Dear Natalie,
I am 14 years old and I have been overweight most of my life.
Right now I weigh about 160 lbs. and am about 5'4".A few years ago I had a problem with my nerves and became anorexic but after about a year and a half I gained my weight back. I love to dance and I hope someday to make a career out of it. I want to lose weight to feel better about myself and to improve my dancing I am not trying to lose weight for anyone but me. I read your story and it reminded myself a lot of me because I have gone to allot of extremes too, so I was wondering if you had any tips or advice for me. If you did it would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Erica

The good thing is you know how damaging being anorexic can be especially for a dancer who has to have strong muscles and lots of fuel, so if you do find yourself going down that path ask for help.

Your body is still changing so it is really important for you to nourish and cherish your own unique body. Here are my tips -
Work on loving yourself and feeling good about all aspects of who you are - your mind, heart and soul.
Focus on the talent you have to offer.
Never compare yourself to others.
Love and accept your body as it is right now.
Never, never, beat yourself up, remember- you are where you are for a reason.
I have found that there is no magic cure. You have to come to terms with what works for you. Open your mind to feeling and thinking in a different way.
When you struggle to overcome unhealthy relationships with food, you learn that your body responds best to certain types and amounts of food. Maintaining weight when you have associated food with emotional needs is a process that requires serious attention. Here are some guidelines I find helpful that are in the Create the Life You Want channel (these are based on my own personal experience and studied research).

1. Always eat breakfast, whether it's fruit, yogurt, oatmeal, grains, or eggs. Start the day feeling satisfied and fueled for the tasks you need to achieve.
2. Drink a lot of water, one quart if you can. Not only does water flush your entire system and help eliminate toxins, it's also a necessary element for healthy cell function. Sometimes when you feel tired all you may need is a glass of water.
3. Pay attention to your portions during mealtimes and listen to your body, it will tell you when you are full.
4. Do not allow food to supplant other inner needs. When you are hungry or have specific cravings, do a mental and emotional check. Ask yourself, "Why do I want to eat?" Is it true hunger, or is there something in your life that you are not dealing with?
5. Do not get tired or overstressed (for us, feelings of exhaustion can fuel an unhealthy eating pattern).
6. Exercise regularly; find something you enjoy doing; make moving your body every day a part of your life; and find joy in feeling your muscles move. This will be an easy one for you I bet.
7. Pay attention to your emotional and spiritual self-feed your soul with quiet time and meditation (pray to your higher power every day if that is your belief).
8. Keep life simple.
9. Be self-aware. The information you attain keeps you in touch with your own truth. If you live your life consciously, knowing your needs and desires, you will be able to orchestrate your dreams.
10. Never judge or beat up on yourself. Take moments of self-hatred as a challenge to love you on a deeper level.
11. Do not starve or ban foods you desire. This behavior will only backfire on you, causing you to make up for feelings of deprivation.
12. Eat for health and fuel. Exercise for health and fun. Meditate for health and happiness.

These ideas can all be incorporated into your life right now! Be gentle with yourself and get in the habit of relying on your inner self for direction.
Take it slow and enjoy yourself - you will get to where you want to be by just being yourself.

Namaste,
Natalie

Dear Erica,

I think it is remarkable for someone your age to understand how overcoming your worries and "nerves" helps you. Your desire to lose weight seems now to be based on your career choice as a dancer. Most dance troupes, like modeling agencies, put an excessive emphasis on thinness, and I understand that you are trying to fit your body into this new mold. How much you are able to change your body will depend on how your body responds to weight loss. Unfortunately, the less you weigh, the less you get to eat and is all based on your metabolism and how it changes when you lose weight.
I recommend to my patients that they select a body weight that enables them to eat at least 1500 calories per day and exercise 1000 calories per week. Eat and exercise at those amounts and your body will level off at some weight that will be your ideal. If this weight is not "thin enough" for professional dancing according to the "experts", it does not mean that you should change your weight any further. That weight is the best that you can do, and continue your dance training despite other's potential negative comments. Somewhere, there will be a place for your dancing in this world....Will be watching for you on a stage somewhere in the coming years....

Sincerely,
The Doctor