An Eating Disorder Recovery Coach explains the Hardest Parts of Eating Disorder Recovery (and How to Overcome Them)

This week, we’re bringing insights from an eating disorder recovery coach Hanne Arts. Let me tell you, it was life-changing. The value she shared is something everyone on their health journey needs to hear.

“The hardest part of an eating disorder isn’t even the food. It’s the thoughts that never stop”.

~ Hanne

Six Powerful Things to Reflect on When Healing from an Eating Disorder

1. The mental side of an eating disorder is far harder. Because when you’re in it, food isn’t just on your plate; it’s everywhere. You’re working, socializing, trying to relax, but in the back of your mind, there’s always that voice: What should I eat? Am I doing it right? Do I even deserve to eat?

And the worst part? No matter how much effort you put in (counting, planning, controlling) you still end up feeling miserable in your body. One day, you think you’re doing well; the next, you feel completely lost, wondering what went wrong. It’s exhausting. It makes you feel like you’re failing at something that should be so simple.

2. When professional help feels out of reach, whether due to lack of resources or you simply don't know where to begin, the first step can simply be reaching out.

Having someone to talk to won’t solve everything, but it can be a huge relief- especially if they help you create an actionable plan and keep you accountable.

3. Why Recovery Feels So Hard

   Figuring out what to eat and how to feel good about your body can feel confusing, especially when you’re surrounded by conflicting information about health, fitness, and food, especially online. With so much misinformation, it’s hard to know what to trust. Without clear, unique guidance designed specifically for you, many stay stuck in their food struggles because, ironically, it feels safer than the unknown of recovery.

   But real freedom only comes when you take that leap.

4. How Others See Your Body vs. How You Want to Live

At the end of the day, how you feel in your body and how you want to live matters far more than what others think or expect from you. It helps to ask yourself three key questions:

1. What are my goals?

2. What do I need to do to achieve them?

3. If I give in to external pressures, where will that take me- and does that align with the life I truly want?

Hanne shares how she once believed that being thinner and seen as more “disciplined” would bring her happiness. But the cost? Her energy, her joy, and her ability to live in alignment with her real values. That shift in perspective changed everything.

5. Expect setbacks. Expect moments where it feels hard.

Because building a relationship with food and the body you truly want isn’t a straight path.

The eating disorder is clever and powerful, and slipping up is normal. This doesn’t mean you’ve failed or can’t recover. Every setback is an opportunity to learn and grow.

6. Science Proves that you can heal & you can change

We know the body can heal from starvation. We know the brain can rewire itself completely. Recovery takes time, but it’s possible and it’s absolutely worth the effort. Your body and mind are capable of more than you think.

Trust yourself. No one else lives in your body but you.

The real expert? It’s you.

-Vaishi

Introducing Safe in my body

but having someone to talk to can be a huge relie

but but having someone to talk to someone to talk to can be a huge reliefhaving someone to talk to can be a huge relief