"My relationship with my diet and my body has been a rollercoaster I think far too many women experience," Kat told POPSUGAR. What started out as a healthy interest in using food and fitness to support her future dance career quickly devolved into an obsession with getting a six pack. In her mind, a flat, toned tummy was the epitome of what made a beautiful dancer (and, for that matter, a beautiful woman).
"I spent years utterly fixated on my stomach and how to make it smaller with extreme diets and workout plans. I would pinch the skin around my abdomen, judging its thickness with my fingers. I would cross my arms over my waist every time I sat down, embarrassed about the roll sticking over my jeans. I'd admire my abs in the morning, dreading the moment that first meal would make me 'fluffy' again," she said.
Back then, so much of her worth was wrapped up in how close she was to her goal weight. "Every time my willpower won the battle against dessert or (gasp!) carbs, I'd beam with pride. Every time I'd cave to my cravings, I would berate myself for not being stronger," Kat added. With every failed diet attempt, her self-esteem took another hit, and it seemed like the more obsessed she got, the more stubborn her body became.
Image Source: Kat Spangler