Welcome to our brand-new Sunday series.
As we all navigate life through these strange and uncertain times, we know you need more authentic content from us than ever before.
We’ve teamed up with a whole host of self-care ICONS to discuss the big issues that are close to their hearts.
Their stories are woven together with hope for the future and include practical ways to harness self-love, confidence and positivity, even on the days that feel extra tough.
Tune in to our Instagram stories every Sunday for the full takeover.
Trigger Warning: Eating Disorder
ICONIC Babe Lauren Black is a social media Influencer, founder of La Prism and eating disorder warrior. She is unapologetically real and authentic, inviting her followers to live their truth and celebrate themselves every step of the way.
We talked to Lauren about her eating disorder recovery, the decision to share her journey, skinny-shaming and taking back her power.
1. You've been in Anorexia Recovery during lockdown, could you tell us a little bit about what you've been through?
It’s definitely been difficult; I think the most difficult aspect has been really realising that I was ill- mentally and physically. The second most difficult thing was rebuilding my relationship with food. I’ve had to reintroduce foods I hadn’t let myself eat before, I had to increase my portion sizes and accept that I was going to gain weight. That was by far the hardest thing I have ever had to do.
2. What Is An Eating Disorder?
Eating disorders are a mental illness. Typically, the person is very underweight (but not always!) it can manifest differently in each person. It is a mental illness that doesn’t disappear once you gain weight- it really is an ongoing mental battle.
3. Why did you decide to share your journey and how did you come to the decision of doing so?
It was a huge decision to document my eating disorder, but I thought if I was struggling with this then thousands of others could be too. I thought If I could bring light on this and help people- why shouldn’t I?
4. How do you deal with weight gain?
At first, I was absolutely terrified. It’s like there are 2 parts to me, my normal happy and confident self and then there’s this voice in my head that tells me all the negative parts of myself. Separating the two sides, as well as getting therapy has helped me a lot in dealing with weight gain.
5. How has taking control of your illness impacted other areas of your life?
Getting in control of my eating disorder has impacted my life in every way- I’m more productive because I am no longer starving and I am nourishing my body, I am a nicer person, I am bringing positivity and awareness on my platform…its positively impacted my life in every single way. I am so much more appreciative and grateful now as well.
6. What does self-love mean to you?
Self-love to me is getting to a place where I’m okay with myself. I think there is a lot of talk saying “You’ve got to love yourself, blah blah blah” …but I think if you get to a place where you don’t hate yourself-that’s great too!
7. How do you practice self-love daily (maybe especially on days it’s hard to do so)?
I do a meditation every morning, I just go on YouTube and search guided meditations and I do that for 10-20 minutes every morning. I also love putting some feel-good music on the speakers- my go to is Destiny’s Child- and having a little dance. It sounds silly but it really does make you feel good!
8. Mantras / motivational quotes?
You are exactly where you need to be.
&
Feel the fear and do it anyway.
♡
It’s never been more important to ASK FOR HELP if you feel you need it. Don’t suffer alone!
BEAT EATING DISORDERS
Call: 0808 801 0677
Email: help@beateatingdisorders.org.uk
SHOUT
Text: 85258
SEED Eating Disorder Support
Call: 01482 718 130
MIND
Call: 0300 123 3393
To our ICONIC Babe community, reminder: Be gentle with yourself, you’re doing the best you can. We will see you next week for another Self-Care Sunday takeover! X
Welcome to our brand-new Sunday series.
As we all navigate life through these strange and uncertain times, we know you need more authentic content from us than ever before.
We’ve teamed up with a whole host of self-care ICONS to discuss the big issues that are close to their hearts.
Their stories are woven together with hope for the future and include practical ways to harness self-love, confidence and positivity, even on the days that feel extra tough.
Tune in to our Instagram stories every Sunday for the full takeover.
Trigger Warning: Eating Disorder
ICONIC Babe Lauren Black is a social media Influencer, founder of La Prism and eating disorder warrior. She is unapologetically real and authentic, inviting her followers to live their truth and celebrate themselves every step of the way.
We talked to Lauren about her eating disorder recovery, the decision to share her journey, skinny-shaming and taking back her power.
1. You've been in Anorexia Recovery during lockdown, could you tell us a little bit about what you've been through?
It’s definitely been difficult; I think the most difficult aspect has been really realising that I was ill- mentally and physically. The second most difficult thing was rebuilding my relationship with food. I’ve had to reintroduce foods I hadn’t let myself eat before, I had to increase my portion sizes and accept that I was going to gain weight. That was by far the hardest thing I have ever had to do.
2. What Is An Eating Disorder?
Eating disorders are a mental illness. Typically, the person is very underweight (but not always!) it can manifest differently in each person. It is a mental illness that doesn’t disappear once you gain weight- it really is an ongoing mental battle.
3. Why did you decide to share your journey and how did you come to the decision of doing so?
It was a huge decision to document my eating disorder, but I thought if I was struggling with this then thousands of others could be too. I thought If I could bring light on this and help people- why shouldn’t I?
4. How do you deal with weight gain?
At first, I was absolutely terrified. It’s like there are 2 parts to me, my normal happy and confident self and then there’s this voice in my head that tells me all the negative parts of myself. Separating the two sides, as well as getting therapy has helped me a lot in dealing with weight gain.
5. How has taking control of your illness impacted other areas of your life?
Getting in control of my eating disorder has impacted my life in every way- I’m more productive because I am no longer starving and I am nourishing my body, I am a nicer person, I am bringing positivity and awareness on my platform…its positively impacted my life in every single way. I am so much more appreciative and grateful now as well.
6. What does self-love mean to you?
Self-love to me is getting to a place where I’m okay with myself. I think there is a lot of talk saying “You’ve got to love yourself, blah blah blah” …but I think if you get to a place where you don’t hate yourself-that’s great too!
7. How do you practice self-love daily (maybe especially on days it’s hard to do so)?
I do a meditation every morning, I just go on YouTube and search guided meditations and I do that for 10-20 minutes every morning. I also love putting some feel-good music on the speakers- my go to is Destiny’s Child- and having a little dance. It sounds silly but it really does make you feel good!
8. Mantras / motivational quotes?
You are exactly where you need to be.
&
Feel the fear and do it anyway.
♡
It’s never been more important to ASK FOR HELP if you feel you need it. Don’t suffer alone!
BEAT EATING DISORDERS
Call: 0808 801 0677
Email: help@beateatingdisorders.org.uk
SHOUT
Text: 85258
SEED Eating Disorder Support
Call: 01482 718 130
MIND
Call: 0300 123 3393
To our ICONIC Babe community, reminder: Be gentle with yourself, you’re doing the best you can. We will see you next week for another Self-Care Sunday takeover! X
