Never forget your roots!

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.