In this episode of Balance with Sam, Izzy Atkinson, a fitness instructor and personal trainer, shares her story about when she first got diagnosed with body dysmorphia and how she battled it for over 15 years. She tells me how she sabotaged herself over and over with unhealthy relationships not only with diet and fitness but also with a previous partner.

Listen in to learn how after years of struggles, Izzy was able to overcome her body dysmorphic disorder. You will also learn how she found acceptance in her body and what she’s doing to help other women find that too.

Top Takeaways:

* What is body dysmorphia?

* How does body dysmorphia affect one’s life?

* Why toxic relationships based on your appearance will only affect you negatively.

* Are fitness competitions healthy for you? Will they heal body dysmorphia?

* Healing starts with a great support system.

* Learning how to love your body is the only way to perfection, not striving for a perfect body.

* Why journaling is the first step towards healing from a mental disorder.

Important Moments in this Episode:

[2:35] Izzy tells us when she first got diagnosed with body dysmorphic disorder, when she developed it, and how she felt after the diagnosis.

[7:18] Why recovering from this disorder was very hard and took her years to accomplish.

[8:53] She was obsessed with eating habits and working out.

[11:22] Dealing with an unhealthy relationship that was only based on her appearance. And how being cheated on affected her- when she only valued her worth on her appearance.

[13:09] Joining a fitness competition and having the courage to leave a toxic relationship.

[17:10] Izzy explains what her typical week as a fitness competitor was like.

[19:32] When she started seeing her worth.

[21:00] Why surrounding yourself with uplifting people who are non-judgmental will help you be the best version of yourself.

[23:21] Did joining a fitness competition help Izzy with her body dysmorphia?

[26:31] How she is now prioritizing her mental health and things that make her happy and body move naturally. Being at a place of love and not hate.

[30:11] How support and love from an amazing partner plus a complete mindset shift helped her be at the place of love she’s at today.

[33:39] When did she figure out how to eat right and to cope with her obsessive tendency?

[37:22] Izzy talks about what led her to work and help women.

[41:26] How she gets fulfilled by connecting with people.

[42:00] How journaling helped her and why you should take it up too before seeing a therapist.

More on Izzy: Instagram @izzy.atkinson

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