Dr. Lesley Williams is a certified eating disorder specialist, family medicine physician and positive body image advocate. She co-owns Liberation Center, an eating disorder treatment facility, in Phoenix, Arizona. Dr. Williams is dedicated to ensuring that all women and men that struggle with eating and body image issues receive the help that they need to overcome and live happy, healthy lives. Dr. Williams regularly educates other healthcare professionals about the diversity and dangers of eating disorders. She has made several media appearances as an eating disorder expert and regularly speaks at national conferences. Her most recent body image advocacy project is writing the children’s book Free to Be Me. It encourages young girls and boys to love their bodies, no matter what size, and is scheduled to be released later this year.

How do I know I'm "recovered”?

Thanks so much for your thought-provoking question! “Recovered” is difficult for me to define. In my mind, it means that you are totally comfortable with food and living in the skin you’re in. This is a lofty goal. 

That is why I like to think of being “recovered” as a journey, rather than a specific destination.  The patients that I care for who are further along on their recovery journey tend to have a few things in common:

1. The ability to listen to their body and eat more intuitively. They eat what sounds good to them when they are hungry and stop when they are full. 

2. They feel comfortable eating a variety of foods. That could be anything from a carrot stick to a cupcake or even a hamburger. They do not fret about the content of the food, feel guilty afterwards, or attempt to compensate for the calories consumed.

3. They appreciate their bodies and the unique way that they are made. They do not spend an excessive amount of time or energy worrying about their perceived “flaws” or attempting to change their bodies.

4. They enjoy movement for the sake of movement. They choose activities that bring them joy or feel good to their body. They do not feel compelled to move their bodies solely to expend calories or change their body shape.

As you can see, this level of comfort with food and one’s body can be a struggle, even for those who have never had an eating disorder. That is why I like to think of being “recovered” as more of a journey we are all on together to having a healthy relationship with food and our bodies. 

The ultimate goal is for everyone to spend their time and energy enjoying life rather than focusing on these two very central themes in our current culture. I hope this helps!