Strength Found: A Journey Through Eating Disorder Recovery in Competitive Athletics and CrossFit
Hidden beneath the surface of a decade-long struggle with an eating disorder lies Coach Gale's story—a story of resilience, recovery, and redemption. Steeped in the competitive world of soccer and athletics, Coach Gale's relationship with food was filled with fear and tension, a casualty of the culture of undernourishment that is so common in such arenas. It wasn't until Coach Gale found themselves at Experience Momentum, initially as a nutrition client, that the journey towards healing truly began. Here is his incredible story.
Little did I know that Experience Momentum would change not only my eating habits, but my life and entire self-perception.
Coach Gale
“Not many people know, but I have struggled with an eating disorder for the past 10 years and have undergone multiple rounds of recovery and treatment. My background in competitive soccer and collegiate athletics fostered an extremely fearful and contentious relationship around food. Unfortunately, undernourishment is often considered a "norm" in competitive and even recreational athletics, CrossFit being one of those spaces. Before I started working at Experience Momentum, I was a nutrition client. Meeting with Holly Anderson and the entire dietitian team across all EM locations, I finally began to heal my relationship between food and body. Between my exercise addiction and disordered eating, I felt alienated from my own identity as an athlete and my passion for food. Little did I know that Experience Momentum would change not only my eating habits, but my life and entire self-perception.
It is extremely novel for a Wellness space (much less CrossFit) to be Health at Every Size (HAES). To enter an environment that empowers athletes and patients in all bodies truly allowed me to explore my own health without judgment. CrossFit inspired me to pursue strength over size and to see how exercise can enrich rather than control my life. Accordingly, the true reason I coach is so I can help others find comfortability and resilience in their own bodies and nourishment journey.
The true reason I coach is so I can help others find comfortability and resilience in their own bodies and nourishment journey.
Unfortunately, I will have an Eating Disorder my entire life. However, I have developed skills and support that allow me to manage it and give myself continual grace. I wanted to share my own experience with an eating disorder to help spread awareness within our EM community and offer a safe and open resource to speak with and ask questions. I am by no means an expert in eating disorders, but I am a survivor. I am immensely grateful to have found EM and become a part of the amazing team of individuals supporting holistic health and growth. Within a society ridden with diet culture, EM truly is a safe space that recognizes the dynamic nature of health and how complex individuals' relationship with food and body can be. I strongly encourage anyone looking to explore their own relationship with food to connect with one of our registered dietitians and set up a free 15-minute call. It just might change your life. Or in my case, save it.”
To Health and Happiness,
Coach Gale
Coach Gale's journey highlights how resilience can make a significant difference and the positive impact of reaching out for support. His story serves as a reminder that healing is possible, and no one has to navigate the challenges of disordered eating alone. Experience Momentum offers a wealth of resources, including the expertise of registered dietitians, to support anyone struggling with their relationship with food. Whether you're at the beginning of your journey or seeking additional support along the way, know that help is available. Together, we can break free from the grip of disordered eating and embrace a path towards health and happiness.
We are here to support you through your nourishment journey.
Click here to schedule a free Nutrition Discovery Call.