I’ve gained a lot of weight over the last couple of years- Just life beating me down so I took refuge in food. And I was sabotaging myself. I held onto all of my tiny clothes as a reminder to lose weight. But I was battling something deep. I was so unhealthy mentally and I was desperate because I thought fixing the outside would fix the inside.

I fad dieted (even when I knew it was unsustainable and restrictions never help); I took medicine; I tried starving myself. All of this would lead to binges which would lead to guilt and more binging. It was a nasty cycle that I was doing to myself. It was vicious and it was killing me. I was literally on the edge of committing myself because I couldn’t handle it anymore. But an amazing woman was there for me. She helped guide me and helped me see the light.

I cleaned out my closet and got rid of 90% of it. I don’t restrict myself, I just listen to what my body needs. My hunger levels, my full levels. Plenty of protein and carbs and even fats (I do take fiber because I just don’t adore veggies). I threw out the diet pills and the “food journal” (where I wrote down every item, calorie, and macro- and I was stupid enough to punish and reward my body for being strict) Exercise and staying active is important but you can’t let it consume you. Find something you love and do it because you love it not because you feel you “have to”. I know as I continue to listen to me and take care of me that weight loss will be a natural side effect, so I can focus on just being better and getting better. Having lazy days and junk food days and then days where I’m eating healthier things because my body wants it and going on long bike rides. Feel the breeze and enjoy the sun.

To fix the outside, the inside has to be balanced. -

I’ve got nothing but great things to say about Lori Ann! She is the best kind of coach you could ever want because she’s been in your shoes and has recovered from an eating disorder herself. She “walks the walk and talks the talk” by being a great example of what a recovered person is, period.

I’ve found her to be someone that radiates positivity, support and unending encouragement that’s truly infectious.

I’ve truly enjoyed working with her and love how she finds fun, creative ways to help you be accountable and making progress towards your goals. Her “Gratitude Journal” is a great example and I found it to be so extremely helpful in my recovery.

When I think of an eating disorder recovery coach, Lori Ann quickly comes to my mind because she simply “gets it” and she wants to see you get healthier, stronger and better. What more could you ask for?! ​

I reached out to Lori Ann after getting yet another recommendation for a higher level of care. I struggled with the options of putting my life on hold for who knows how long to seek more treatment, or to try something brand new. Lori Ann took my call with so much enthusiasm and positivity that I was skeptical. Surely my stubborn and persistent ED will walk all over her, I need someone tough, that can hold me accountable. How could her bubbly energy turn my lack of motivation in recovery around? Lori Ann ended up being exactly what I needed, at a time when I was floundering despite twice a week therapy sessions. Unlike therapy, Lori Ann makes herself available to her clients whenever they’re struggling. She’s taught me the value in reaching out and not struggling alone, she’s helped me set achievable goals, given me the daily accountability to meet them, and helped me turn around my lack of motivation into positive steps toward recovery. Having someone on my team that’s been through their own journey of recovery has helped me feel understood in a way that only someone that’s struggled with an ED can understand. Lori Ann has held steady patience when I stumble, given me perspective when I was lost in urges, and proven that her persistence is stronger than my eating disorder. My only regret is not seeking out a recovery coach a long time ago, it’s truly been the missing piece in my support system that has helped the most in actually living recovery. ​