I’ve been getting hate from vegans for not being vegetarian anymore, and l'm frankly so confused. Reminder that I’m a human, with feelings, and that you have absolutely no idea what actually goes on with my life and my health day to day. I'm not eating meat every single day, and I'm not 'killing animals' (as one person said). I’m one person who can’t be a vegan because I need to prioritise my health. I have a massive heart and I adore animals - trust me it took me months to come to this decision. Someone called it a 'little thought experiment'. Guys, I have a RESTRICTIVE eating disorder which nearly killed me. If I need to eat fish a couple times a week to make sure I live a full and healthy life, recover fully and am not restricting - I don't think it needs to be something I'm made to feel guilty for. It's a decision I explained and I don't want to feel restricted and as if I can't join in with things. I'm not asking for opinions on it, I'm explaining it so that people aren't surprised when they see me eating different things. Don’t bother commenting if you’re going to berate me for making a decision that’s best for me. I do my best to be kind always. I ask that you do the same.
I had to make this same decision and I am SO proud of you, Ro. Keep being brave and vulnerable and authentic and challenging the eating disorder voice. 🔥
The way people worry more about the animals you eat rather than your recovery baffles me quite a bit. You can care about animals while still being respectful about other people's choices to eat them, _especially_ when it concerns recovery. A lot of vegans have pretty big virtue signaling problems and hone in so hard on the "eating animals is immoral" argument that they ignore every other factor that plays into people making decisions like this. It's kind of insane. Keep doing what's best for you, Ro. Your journey is inspiring a lot of people to love themselves and I'm grateful you're sharing it with us.
I'm so sorry people are sending you hate. I'm vegan myself but prioritising your health is so so important and that's your decision and nobody else's. You can be so proud of yourself for how far you've come and you should never have to feel guilty about doing what's best for you x
I am sorry you're getting these reaction. I have a lot of respect for you for realising and admitting that eating vegetarian may be related to your ED. It doesn't mean that all the other reasons for going vegetarian were not true motivations. They very well may have been, and perhaps still are. You can always go back to eating vegetarian if you feel like you want it and it is for the right reasons. I applaud you for making the decision to challange your ED _despite_ all the valid reasons to stay vegetarian. That must have been hard. It just goes to show how serious you are about recovery and how much you respect yourself, your body and your mental health.
As someone who is forced to eat a 90% meat diet to survive (veganism in my teens destroyed my health), I can tell you that depriving yourself of meat in your diet is not the way to live a happy and healthy life, no matter what people might tell you. Eat what your body needs and ignore the haters! Proud of you Ro.
I used to watch Ro’s videos and think “god I wish I could recover like her”, one day I finally realized that I could recover if I wanted to. Then, I wanted to recover and she helped me so much. I’ve been “fully” recovered for 6 months now and I’m so glad I found the strength to do it
One thing about eds is that as much as I would never wish them on ANYONE , they really make you value the things that most people take for granted . Feeling rested , feeling satiated/full, taking the easier road , sleeping in your own bed , having a normal conversation , feeling focused , seeing people , evenings in , evenings out - all the little moments in life that most people would gloss over , you come to value . _(:3 」∠)_ that’s my hot take !
One of my old friends once said to another girl “ I hope you get @norexi@ and die” and then proceeded to show off about her own Ed. I don’t believe that anyone who has ever truly suffered with an Ed could wish it upon anyone else
After I got depressed and totally lost appetite, I was so happy when I got my appetite back. Being able to eat is wonderful. I understand every moment you mentioned. Thank you for the reminder! Have a great week ❤
I began recovery a year and a half ago and I’m doing so well now, but I’ll never forget the horror of fortisip omg. If any of u have had to drink it, I know it’s not the best lmao but you can get through this.
Actually I think you carrying on with this channel and showing your life after recovery is just as important as your journey to recovery that you documented. Because to me seeing the drastic difference of where you started out and the person who you have become now who can do and achieve all of these things and actually enjoy her life is the biggest motivation to keep choosing recovery for myself. You're literally showing by example that recovery is first of all possible and also completely worth it.
as a vegan I don’t understand other vegans who try to force their believes on everyone, u should be respectful towards people opinion , we live in free world, btw i am so proud of you, u r such an inspiration and your channel helped me a lot through my recovery journey 🫶🏻🫶🏻
Veganism isn't a diet though. You're talking about the animal rights movement, which is a social justice movement which is completely different to the diet, that is not even half of the philosophy. Wfpbd is separate to the animal rights movement of veganism.
Your answer about "Do I regret my ED?" was perfect. Thank you. Getting ill was never any of our fault and therefore we can't regret it. And we would have become great people without the hell of ED.
My dad used to lock me in a room alone with all my meals until I'd finished it all. Its only given me trauma around my home and meal times. I'm so glad you're parents were never aggressive to you because it honestly held me back so much. thank you for helping me choose recovery for ME you bring me so much comfort and motivation
My mom had a eating disorder in her teens. Her grandmother would feed her whatever she wanted and never gave her portions, just endless food. They would praise her for eating so much and then when she was finished they would sing, fatty fatty 2 by 4, can't fit through the kitchen door. They judge her for the eating disorder and didn't understand how she developed it. She had a horrible relationship with food for a long time because of it. Why are some family members so evil? I'm sorry you had to experience that. Proud of you though!! Keep growing and blossoming!!
My ED also cost me my A-levels, (I sat them, but absolutely flopped) and it's SO disheartening to be asked 'So, what are you doing now/next?' by people, even if they mean well. I genuinely don't know what to do with my life, but that's not the response anyone ever wants. I'm sorry not to be living up to their expectations, but I'm a burnt-out former gifted kid who's doing her fucking best, and I need to remember that that's enough. We all do. 💛
Sis there ain’t no past tense in gifted ! A levels aren’t the be all and end all , and loads of successful people didn’t even TAKE any qualifications! Ur still so young , you’ll find your way if u give it a chance ❤
There will be more chances to fix your grades. I skipped school so much in my teens for various reasons, and after a few years I decided to fix my grades (years after my classmates had graduated). I fixed my grades and managed to get top grades, and I’ve studied psychology at uni. and now I’m studying law at university. It’s not too late, take it in your pace and compare yourself with you and the steps forward are yours to keep. It’s also ok to stand still and also moving backwards. Tend to your mental health and know it will be ok. *You are not alone and you are so valid* ❤
A path never ends though. Just because your ED caused you to shift from paths doesn't mean you've failed, it just means life has chosen different possibilities for you. There is no right or wrong path, each and every path has it's benefits and downfalls, you'll be okay. Also, regarding life choices (specifically pointing at career).. Something that has helped me is asking myself this: ''What job would you find the least agonising to work at for an extended period of your life?'' Like every job for me is a big no, fucking hate everything, but if I were to see what would be doable, I was actually able to choose between 2 jobs. (Instead of labeling it as ''My dream job'', I'd label it as ''Least worst job'').
Ro, I love your self-reflective talking, about literally anything ,even if ed- or ptsd-related stuff will not be on your agenda in the future, you are such an enrichment for the internet through your personalty and perspective and I am pretty thankful
Hearing you say 'I don't even think/worry about the calories anymore' is just absolutely incredible. I cannot believe how far you have come and to hear that that is an actual possibility is just amazing. Thank you Ro
The fact that you made (and are still making) such a strong recovery despite all the struggles and people doubting you is a testament to your willpower and dedication. It is really inspiring to see you grow and follow your own path. I'm going into my 20s as well and it does feel like a different era! Best wishes to you and I hope you have a great time for your birthday whatever you end up doing
I'm so glad you talked about this. I've been struggling with anorexia and bulimia for almost 12 years, and i've started being a vegetarian during that time. At first, i thought that it only was for the environment etc, but i've been thinking about that a lot those past few months, and i actually think that it might have been a way to restrict, find excuses, and have control over my meals. I've been eating fish for almost 2 years now, and i actually kinda want to eat meat again someday but i found it so hard because i've never enjoyed it a lot (i adored my mom's chicken curry and barbecues) and i also because of, i mean, the animals. I've been struggling with those thoughts so i'm glad to see that you talked about it
I’m so glad that you addressed the relationship between vegetarianism and ED. I also went vegetarian, but mostly to further my restriction and to keep people from asking questions. Since I’ve been in recovery I’ve been eating everything (except lamb, lobster and veal) because I didn’t eat these foods before I went vegetarian. Anyway, fully support people who need to incorporate all the food groups for the sake of mental health.
I didn’t go to uni until I was 36. If you want to go there is always time. Having said that my husband never went to uni and has never been out of a job. There’s plenty of time for you to decide what you want to do. ❤
Hey Ro, sorry for the unsolicited advice feel free to completely ignore it! I was in a fairly similar situation with college and I was too unwell to sit my Alevels at 18. I ended up sitting my Alevels using an online site called uplearn and sitting them as a private candidate at 19/20. It worked really well for me as I had no stress of deadlines and could do them purely from my own home. I went to uni at 20 and am so so happy. I know everyone is different but I just wanted you to know that if it is something you want to do it is still possible! You seem to be smashing life at the moment :)
I don’t have an ED but I do have PTSD, AUDHD and OCD which have some overlap in symptoms etc. I struggle to honour my hunger because of executive dysfunction and I avoid foods because of textures or contamination fears. Ro, you really help me remember that no matter how much shame I feel about these things, I deserve to eat. I really enjoy having a meal with you when I’m struggling.
a few months ago I could barely eat, when I saw Ro eating what she was afraid of and recovering, she gave me strength. Without you Ro I would not be getting my life back. I love you forever Ro ❤❤
You are such a lovely and inspiring young woman and watching you truly feels like chatting w a friend ♥️ I feel similar about veganism - I love animals so don’t consciously buy animal products but if it benefits my recovery/MH to join in on pizza nights/chocolate boxes etc then I will 🫶🏻 Sooo much love for you Ro x
Hey Ro! I'm in full recovery and have been for a couple of years. Full recovery is what you said exactly, like tonight I had bread with chocolate spread and part of me was like "no! You already had bread once today!" And then I was like *shrug it off* and ate it anyway. Also, as a vegan of almost 10 years I am sorry that those annoying vegans have a go at you. The environment and the animals are always going to prefer to have healthy advocates so if your journey requires you to stop being vegetarian then your mental health is more important. Good luck with everything!
one of the best decisions in my recovery so far was showing my mum your channel 😭💓 it’s helped her so much in understanding me more and how to help me and i’m so grateful for your videos ! you help so many people and their parents everywhere 🥰
This title is everything. I wouldn't be who I am without my past, and I also can't change it. I needed to get past it to be able to help other people. There are so many reasons I don't regret it. I also never, ever want to be there again. 🙌🏻
Thank you Ro for sharing your recovery - im 34 years old and have a history of restrictions and unhealthy connection with my body and food , ive nevet called it a ED - i was vegetarian, then vegan - since 2009 ive been up and down with this , i get very obsessed with a particular kind of meal and dont realize im lacking alot of vitamins, low iron woke me and ive been trying many new things , my Iron is more normal now and i am no longer vegetarian or Vegan , i eat everything and sometimes i do enjoy a vegan meal but its not a thing - in my trying to get out of my 'food and body trap' i somehow found your videos and it has helped me to recognize my own struggle and to have more fun with food - I just wanted to say hi and thanks ♡
This video made me have a realization. Before I was in the depths of my ed, I always used to claim that I wanted to be vegan solely for the “health benefits and ethical reasons”. Now I realize those weren’t the only reasons. Now, even as I’m recovering, I still convince myself that I just don’t like the taste of certain meats. But now I realize that I haven’t given them a chance and that it may, in fact, just be my ed taking control. Thank you, Ro, for giving me the courage to stand up to that voice in my head.
Trauma sucks and I’m so sorry u have to deal with it and it is even hard to admit that you suffer from it so I’m so proud of you. Something traumatic happened to me and I first told someone about it >15 years after the event so it really is a silent killer. I wish you well and u are seriously beautiful btw
You getting to see Phoebe Bridgers live really warmed my heart. I remember when I saw it on your instagram and I got so happy for you! Also with you no longer being vegetarian, I think it is good that you are listening to yourself about it! Also eating vegetarian sometimes or mostly still does good for the enviorment and for animals. Also i would love to be able to buy one of the necklaces you have made! The ones i have seen are really cute and pretty!
I am fully recovered from Ana. Partly because of you and your videos it got easier and easier day by day. I kept going and now I am here. Thank you Ro. We love you
i was exactly the same with vegetarianism, i am now in recovery and eat fish and chicken so i have a bigger range of foods out there and not restricting whilst still honouring my love for animals at the same time
Wanted to say: I did "pick up" on the squids in your IG story, but I honestly just thought: "Yeah squid is delicious, good for her if it's part of her diet now!"❤️ Honestly, if you have an ED, I believe all foods that were cut out after you got ill should be challenged. If, in a few years, you decide to reduce your meat consumption for non-restrictive reasons, that's up to you; but with your history of anorexia, it can be very helpful to never "completely" cut out any food group categorically from your diet. Anyways, much love❤️
Here’s an interesting fact, it’s not actually the sugar that damages your teeth in fizzy drinks but the carbonic acid which slowly wears away at your enamel and causes tissues which can lead to build up of plan but the sugar does play a slight part in it but for the most part they’re both the same
i just want to thank you for saying that it’s ok to stop school for your mental health, in my mind school has always been the only thing I’m good in. My ed is the reason I’m currently redoing my school year. I wish somebody would have told me it would have been ok to take one year of(my grades last year had been ok but I would have been in my last year now) and I wish I had taken this school year as a break but atleast having done everything before lightens the pressure a bit, I’m not in recovery yet and I can’t let it go yet but it’s good to see someone saying school isn’t everything
I absolutely adore your channel, it's such comfort viewing! Hearing you speak so openly and honestly about your struggles gives me hope for the future, it's so inspiring how much you want to help others 💗💗XX
god love your gorgeous hair. the color the volume GIRLLLL. absolutely stunning. i love you so much!! you’ve genuinely helped me so much throughout recovery. i haven’t watched your content as much recently as i am doing well in recovery and don’t need the support but i’m very happy to see you realized your vegetarianism might have had some hidden motives. thank you so much roe. you’ve helped so many people.
YPU are such a HUGE Motivation and Inspiration in my recovery, thank you! I am so proud of you for how you are always pushing through and don’t give up ❤️
i'm pretty much recovered from my ed (over a year WHOOP), and i have you to thank. you showed me recovery was an option. but even though i don't need that much eating support anymore, your videos just calm me down and are a place where i can just be chill lol so here i am
about the vegetarian thing- i’ve recently gone pescatarian (fish only) and i’ve been sticking at it for a good few months now. i’m recovered well enough that i feel i can do it for good reasons rather than disordered ones. however it does have its downsides- firstly people constantly say shit like “oh so you won’t eat a pig but you’ll eat salmon”, almost questioning my moral beliefs. this is triggering as it leads to guilt, since honestly i can’t even respond to it. like yeah, if i care so much about animals why not give up fish? and i feel like i have to “justify” what i choose to eat. even though fish is my favourite, i love sushi etc, and it’s a good source of protein without having to take supplements. sometimes having a diet like this one can feel limiting. there’s only so much tofu and quorn you can eat before you start to feel unsatisfied. and if there’s one thing i don’t want, it’s to feel unhappy with what i eat. that could easily spiral. so i don’t blame anyone for not being able to go vegetarian/ vegan, or trying and not sticking to it. you’re free to make your own choices. plus if you care about the environment, even eating a little less meat is still beneficial. there’s too much pressure to be morally perfect especially from more extreme people in those communities. we need to chill with the guilt tripping and just let people enjoy what they choose to enjoy. plus, most animals are raised well and killed humanely so it’s not like meat eaters are actively partaking in animal torture. sorry for the long comment i have so many thoughts on this lmao. i’ve enjoyed being pescatarian so far :) i was never a big meat fan anyways
you look GORGEOUS I‘ve been watching your videos since the beginning and the way you’re dealing with recovery is so inspiring to me and i hope you know we are so incredibly proud of you ❤
I love how real you are with sharing your recovery!❤️🩹You and your comforting videos have helped so many who suffer 💗thank you so much for what you do🫶🏻 sending love from Germany :))
I find these videos so helpful and have helped me in my recovery to challenge myself more, also just wanted to add you can absolutely still go back to college if/whenever you want, I dropped out of college because I couldn't handle it also, and I'm now 22 and have just started college again to get my ALevels and I'm not even the oldest one there! Also big love for you and this channel
you’ll never hear someone who is fully recovered saying « i regret recovery », if your mind ever told you that you should regret recovery , then it’s only because you’re not recovered
I was a vegetarian for three years. Then i got sick in ARFID and i couldn't eat much of what i used to, substitutes or beans etc. I was so hungry. I had to make a choice - and i chose my own life. It might be selfish if you put it that way, because yes i eat the bodies of something that used to live and have feelings of their own... But people really can't blame another person for surviving, and hopefully thriving after making that choice. One can do a hundred things for the planet besides not eating meat. But one person can't do everything, because in the end we are all just... Humans.
Thank you for being honest about the vegetarian thing, I've also been through this process on my recovery and its important to see other people on this journey. I hope you know that there is a lot of other ways of helping animals and the environment and we don't have to put our healt aside to do that. You're looking amazing in this vid and your hair is getting prettier every day 💕
I'm so happy that you're questioning you're vegetarianism. In hospital I met so many vegetarian and vegan people who would always get angry when I asked them about their diet. It's strong to question eating habits you've been sticking to even if you thought they were because of other reasons
Please make a Christmas video with all the customs and traditions that you and your family maintain. I'm German u love these old British Christmas movies that are quirky, weirdly funny and crazy old-fashioned... Like notting Hill, actually love, Bridget Jones,..
Have followed you since day one because of exactly these incredibly wise thoughts and just who you are as a person. Love that your answers are so nuanced and show that not everything is black and white. I've never had an ED but also decided not to call myself a vegetarian (although I mostly eat vegetarian food and care about the environment), because I don't like putting put restrictions on food at all. And that's okay. If you change your name from rorecovery, that's okay as well, you are so much more and we are many who don't view this primarily as a recovery channel. I've never in my life been so proud of someone I don't know and would like to thank you for letting my come along on your journey.
I dont know how to feel about my friend with an eating disorder. She's had one way longer than me; since she was an adolescent. She was told by doctors that eating disorders aren't something that ever truly go away so she has absolutely no faith in recovery, and I think she uses this as an excuse not to try. I also try to nudge her towards watching and talking about some of the things that helped me, like your channel but it seems like she thinks it'll all just trigger her. She prioritises everything else in life, including other aspects of mental health, to avoid facing her eating disorder
As someone who doesn't remember my 21st birthday (and party) because I was entirely caught up with my ED and anorexia was in complete control. Celebrate it, do something special, do something you'd really enjoy.
I don't and have never had an ed, but I do have agoraphobia and some other mh struggles and I really relate to Ro saying that she feels disconected from her peers. I can barely leave the house at times and I feel like my peers on on a whole different level and place in tehir life.
these videos are so helpful. I would really like to know what you can tell parents so that they stop getting so angry at you and giving you huge rants telling you that you are just being defiant or its only hard. My parents dont understand and have no idea what im going through. The only reason I eat some food is because I'm scared of what they will do or how they will react
You're such an inspiration, Ro ! It makes me happy seeing you doing so well. I want to recover as well (I've been stuck in quasi recovery for years and have a normal bmi) however, if I eat anything carby/fatty/sugary I literally can't stop. It's really not possible, I eat until I'm in severe pain. My mum always comments on how much I'm eating and that I can't be this hungry which makes me feel worse. Also I'm so afraid to stop exercising(is it true that you shouldn't work out at all if you want to get your period back?) I feel like everyone who recovers still exercises and no one overshoots like I did..
This is so helpful to me, thanks Ro! I feel torn about being vegetarian and whether I need to let that ‘restriction’ and ‘label’ go in order to fully recover. This has really made me think xxx
You dont Need to quit unless you certainly know you went veggie because of health reasons. I am a recovering living in a vegan household with my partner who is also vegan but not disordered. I have questioned my veganism at times because its heavily discussed in this ed recovery community. But for me it was never about health or restricting, as I can cook the same meals as I could non vegan. But that’s also because I live in Sweden and the options in grocery stores here are endless. Heavily consider your main intentions before going back to meat! If you do it’s always an option to go back to veggie when you’re fully recovered. Im almost fully recovered. Got my period back a few months ago, at a healthy weight 😊 just need to work on my inner thoughts
@@tuvi0032 ah thank you for e he sting your experience. I became veggie when I was anorexic but I also never much loved meat and fish so it is hard to work out what my primary motive was. I will think carefully about it. I am so so glad you’re recovering ❤️
I’ve been fully recovered for a year and 1/2 now thanks to ur videos. Ur channel and story is what keeps me going. Thank u for everything u do u lovely 🤍🌈
I moved out in January of this year and was a vegetarian. As of July, I had to switch to pescatarianism, and I have noticed a massive difference in terms of restrictiveness. My iron levels were also dropping, and I was already having trouble retaining nutrients due to leaky gut (resultant from years of laxative abuse). I love animals, and genuinely dislike the taste of most meat, but prioritising your mental and physical health should ultimately prevail
Thank you for addressing the relationship between being veganism and ED's. I've been a vegetarian for a couple of years now and I can pretty much eat what I've always eaten, but with meat alternatives if needed. I live in a country where vegetarian options are always available and I don't really have to think much about my cooking or going out for dinner. I've gotten some questions about why I'm not going vegan from people around me. In my teenage years I've dealt with ED's for years and going back to a situation in which I always have to think about "can i eat this?" "are there any alternatives for this?" "oh I need to check the label" " does this restaurant have anything i can eat?" would be so triggering for me - it would put me in such a bad place. Good that veganism works for a lot of people, but I know I need to prioritise my mental health at this stage.
I regret mine. 48 yrs old, lost most of my original teeth, broken too many bones to count, lost close to a million $ due to treatment/medical costs, the list goes on. Fix it early, before all is lost
I hate that I got unwell and I don’t regret recovery at all. Not sure if you watched the video all the way but I definitely wasn’t saying I’m grateful for it ❤️
The vegetarian thing is so true i also went veggie in the mist of my ed and recently have started to eat meat again, i feel so much more free now its crazy. I realised i don't actually enjoy meat that much but allowing myself the option has been so good and healing honestly.
Hello lovely, on the topic of university I went to university and that's when my alcohol addiction spiraled out of control and I think with all the pressure, deadlines, new surroundings it might set someone back with their ED if they aren't fully confident. Don't feel any pressure to do things you don't want to, stick to the path you want to take. It really resonated with me when you were speaking about parents, my Mum used to shout endlessly at me and even get physical with me and none of it ever helped if anything it made me worse it was only when I got my own flat and done recovery myself for me was I able to recover. I don't know if it's the same with ED but with addiction I always say no amount of love or anything will help someone stop the only person who can stop it is theirselves and as always I'm so proud of you, I love seeing when you put out a new video 💗
im so proud of u for noticing that vegetarianism might not be the best for you in recovery right now. my doctor told me the same thing after going pescatarian for years, and it was so freeing in the end to be able to let go of the restrictions. there are many ways to help the environment and animals that are not limited to eating plant-based. all the best !
Hi Ro and whoever else may be reading this! I hope you’re doing so well :) I’ve been in recovery since January and I’ve been watching this channel for so much longer than that. I’m so proud of you for the things you do on here! Today I cooked for the first time again and I ate it all. It was a cheese toastie. I probably added more pepper than I would’ve liked but still. It was tasty. I’m so proud of myself. Thanks for making these videos Ro! If anybody who needs to hear this is reading it- yes, recovery is worth it and it’s so possible! Keep trying lovelies! - Sam 🍓🌿🐸
Heyo, I know how hard it is to have to go in a different direction after going veg/vegan for ethical and environmental reasons. Going through this myself and I agonized over the decision... but in the end I had to do it for my health. I think something that stuck with me is that eating meat doesn't have to look the same as it did before- you can take what you've learned during that veggie period and apply it going forward. Sourcing as ethically as you can and educating yourself about where you can go for more farm-to-table restaurants and local options etc is something you can still do for harm-reduction. It's not like you have to just give up on practicing compassion and thoughtfulness altogether. Good luck and thanks for your content
i love these sit down chatty videos, ro you are 10000% my comfort youtuber you just seem to have such a genuine and kind soul, alsoo i have ordered a t-shirt and i am so excited for it to come x
I'd be happy if you continue to make videos. They're just so comforting. They don't have to be related to eating, just do whatever makes you the most happy
also agree heavily with the vegetarian thing! did it for very much disordered reasons and felt so bad when I started eating meat again but sometimes its for the best, have to put yourself first!!
ive been in recovery for about 2/3 months and its truly saved my life and i just love the food freedom i have. i do get the weird ana thoughts but i have been able to push through. I cant imagine going back and redoing all that treatment again. Thats also been part of my motivation. but i wish everyone the best in recovery. Recovery is a bitch
I really appreciate you and your channel. I have so much respect for your honesty. And definitely for knowing being a vegan or vegetarian IS restrictive. Your realization and choice was very wise and will bear much fruit for your recovery. Sending my love. Take good care, Ro. 🙏🏻❤️
Dear Ro I really appreciate you to teach people to eat with their body and not with their brain. This was a hard one for me aswell when I started to eat meat and animal products after three years of being vegan. And I really have to tell you that I feel mentally and physically stronger since eating meat again. Try to ignore those super radical extremist vegans that think that they have the best diet. You are doing it wonderful by showing that you just eat what your Body really needs and fancy. It absolutely does not mean that you don't care about animals and the environment when you eat meat. Keep doing what makes you and your wonderful body happy! And thank you for reminding us to do the same! Lots of love Greetings from Switzerland
(Sent this on insta as well after seeing that you were getting hate) As a vegan I completely understand. If I’d gone veggie when I was restricting there is no way I could be doing it healthily now. I look up to you so much and it’s great to see that you can admit to yourself and the internet that you need to do this. If the ethical/environmental side of things worry you, there are other things you can do instead but no one should make you feel guilty either way x
I never normally comment but I wanted to say that you have helped me SO much. Like you have helped me so so much throughout recovery and I can’t thank you enough! ❤️❤️
Every time I watch your videos I want to push my self even more in recovery and feel freer (even if I’m conscious I’ve already come so far). 😊 Thank you for talking with us and sharing your ideas/experiences…it is truly helpful! ❤️
this time last year i found your channel and i was going through the hardest time ever. i may miss my sick body sometimes, but i dont miss my sick life. im now in college - having narrowly passed my gsces and just turned 17. i've finally made friends for the first time in my life. i got excited about claiming a free bakewell tart from costa on my birthday. i went to the cinema and had a picknmix (entirely chocolate ofc.) i even get a sausage roll on the way home from college sometimes. most of it was up to you - which sounds like a lotta pressure, but i gotta be honest! you are such a beautiful soul and i will continue to watch and support your content no matter which direction it goes in. thank you, ro! :D
I get what you said about recovery. I have anxiety, depression and I've been treated for OCD in the past. My doctors keep saying it's never going to fully go away and I accept that, but right now I am living my best life; the voices are there but I'm not always listening to them. You (and everyone else) will get there too
You're right about the "it's always gonna be in your head" thing. Well... It's part or our vulnerabilities, but it's not true that it will be the same or the same intensity. It might come back a little bit at times when we don't cope as well, but we still can recover!!!
Currently really struggling with the vegetarian thing (and just recovery in general) as well. I've been craving meat and it has made me feel so guilty, but it was really reassuring to hear you share your opinion
Ugh yes on the return to life! We've been locked down an extra year because of having a pandemic baby, we didn't want her to get sick. Now she's vaccinated and I'm having ED therapy homework to go out and buy a donut to challenge the "but then people will see me buying the donut and judge me!" intrusive thought, but I've been struggling to do it and the social anxiety along with the ED anxiety are compounding! Ro give me strength!
my mum also suffered badly with anorexia so she really understands my situation, she tries to convince me its not worth it but it takes a lot to change somebodies mindset when they've already sort of committed to that thing even if it makes them ill. i love her a lot though and she is never cruel or aggressive with me when it comes to it.
Your energy and vibes always gives me the courage I need for the week that's coming up❤️ I always struggle more during weekends, so this is a nice way to end them with hope💖
I think you’re so brave Ro- you’ve come so so far and you give me so much hope that things can get better. I think owning the vegetarian things is incredibly mature and sensible. I think it’s incredibly common within this community and sharing that will hopefully help others too x
I had been a vegetarian for over 5 years and dipped in and out of veganism throughout that time. Whilst I developed anorexia when I still ate meat, cutting it out and giving myself the label of veggie/vegan gave me an excuse to say no to certain foods that were ultimately my biggest "fears". I recently started incorporating fish, purely because I have adored it my whole life and missed it terribly, but would use my eco-concious and animal rights arguments as a defence as to why I chose not to eat it. I haven't yet had meat but I wouldn't deny myself of it if I had a strong craving for it. It's been the most liberating thing especially since I decided myself without any external pressure. I don't believe that my decision to cut out meat was solely from a desire to restrict, although I agree that it wasn't until I tried re-introducing those foods that I experienced the same anxieties as I did when introducing other groups of food that I once feared. It's so interesting just how powerful this illness is in convincing yourself and everyone around you otherwise. Anyway, I just wanted to let you know that the segment on this part of the q&a really resonated with me and left me feeling so validated and not alone. Honestly, just seeing you blossom over the last year has truly been so incredible to witness. I relapsed last year after a long time of being well and your content has helped me an enormous amount and continue to do so, and I am very proud and relieved to say that I'm doing well, most definately helped with the comfort and reassurance you bring to your followers. You are a breath of fresh air, whilst maintaining such authenticity and realism - validating the crap parts but also reinforcing the good. I, along with so so many others, will always support you and be here cheering you on in the background as you continue on your journey and quest for total food freedom, which I wholeheartedly believe that you will achieve. Gosh, I really wasn't expecting this to be such a long comment but I couldn't stop 😂 Take care of yourself, lovely. 💗
I’ve been getting hate from vegans for not being vegetarian anymore, and l'm frankly so confused. Reminder that I’m a human, with feelings, and that you have absolutely no idea what actually goes on with my life and my health day to day. I'm not eating meat every single day, and I'm not 'killing animals' (as one person said). I’m one person who can’t be a vegan because I need to prioritise my health. I have a massive heart and I adore animals - trust me it took me months to come to this decision. Someone called it a 'little thought experiment'. Guys, I have a RESTRICTIVE eating disorder which nearly killed me. If I need to eat fish a couple times a week to make sure I live a full and healthy life, recover fully and am not restricting - I don't think it needs to be something I'm made to feel guilty for. It's a decision I explained and I don't want to feel restricted and as if I can't join in with things. I'm not asking for opinions on it, I'm explaining it so that people aren't surprised when they see me eating different things.
Don’t bother commenting if you’re going to berate me for making a decision that’s best for me.
I do my best to be kind always. I ask that you do the same.
I had to make this same decision and I am SO proud of you, Ro. Keep being brave and vulnerable and authentic and challenging the eating disorder voice. 🔥
The way people worry more about the animals you eat rather than your recovery baffles me quite a bit. You can care about animals while still being respectful about other people's choices to eat them, _especially_ when it concerns recovery. A lot of vegans have pretty big virtue signaling problems and hone in so hard on the "eating animals is immoral" argument that they ignore every other factor that plays into people making decisions like this. It's kind of insane. Keep doing what's best for you, Ro. Your journey is inspiring a lot of people to love themselves and I'm grateful you're sharing it with us.
I'm so sorry people are sending you hate. I'm vegan myself but prioritising your health is so so important and that's your decision and nobody else's. You can be so proud of yourself for how far you've come and you should never have to feel guilty about doing what's best for you x
I am sorry you're getting these reaction. I have a lot of respect for you for realising and admitting that eating vegetarian may be related to your ED. It doesn't mean that all the other reasons for going vegetarian were not true motivations. They very well may have been, and perhaps still are. You can always go back to eating vegetarian if you feel like you want it and it is for the right reasons. I applaud you for making the decision to challange your ED _despite_ all the valid reasons to stay vegetarian. That must have been hard. It just goes to show how serious you are about recovery and how much you respect yourself, your body and your mental health.
As someone who is forced to eat a 90% meat diet to survive (veganism in my teens destroyed my health), I can tell you that depriving yourself of meat in your diet is not the way to live a happy and healthy life, no matter what people might tell you. Eat what your body needs and ignore the haters! Proud of you Ro.
I used to watch Ro’s videos and think “god I wish I could recover like her”, one day I finally realized that I could recover if I wanted to. Then, I wanted to recover and she helped me so much. I’ve been “fully” recovered for 6 months now and I’m so glad I found the strength to do it
YES! i love this so much ❤️ you’re amazing
this is so nspiring - you're doing amazing !! xx
omg I'm so proud of you
I'm so happy and proud of you. God bless
🥹🥹❤️
One thing about eds is that as much as I would never wish them on ANYONE , they really make you value the things that most people take for granted . Feeling rested , feeling satiated/full, taking the easier road , sleeping in your own bed , having a normal conversation , feeling focused , seeing people , evenings in , evenings out - all the little moments in life that most people would gloss over , you come to value .
_(:3 」∠)_ that’s my hot take !
very true
One of my old friends once said to another girl “ I hope you get @norexi@ and die” and then proceeded to show off about her own Ed. I don’t believe that anyone who has ever truly suffered with an Ed could wish it upon anyone else
After I got depressed and totally lost appetite, I was so happy when I got my appetite back.
Being able to eat is wonderful.
I understand every moment you mentioned.
Thank you for the reminder!
Have a great week ❤
I began recovery a year and a half ago and I’m doing so well now, but I’ll never forget the horror of fortisip omg. If any of u have had to drink it, I know it’s not the best lmao but you can get through this.
Ro saying: "I'd never regret recovery" is the most helpful thing I've heard in months. Recovery it is... and there'll be no more relapses. Ever.
you’ve got this 🤍
Rooting for you
Time to open up to a brighter world with lots of positivity and love.
good luck!! u can do it. and just know if there is it doesnt ruin all the progress u make in recovery! never will be too late to keep going
I’m so proud that you have committed to recovery, from one stranger on the Internet to another, you got this!
KEEP GOING YOUVE GOT THIS
Actually I think you carrying on with this channel and showing your life after recovery is just as important as your journey to recovery that you documented. Because to me seeing the drastic difference of where you started out and the person who you have become now who can do and achieve all of these things and actually enjoy her life is the biggest motivation to keep choosing recovery for myself. You're literally showing by example that recovery is first of all possible and also completely worth it.
as a vegan I don’t understand other vegans who try to force their believes on everyone, u should be respectful towards people opinion , we live in free world, btw i am so proud of you, u r such an inspiration and your channel helped me a lot through my recovery journey 🫶🏻🫶🏻
Totally agree 🖤🌱
fully agree with this!!!
Veganism isn't a diet though. You're talking about the animal rights movement, which is a social justice movement which is completely different to the diet, that is not even half of the philosophy. Wfpbd is separate to the animal rights movement of veganism.
Exactly
Your answer about "Do I regret my ED?" was perfect. Thank you. Getting ill was never any of our fault and therefore we can't regret it. And we would have become great people without the hell of ED.
all my love ❤️
My dad used to lock me in a room alone with all my meals until I'd finished it all. Its only given me trauma around my home and meal times. I'm so glad you're parents were never aggressive to you because it honestly held me back so much. thank you for helping me choose recovery for ME you bring me so much comfort and motivation
sending you all the love in the world. i hope you’re healing now ❤️🩹
@@RoMitchell I am!! Thank you so much xxx
WHAT, do you still live with your dad??
My mom had a eating disorder in her teens. Her grandmother would feed her whatever she wanted and never gave her portions, just endless food. They would praise her for eating so much and then when she was finished they would sing, fatty fatty 2 by 4, can't fit through the kitchen door. They judge her for the eating disorder and didn't understand how she developed it. She had a horrible relationship with food for a long time because of it. Why are some family members so evil? I'm sorry you had to experience that.
Proud of you though!! Keep growing and blossoming!!
That’s what the hospital did to me and ppl say I’m dramatic for saying it traumatized me 😵💫
My ED also cost me my A-levels, (I sat them, but absolutely flopped) and it's SO disheartening to be asked 'So, what are you doing now/next?' by people, even if they mean well. I genuinely don't know what to do with my life, but that's not the response anyone ever wants. I'm sorry not to be living up to their expectations, but I'm a burnt-out former gifted kid who's doing her fucking best, and I need to remember that that's enough. We all do. 💛
you’ve done your best and that it’s always enough 🤍
🙌 But you will still be "gifted". We don't change that. We just take the paths that suit us and our needs.
Sis there ain’t no past tense in gifted ! A levels aren’t the be all and end all , and loads of successful people didn’t even TAKE any qualifications! Ur still so young , you’ll find your way if u give it a chance ❤
There will be more chances to fix your grades. I skipped school so much in my teens for various reasons, and after a few years I decided to fix my grades (years after my classmates had graduated). I fixed my grades and managed to get top grades, and I’ve studied psychology at uni. and now I’m studying law at university. It’s not too late, take it in your pace and compare yourself with you and the steps forward are yours to keep. It’s also ok to stand still and also moving backwards. Tend to your mental health and know it will be ok. *You are not alone and you are so valid* ❤
A path never ends though. Just because your ED caused you to shift from paths doesn't mean you've failed, it just means life has chosen different possibilities for you. There is no right or wrong path, each and every path has it's benefits and downfalls, you'll be okay.
Also, regarding life choices (specifically pointing at career).. Something that has helped me is asking myself this: ''What job would you find the least agonising to work at for an extended period of your life?''
Like every job for me is a big no, fucking hate everything, but if I were to see what would be doable, I was actually able to choose between 2 jobs.
(Instead of labeling it as ''My dream job'', I'd label it as ''Least worst job'').
Ro, I love your self-reflective talking, about literally anything ,even if ed- or ptsd-related stuff will not be on your agenda in the future, you are such an enrichment for the internet through your personalty and perspective and I am pretty thankful
Hearing you say 'I don't even think/worry about the calories anymore' is just absolutely incredible. I cannot believe how far you have come and to hear that that is an actual possibility is just amazing. Thank you Ro
The fact that you made (and are still making) such a strong recovery despite all the struggles and people doubting you is a testament to your willpower and dedication. It is really inspiring to see you grow and follow your own path. I'm going into my 20s as well and it does feel like a different era! Best wishes to you and I hope you have a great time for your birthday whatever you end up doing
thank you lovely ✨💌
I'm so glad you talked about this. I've been struggling with anorexia and bulimia for almost 12 years, and i've started being a vegetarian during that time. At first, i thought that it only was for the environment etc, but i've been thinking about that a lot those past few months, and i actually think that it might have been a way to restrict, find excuses, and have control over my meals. I've been eating fish for almost 2 years now, and i actually kinda want to eat meat again someday but i found it so hard because i've never enjoyed it a lot (i adored my mom's chicken curry and barbecues) and i also because of, i mean, the animals. I've been struggling with those thoughts so i'm glad to see that you talked about it
I’m so glad that you addressed the relationship between vegetarianism and ED. I also went vegetarian, but mostly to further my restriction and to keep people from asking questions. Since I’ve been in recovery I’ve been eating everything (except lamb, lobster and veal) because I didn’t eat these foods before I went vegetarian. Anyway, fully support people who need to incorporate all the food groups for the sake of mental health.
I didn’t go to uni until I was 36. If you want to go there is always time. Having said that my husband never went to uni and has never been out of a job. There’s plenty of time for you to decide what you want to do. ❤
Hey Ro, sorry for the unsolicited advice feel free to completely ignore it! I was in a fairly similar situation with college and I was too unwell to sit my Alevels at 18. I ended up sitting my Alevels using an online site called uplearn and sitting them as a private candidate at 19/20. It worked really well for me as I had no stress of deadlines and could do them purely from my own home. I went to uni at 20 and am so so happy. I know everyone is different but I just wanted you to know that if it is something you want to do it is still possible! You seem to be smashing life at the moment :)
I don’t have an ED but I do have PTSD, AUDHD and OCD which have some overlap in symptoms etc. I struggle to honour my hunger because of executive dysfunction and I avoid foods because of textures or contamination fears. Ro, you really help me remember that no matter how much shame I feel about these things, I deserve to eat. I really enjoy having a meal with you when I’m struggling.
You will be such a amazing mother someday
🥺🥺
@@RoMitchell ♥️
a few months ago I could barely eat, when I saw Ro eating what she was afraid of and recovering, she gave me strength. Without you Ro I would not be getting my life back. I love you forever Ro ❤❤
your hair is so beautiful 🫣
You are such a lovely and inspiring young woman and watching you truly feels like chatting w a friend ♥️ I feel similar about veganism - I love animals so don’t consciously buy animal products but if it benefits my recovery/MH to join in on pizza nights/chocolate boxes etc then I will 🫶🏻 Sooo much love for you Ro x
thank you so much 🤍 you’re so right!!
I truly believe that imperfect veganism is the future ✨
Hey Ro! I'm in full recovery and have been for a couple of years. Full recovery is what you said exactly, like tonight I had bread with chocolate spread and part of me was like "no! You already had bread once today!" And then I was like *shrug it off* and ate it anyway. Also, as a vegan of almost 10 years I am sorry that those annoying vegans have a go at you. The environment and the animals are always going to prefer to have healthy advocates so if your journey requires you to stop being vegetarian then your mental health is more important. Good luck with everything!
one of the best decisions in my recovery so far was showing my mum your channel 😭💓 it’s helped her so much in understanding me more and how to help me and i’m so grateful for your videos ! you help so many people and their parents everywhere 🥰
This title is everything. I wouldn't be who I am without my past, and I also can't change it. I needed to get past it to be able to help other people. There are so many reasons I don't regret it. I also never, ever want to be there again. 🙌🏻
Thank you Ro for sharing your recovery - im 34 years old and have a history of restrictions and unhealthy connection with my body and food , ive nevet called it a ED - i was vegetarian, then vegan - since 2009 ive been up and down with this , i get very obsessed with a particular kind of meal and dont realize im lacking alot of vitamins, low iron woke me and ive been trying many new things , my Iron is more normal now and i am no longer vegetarian or Vegan , i eat everything and sometimes i do enjoy a vegan meal but its not a thing -
in my trying to get out of my 'food and body trap' i somehow found your videos and it has helped me to recognize my own struggle and to have more fun with food -
I just wanted to say hi and thanks ♡
This video made me have a realization. Before I was in the depths of my ed, I always used to claim that I wanted to be vegan solely for the “health benefits and ethical reasons”. Now I realize those weren’t the only reasons. Now, even as I’m recovering, I still convince myself that I just don’t like the taste of certain meats. But now I realize that I haven’t given them a chance and that it may, in fact, just be my ed taking control. Thank you, Ro, for giving me the courage to stand up to that voice in my head.
Trauma sucks and I’m so sorry u have to deal with it and it is even hard to admit that you suffer from it so I’m so proud of you. Something traumatic happened to me and I first told someone about it >15 years after the event so it really is a silent killer. I wish you well and u are seriously beautiful btw
omg if u watch Ro's first video and then this one, you will cry. im sooooo proud of her
me too
I'm proud of you and I support your journey to wellness!! 💜
You getting to see Phoebe Bridgers live really warmed my heart. I remember when I saw it on your instagram and I got so happy for you! Also with you no longer being vegetarian, I think it is good that you are listening to yourself about it! Also eating vegetarian sometimes or mostly still does good for the enviorment and for animals. Also i would love to be able to buy one of the necklaces you have made! The ones i have seen are really cute and pretty!
I am fully recovered from Ana. Partly because of you and your videos it got easier and easier day by day. I kept going and now I am here. Thank you Ro. We love you
i was exactly the same with vegetarianism, i am now in recovery and eat fish and chicken so i have a bigger range of foods out there and not restricting whilst still honouring my love for animals at the same time
Wanted to say: I did "pick up" on the squids in your IG story, but I honestly just thought: "Yeah squid is delicious, good for her if it's part of her diet now!"❤️ Honestly, if you have an ED, I believe all foods that were cut out after you got ill should be challenged. If, in a few years, you decide to reduce your meat consumption for non-restrictive reasons, that's up to you; but with your history of anorexia, it can be very helpful to never "completely" cut out any food group categorically from your diet. Anyways, much love❤️
Here’s an interesting fact, it’s not actually the sugar that damages your teeth in fizzy drinks but the carbonic acid which slowly wears away at your enamel and causes tissues which can lead to build up of plan but the sugar does play a slight part in it but for the most part they’re both the same
i just want to thank you for saying that it’s ok to stop school for your mental health, in my mind school has always been the only thing I’m good in. My ed is the reason I’m currently redoing my school year. I wish somebody would have told me it would have been ok to take one year of(my grades last year had been ok but I would have been in my last year now) and I wish I had taken this school year as a break but atleast having done everything before lightens the pressure a bit, I’m not in recovery yet and I can’t let it go yet but it’s good to see someone saying school isn’t everything
I absolutely adore your channel, it's such comfort viewing! Hearing you speak so openly and honestly about your struggles gives me hope for the future, it's so inspiring how much you want to help others 💗💗XX
god love your gorgeous hair. the color the volume GIRLLLL. absolutely stunning. i love you so much!! you’ve genuinely helped me so much throughout recovery. i haven’t watched your content as much recently as i am doing well in recovery and don’t need the support but i’m very happy to see you realized your vegetarianism might have had some hidden motives. thank you so much roe. you’ve helped so many people.
You are so valid in your decision!!!! ❤ be so proud of you x
YPU are such a HUGE Motivation and Inspiration in my recovery, thank you! I am so proud of you for how you are always pushing through and don’t give up ❤️
i'm pretty much recovered from my ed (over a year WHOOP), and i have you to thank. you showed me recovery was an option.
but even though i don't need that much eating support anymore, your videos just calm me down and are a place where i can just be chill lol so here i am
about the vegetarian thing- i’ve recently gone pescatarian (fish only) and i’ve been sticking at it for a good few months now. i’m recovered well enough that i feel i can do it for good reasons rather than disordered ones. however it does have its downsides- firstly people constantly say shit like “oh so you won’t eat a pig but you’ll eat salmon”, almost questioning my moral beliefs. this is triggering as it leads to guilt, since honestly i can’t even respond to it. like yeah, if i care so much about animals why not give up fish? and i feel like i have to “justify” what i choose to eat. even though fish is my favourite, i love sushi etc, and it’s a good source of protein without having to take supplements. sometimes having a diet like this one can feel limiting. there’s only so much tofu and quorn you can eat before you start to feel unsatisfied. and if there’s one thing i don’t want, it’s to feel unhappy with what i eat. that could easily spiral. so i don’t blame anyone for not being able to go vegetarian/ vegan, or trying and not sticking to it. you’re free to make your own choices. plus if you care about the environment, even eating a little less meat is still beneficial. there’s too much pressure to be morally perfect especially from more extreme people in those communities. we need to chill with the guilt tripping and just let people enjoy what they choose to enjoy. plus, most animals are raised well and killed humanely so it’s not like meat eaters are actively partaking in animal torture.
sorry for the long comment i have so many thoughts on this lmao. i’ve enjoyed being pescatarian so far :) i was never a big meat fan anyways
you look GORGEOUS I‘ve been watching your videos since the beginning and the way you’re dealing with recovery is so inspiring to me and i hope you know we are so incredibly proud of you ❤
I love how real you are with sharing your recovery!❤️🩹You and your comforting videos have helped so many who suffer 💗thank you so much for what you do🫶🏻 sending love from Germany :))
I find these videos so helpful and have helped me in my recovery to challenge myself more, also just wanted to add you can absolutely still go back to college if/whenever you want, I dropped out of college because I couldn't handle it also, and I'm now 22 and have just started college again to get my ALevels and I'm not even the oldest one there! Also big love for you and this channel
you’ll never hear someone who is fully recovered saying « i regret recovery », if your mind ever told you that you should regret recovery , then it’s only because you’re not recovered
I was a vegetarian for three years. Then i got sick in ARFID and i couldn't eat much of what i used to, substitutes or beans etc. I was so hungry. I had to make a choice - and i chose my own life. It might be selfish if you put it that way, because yes i eat the bodies of something that used to live and have feelings of their own... But people really can't blame another person for surviving, and hopefully thriving after making that choice. One can do a hundred things for the planet besides not eating meat. But one person can't do everything, because in the end we are all just... Humans.
as a vegan, am so so proud of you for putting your mh/ed health first 🥰
Thank you for being honest about the vegetarian thing, I've also been through this process on my recovery and its important to see other people on this journey. I hope you know that there is a lot of other ways of helping animals and the environment and we don't have to put our healt aside to do that. You're looking amazing in this vid and your hair is getting prettier every day 💕
I'm so happy that you're questioning you're vegetarianism.
In hospital I met so many vegetarian and vegan people who would always get angry when I asked them about their diet.
It's strong to question eating habits you've been sticking to even if you thought they were because of other reasons
Please make a Christmas video with all the customs and traditions that you and your family maintain. I'm German u love these old British Christmas movies that are quirky, weirdly funny and crazy old-fashioned... Like notting Hill, actually love, Bridget Jones,..
love you Ro and PLEASEEE write that book, I would buy it as fast as I could
It‘s so calming to listen to you talk !! Your voice is absolutely beautiful :))
Have followed you since day one because of exactly these incredibly wise thoughts and just who you are as a person. Love that your answers are so nuanced and show that not everything is black and white. I've never had an ED but also decided not to call myself a vegetarian (although I mostly eat vegetarian food and care about the environment), because I don't like putting put restrictions on food at all. And that's okay. If you change your name from rorecovery, that's okay as well, you are so much more and we are many who don't view this primarily as a recovery channel. I've never in my life been so proud of someone I don't know and would like to thank you for letting my come along on your journey.
currently having my period for the first time in a while
You really changed my life for the better because I always feel safe to eat with you. Thank you for making me choose recovery!
I dont know how to feel about my friend with an eating disorder. She's had one way longer than me; since she was an adolescent. She was told by doctors that eating disorders aren't something that ever truly go away so she has absolutely no faith in recovery, and I think she uses this as an excuse not to try. I also try to nudge her towards watching and talking about some of the things that helped me, like your channel but it seems like she thinks it'll all just trigger her. She prioritises everything else in life, including other aspects of mental health, to avoid facing her eating disorder
As someone who doesn't remember my 21st birthday (and party) because I was entirely caught up with my ED and anorexia was in complete control. Celebrate it, do something special, do something you'd really enjoy.
thank you for existing, ro ❤️
I don't and have never had an ed, but I do have agoraphobia and some other mh struggles and I really relate to Ro saying that she feels disconected from her peers. I can barely leave the house at times and I feel like my peers on on a whole different level and place in tehir life.
these videos are so helpful. I would really like to know what you can tell parents so that they stop getting so angry at you and giving you huge rants telling you that you are just being defiant or its only hard. My parents dont understand and have no idea what im going through. The only reason I eat some food is because I'm scared of what they will do or how they will react
you've honestly helped me sm. ive been recoverying for a year now and idk what i wouldve done without a role model like u
You're such an inspiration, Ro !
It makes me happy seeing you doing so well.
I want to recover as well (I've been stuck in quasi recovery for years and have a normal bmi) however, if I eat anything carby/fatty/sugary I literally can't stop. It's really not possible, I eat until I'm in severe pain. My mum always comments on how much I'm eating and that I can't be this hungry which makes me feel worse. Also I'm so afraid to stop exercising(is it true that you shouldn't work out at all if you want to get your period back?) I feel like everyone who recovers still exercises and no one overshoots like I did..
This is so helpful to me, thanks Ro! I feel torn about being vegetarian and whether I need to let that ‘restriction’ and ‘label’ go in order to fully recover. This has really made me think xxx
You dont Need to quit unless you certainly know you went veggie because of health reasons. I am a recovering living in a vegan household with my partner who is also vegan but not disordered. I have questioned my veganism at times because its heavily discussed in this ed recovery community. But for me it was never about health or restricting, as I can cook the same meals as I could non vegan. But that’s also because I live in Sweden and the options in grocery stores here are endless. Heavily consider your main intentions before going back to meat! If you do it’s always an option to go back to veggie when you’re fully recovered. Im almost fully recovered. Got my period back a few months ago, at a healthy weight 😊 just need to work on my inner thoughts
@@tuvi0032 ah thank you for e he sting your experience. I became veggie when I was anorexic but I also never much loved meat and fish so it is hard to work out what my primary motive was. I will think carefully about it. I am so so glad you’re recovering ❤️
I’ve been fully recovered for a year and 1/2 now thanks to ur videos. Ur channel and story is what keeps me going. Thank u for everything u do u lovely 🤍🌈
I moved out in January of this year and was a vegetarian. As of July, I had to switch to pescatarianism, and I have noticed a massive difference in terms of restrictiveness. My iron levels were also dropping, and I was already having trouble retaining nutrients due to leaky gut (resultant from years of laxative abuse). I love animals, and genuinely dislike the taste of most meat, but prioritising your mental and physical health should ultimately prevail
ro you’re such an inspiration and so calming to watch. this channel is my safe space and we are here to support you wherever this channel goes 🥰🥰
Thank you for addressing the relationship between being veganism and ED's. I've been a vegetarian for a couple of years now and I can pretty much eat what I've always eaten, but with meat alternatives if needed. I live in a country where vegetarian options are always available and I don't really have to think much about my cooking or going out for dinner. I've gotten some questions about why I'm not going vegan from people around me. In my teenage years I've dealt with ED's for years and going back to a situation in which I always have to think about "can i eat this?" "are there any alternatives for this?" "oh I need to check the label" " does this restaurant have anything i can eat?" would be so triggering for me - it would put me in such a bad place. Good that veganism works for a lot of people, but I know I need to prioritise my mental health at this stage.
I regret mine. 48 yrs old, lost most of my original teeth, broken too many bones to count, lost close to a million $ due to treatment/medical costs, the list goes on. Fix it early, before all is lost
I hate that I got unwell and I don’t regret recovery at all. Not sure if you watched the video all the way but I definitely wasn’t saying I’m grateful for it ❤️
The vegetarian thing is so true i also went veggie in the mist of my ed and recently have started to eat meat again, i feel so much more free now its crazy. I realised i don't actually enjoy meat that much but allowing myself the option has been so good and healing honestly.
Hello lovely, on the topic of university I went to university and that's when my alcohol addiction spiraled out of control and I think with all the pressure, deadlines, new surroundings it might set someone back with their ED if they aren't fully confident. Don't feel any pressure to do things you don't want to, stick to the path you want to take. It really resonated with me when you were speaking about parents, my Mum used to shout endlessly at me and even get physical with me and none of it ever helped if anything it made me worse it was only when I got my own flat and done recovery myself for me was I able to recover. I don't know if it's the same with ED but with addiction I always say no amount of love or anything will help someone stop the only person who can stop it is theirselves and as always I'm so proud of you, I love seeing when you put out a new video 💗
im so proud of u for noticing that vegetarianism might not be the best for you in recovery right now. my doctor told me the same thing after going pescatarian for years, and it was so freeing in the end to be able to let go of the restrictions. there are many ways to help the environment and animals that are not limited to eating plant-based. all the best !
Hi Ro and whoever else may be reading this! I hope you’re doing so well :) I’ve been in recovery since January and I’ve been watching this channel for so much longer than that. I’m so proud of you for the things you do on here! Today I cooked for the first time again and I ate it all. It was a cheese toastie. I probably added more pepper than I would’ve liked but still. It was tasty. I’m so proud of myself. Thanks for making these videos Ro! If anybody who needs to hear this is reading it- yes, recovery is worth it and it’s so possible! Keep trying lovelies!
- Sam 🍓🌿🐸
you're such a strong person. i wish i could be like you. stay safe!
@@eokkk-co3in aww thank you :) that’s so kind
Heyo,
I know how hard it is to have to go in a different direction after going veg/vegan for ethical and environmental reasons. Going through this myself and I agonized over the decision... but in the end I had to do it for my health.
I think something that stuck with me is that eating meat doesn't have to look the same as it did before- you can take what you've learned during that veggie period and apply it going forward. Sourcing as ethically as you can and educating yourself about where you can go for more farm-to-table restaurants and local options etc is something you can still do for harm-reduction. It's not like you have to just give up on practicing compassion and thoughtfulness altogether. Good luck and thanks for your content
PS- I found Of Herbs and Altar's videos on what pro-ana content can look like to be very illuminating. In a positive way.
i love these sit down chatty videos, ro you are 10000% my comfort youtuber you just seem to have such a genuine and kind soul, alsoo i have ordered a t-shirt and i am so excited for it to come x
I'd be happy if you continue to make videos. They're just so comforting. They don't have to be related to eating, just do whatever makes you the most happy
hi ro :) i started watching your videos when I was very deep in my ED, and now I'm in a space where I can say I'm almost recovered! proud of u
also agree heavily with the vegetarian thing! did it for very much disordered reasons and felt so bad when I started eating meat again but sometimes its for the best, have to put yourself first!!
hope you’re doing okay ml 🤍🤍
I LITERATLLY LOVE YOU SO MUCH RO
You have are so witty and kind and I genuinely love your content. you are a star of a person, so proud.
ive been in recovery for about 2/3 months and its truly saved my life and i just love the food freedom i have. i do get the weird ana thoughts but i have been able to push through. I cant imagine going back and redoing all that treatment again. Thats also been part of my motivation. but i wish everyone the best in recovery. Recovery is a bitch
I really appreciate you and your channel. I have so much respect for your honesty. And definitely for knowing being a vegan or vegetarian IS restrictive. Your realization and choice was very wise and will bear much fruit for your recovery. Sending my love. Take good care, Ro. 🙏🏻❤️
Mmm tuna pasta is a real comfort meal for me. It’s so tasty. So glad to see a video from you it’s a lovely way to relax after a busy sunday xx
me too! i was v happy to be eating it again :)
Dear Ro
I really appreciate you to teach people to eat with their body and not with their brain.
This was a hard one for me aswell when I started to eat meat and animal products after three years of being vegan. And I really have to tell you that I feel mentally and physically stronger since eating meat again. Try to ignore those super radical extremist vegans that think that they have the best diet.
You are doing it wonderful by showing that you just eat what your Body really needs and fancy. It absolutely does not mean that you don't care about animals and the environment when you eat meat. Keep doing what makes you and your wonderful body happy!
And thank you for reminding us to do the same!
Lots of love
Greetings from Switzerland
Thank you, your helping me so much xx
all my love
(Sent this on insta as well after seeing that you were getting hate)
As a vegan I completely understand. If I’d gone veggie when I was restricting there is no way I could be doing it healthily now. I look up to you so much and it’s great to see that you can admit to yourself and the internet that you need to do this. If the ethical/environmental side of things worry you, there are other things you can do instead but no one should make you feel guilty either way x
I never normally comment but I wanted to say that you have helped me SO much. Like you have helped me so so much throughout recovery and I can’t thank you enough! ❤️❤️
Every time I watch your videos I want to push my self even more in recovery and feel freer (even if I’m conscious I’ve already come so far). 😊
Thank you for talking with us and sharing your ideas/experiences…it is truly helpful! ❤️
this time last year i found your channel and i was going through the hardest time ever. i may miss my sick body sometimes, but i dont miss my sick life. im now in college - having narrowly passed my gsces and just turned 17. i've finally made friends for the first time in my life. i got excited about claiming a free bakewell tart from costa on my birthday. i went to the cinema and had a picknmix (entirely chocolate ofc.) i even get a sausage roll on the way home from college sometimes. most of it was up to you - which sounds like a lotta pressure, but i gotta be honest! you are such a beautiful soul and i will continue to watch and support your content no matter which direction it goes in. thank you, ro! :D
I get what you said about recovery. I have anxiety, depression and I've been treated for OCD in the past. My doctors keep saying it's never going to fully go away and I accept that, but right now I am living my best life; the voices are there but I'm not always listening to them. You (and everyone else) will get there too
i'm in hospital rn for an ed and your video just madr my day at least a bit better
You're right about the "it's always gonna be in your head" thing. Well... It's part or our vulnerabilities, but it's not true that it will be the same or the same intensity. It might come back a little bit at times when we don't cope as well, but we still can recover!!!
Currently really struggling with the vegetarian thing (and just recovery in general) as well. I've been craving meat and it has made me feel so guilty, but it was really reassuring to hear you share your opinion
The last foodie day of cozy meals I really liked. If you want to do another similar you could do all holiday foods for a day!
Ugh yes on the return to life! We've been locked down an extra year because of having a pandemic baby, we didn't want her to get sick. Now she's vaccinated and I'm having ED therapy homework to go out and buy a donut to challenge the "but then people will see me buying the donut and judge me!" intrusive thought, but I've been struggling to do it and the social anxiety along with the ED anxiety are compounding! Ro give me strength!
my mum also suffered badly with anorexia so she really understands my situation, she tries to convince me its not worth it but it takes a lot to change somebodies mindset when they've already sort of committed to that thing even if it makes them ill. i love her a lot though and she is never cruel or aggressive with me when it comes to it.
I love your videos so much. You have helped me so much and I cant thank you enough for that so thank you!!
ah you’re so sweet! thank you ❤️
absolutely love your nails!!
Your energy and vibes always gives me the courage I need for the week that's coming up❤️ I always struggle more during weekends, so this is a nice way to end them with hope💖
I think you’re so brave Ro- you’ve come so so far and you give me so much hope that things can get better. I think owning the vegetarian things is incredibly mature and sensible. I think it’s incredibly common within this community and sharing that will hopefully help others too x
I love your hair omg
thank you 💌✨!!
I had been a vegetarian for over 5 years and dipped in and out of veganism throughout that time. Whilst I developed anorexia when I still ate meat, cutting it out and giving myself the label of veggie/vegan gave me an excuse to say no to certain foods that were ultimately my biggest "fears". I recently started incorporating fish, purely because I have adored it my whole life and missed it terribly, but would use my eco-concious and animal rights arguments as a defence as to why I chose not to eat it. I haven't yet had meat but I wouldn't deny myself of it if I had a strong craving for it. It's been the most liberating thing especially since I decided myself without any external pressure. I don't believe that my decision to cut out meat was solely from a desire to restrict, although I agree that it wasn't until I tried re-introducing those foods that I experienced the same anxieties as I did when introducing other groups of food that I once feared. It's so interesting just how powerful this illness is in convincing yourself and everyone around you otherwise. Anyway, I just wanted to let you know that the segment on this part of the q&a really resonated with me and left me feeling so validated and not alone. Honestly, just seeing you blossom over the last year has truly been so incredible to witness. I relapsed last year after a long time of being well and your content has helped me an enormous amount and continue to do so, and I am very proud and relieved to say that I'm doing well, most definately helped with the comfort and reassurance you bring to your followers. You are a breath of fresh air, whilst maintaining such authenticity and realism - validating the crap parts but also reinforcing the good. I, along with so so many others, will always support you and be here cheering you on in the background as you continue on your journey and quest for total food freedom, which I wholeheartedly believe that you will achieve. Gosh, I really wasn't expecting this to be such a long comment but I couldn't stop 😂 Take care of yourself, lovely. 💗