget the struggles I've had and continue to have with my ED. If I can use my experience to help others, than I can feel a sense of accomplishment for the work that I do which goes beyond just preparing meal plans for my clients.
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Thursday, July 5, 2007
It's been a long time
During my run today one of my favorite songs started playing on my MP3. It's called "feeling satisfied" and it made me realize that I needed to post more on this site.
Eating Disorders are often called the secret illness because you only hear about the tragedies. However, I know quite a few people who have this disorder and who are doing very well. NO, they are not "cured" as I really don't believe that this illness has a cure. Instead I think that people who do well with this disorder have managed to put their illness in perspective.
Personally speaking, I know that the month of July brings plenty of emotions out for me. I was married in July (now separated), I discovered running and I lost a fiance to sickle cell anemia. We all have tragedies that we've had to overcome in our life and it's how we deal with them that truly makes us stronger. I know that I'll never have to deal with anything more tragic than I've had to deal with already, so I think that helps me deal with other things in my life.
Running certainly has helped me deal with my body image issues and I can actually wear shorts with confidence now (lol). There are other parts of my body that I'm not happy with but I'm trying not to go overboard trying to get what I want.
My best friend pointed out to me that I indeed was a type "A" personality and it's something that I never would have thought about myself. She said that when I put my mind to something I find a way to get it done. Having friends who are not afraid to tell you the truth are the friends that you really need and I'm lucky to have her as a good friend. This has also helped me deal with my Eating Disorder as I don't feel as isolated as I used to.
The more I can surround myself with positive people the better I tend to feel about myself.
I encourage anyone who wants to contribute to this website to contact me (gregdcruz@rogers.com) and please feel free to post as well.
Eating Disorders are often called the secret illness because you only hear about the tragedies. However, I know quite a few people who have this disorder and who are doing very well. NO, they are not "cured" as I really don't believe that this illness has a cure. Instead I think that people who do well with this disorder have managed to put their illness in perspective.
Personally speaking, I know that the month of July brings plenty of emotions out for me. I was married in July (now separated), I discovered running and I lost a fiance to sickle cell anemia. We all have tragedies that we've had to overcome in our life and it's how we deal with them that truly makes us stronger. I know that I'll never have to deal with anything more tragic than I've had to deal with already, so I think that helps me deal with other things in my life.
Running certainly has helped me deal with my body image issues and I can actually wear shorts with confidence now (lol). There are other parts of my body that I'm not happy with but I'm trying not to go overboard trying to get what I want.
My best friend pointed out to me that I indeed was a type "A" personality and it's something that I never would have thought about myself. She said that when I put my mind to something I find a way to get it done. Having friends who are not afraid to tell you the truth are the friends that you really need and I'm lucky to have her as a good friend. This has also helped me deal with my Eating Disorder as I don't feel as isolated as I used to.
The more I can surround myself with positive people the better I tend to feel about myself.
I encourage anyone who wants to contribute to this website to contact me (gregdcruz@rogers.com) and please feel free to post as well.
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