Owning an Athletic Business While Battling Binge Eating Disorder: My Journey
Running an athletics brand like Guerra Athletics often leads people to assume that my life is all about fitness, discipline, and health. But behind the scenes, my journey is more complex. I struggle daily with Binge Eating Disorder (BED)—a condition that brings both physical and emotional challenges, especially when trying to live an active lifestyle.
BED developed in my life as a way to cope with a lot of childhood trauma and stressors. Now, I’m actively working to make healthier choices for myself and my future wellbeing, but it is definitely a journey with lots of ups and downs.
For those that don’t know much about BED let me tell you a little more about it…
The Cycle of Binge Eating Disorder
Binge Eating Disorder isn’t about simply overeating; it’s a consuming cycle that impacts mental health, self-worth, and physical wellbeing. Some days, I feel strong and energized, able to fuel my body with nourishing food and hit my workouts hard. Other days, I find myself falling into the cycle of binge eating—reaching for comfort in food, only to be met with overwhelming guilt and self-criticism afterward. These moments can feel isolating, especially when people assume that, as an entrepreneur in the fitness industry, I must have it all together.
What makes it even more difficult is that, as someone who promotes healthy living, I feel a deep sense of responsibility toward my community. So, when I “fall off the wagon,” the disappointment I feel isn't just personal—it's compounded by the fear of being seen as a fraud in my own space. The shame that comes after a binge is crushing and the negative self-talk can be relentless. I often feel like I’ve failed, not just myself but the very people who look to me for inspiration.
The Ups and Downs of Eating Well
When I’m in a good place mentally, eating well feels natural. I’m able to make choices that fuel my body for workouts, and I feel proud of myself for nurturing my body. But, as with any disorder, BED doesn’t just go away with willpower or a good day. The “high” of feeling in control can quickly turn into the deep low of binging again.
Those moments of slipping up often feel like I'm erasing all the progress I’ve made. It’s hard not to be angry with myself, wondering why I can’t just get it right. But I’ve learned that this black-and-white thinking—good or bad, success or failure—is part of the disorder’s grip. And each time, I have to remind myself that recovery isn’t linear.
Being Kind to Ourselves: Breaking the Cycle
What I’ve come to understand through this journey is that self-compassion is key. Beating ourselves up for struggling only deepens the pain and reinforces the negative cycle. I’ve started to reframe my setbacks as part of a longer process of healing rather than personal failure. No matter how many times I slip up, it doesn’t erase the work I’ve put in to overcome BED.
If you’re going through this struggle, I want you to know that you’re not alone. Eating disorders can make us feel like we’re hiding in plain sight, especially when we're trying to balance them with an active lifestyle. It’s important to acknowledge that this is a real mental health challenge, and like all mental health challenges, it deserves patience, understanding, and care.
Seeking Professional Help: A Path to Healing
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned on this journey is that I don’t have to do it alone—and neither do you. Seeking professional help has been an essential step in my healing process. Therapists and dietitians who specialize in eating disorders can help break the cycle of binge eating and teach us strategies for coping in healthier ways. They offer a safe space to process the emotions that lead to binging and help us to understand the underlying issues.
If you’re struggling with BED or any other eating disorder, please don’t hesitate to seek professional support. It’s not a sign of weakness but a step toward reclaiming your life. The journey toward healing may be long and challenging, but it’s one worth taking. There is no shame in asking for help when you need it.
Embracing Progress Over Perfection
As I continue to balance the demands of my business with my personal healing, I’ve learned to embrace progress over perfection. Some days, it’s enough to just be kind to myself, even if that means accepting that I’m not perfect. There will be ups and downs in recovery, just as there are in business, but each day offers an opportunity to start again.
Remember, healing isn’t about never falling—it's about how we rise after we do. Let’s give ourselves the grace to keep going, even on the hardest days.
Final Thoughts
To everyone who feels like they’re struggling with an eating disorder while trying to live an active lifestyle, I see you. You are not alone in this fight. Be gentle with yourself, celebrate your small victories, and know that you’re deserving of kindness—especially from yourself. We can get through this together, one step, one meal, one workout at a time.
Let’s continue to show up for ourselves, our health, and our dreams. And if you need it, never be afraid to ask for help. You are worth it.
Resources:
If you or someone you know is struggling with Binge Eating Disorder or another eating disorder, please consider reaching out to organizations like NEDA (National Eating Disorders Association) for support, guidance, and professional resources.
