Overcoming Body Dysmorphia: One Reddit User’s Journey to a Healthier Lifestyle

The Constant Struggle with Body Dysmorphia

This Reddit user, kayleenuh, knows all too well how difficult it can be to overcome body dysmorphia. Even after losing an impressive 51 pounds and dropping from 206 to 155 pounds, kayleenuh admits that she sometimes looks in the mirror and thinks “I don’t even look different.” She is not alone in this struggle, as several commenters share similar experiences and relate to her story.

The Importance of Before-and-After Photos

One commenter, Mavi-021271, acknowledges that body dysmorphia can be a vicious thing to overcome. They also point out that kayleenuh looks fabulous and congratulates her on her hard work to get healthy. Kayleenuh agrees and stresses the importance of before-and-after photos. These photos help her see just how much progress she has made, even when her mind tricks her into thinking otherwise.

The Role of Mindfulness and Being Mindful

Kayleenuh attributes her success to multiple factors, including portion control, balancing drinking, full-time therapy, and medication. She also became a vegetarian/pescatarian and cut back on dairy. Kayleenuh mentions that being mindful, weighing herself regularly, and tracking her progress using apps like MyFitnessPal have helped her understand what foods make her bloat and where her calories should stay to maintain. Additionally, subscribing to subreddits like /volumeeating and /1200isplenty helped her find foods that kept her full and were low in calories.

The Importance of Full-Time Therapy

Going to full-time therapy and taking medication for depression played a crucial role in kayleenuh’s journey. She was super depressed after being in an abusive relationship that led her to binge drink a lot. In therapy, she learned how to cope with her emotional pain without resorting to destructive behaviors like binge drinking. Seeking professional help can also benefit those who are struggling with body dysmorphia and other mental health issues.

The Takeaway

Kayleenuh’s journey shows that weight loss is not just about exercise and diet. Body dysmorphia can make it hard for people to see the progress they have made, and seeking professional help can make a big difference. Additionally, being mindful, tracking progress, and finding foods that keep you full while still managing calorie intake can be helpful. However, it is essential to remember that everyone’s journey is unique, and what worked for kayleenuh may not work for you. It is always best to consult with a healthcare professional before making any dietary or lifestyle changes.