Star opens up about her battle with bulimia after being criticized for gluten-free diet
(Instagram/vegaalexa)
So much for a relaxing vacation.
“Dancing with the Stars” and “Spy Kids” alumnus, Alexa PenaVega was vacationing in Mexico with her husband when she found herself in the middle of a heated debate about her eating choices.
She posted a photo in front of a bowl of chips, writing, “When you want the chips but you can’t have them :( #GlutenFreeProblems #NeedCornChips! (these are not corn chips… If they were they would be gone.).”
A photo posted by Alexa PenaVega (@vegaalexa) on Mar 16, 2016 at 11:38am PDT
Hundreds of comments later flooded in, with many criticizing PenaVega’s choice to follow a gluten-free diet.
In response, PenaVega posted another picture, this time of herself in a bikini walking away from the camera. In the caption she said, “Wow. I am actually shocked at how many people felt the need to criticize me for a gluten free diet. I mentioned it not thinking much of it… But apparently there is a lot to say on this.”
A photo posted by Alexa PenaVega (@vegaalexa) on Mar 16, 2016 at 1:07pm PDT
She goes on to say, “I want to keep this as real and as kind and hopefully inspiring as possible. For six years I struggled with bulimia. Something I only recently opened up about. I had so many insecurities about my body! Since overcoming that obstacle in my life (By the Grace of God) I had a lot of trouble processing all sorts of foods in my body. I had done a lot of damage and recovery from it all was a PAINFUL process. But 100% worth it.”
“My body feels strong. I have energy. I feel like a woman!! I finally have the nutrients I had deprived my “temple” of. (Our bodies are incredible gifts from God that we have to take care of!) Now, there are certain foods that still give me some trouble… So for me… It is easier to eliminate those foods so that my body absorbs all the nutrients I can get! Whether you are choosing a “lifestyle” choice for dietary conditions or because you want to is completely and totally up to you… And guess what? It’s totally fine!!!! So don’t let bitter people discourage you from being the healthiest version of YOU that you can be.”
In closing, she said, “ So… Here Is my body. It is mine and I am proud of it. I may not hold up to hollywood’s teenie tiny standards but hey… You can’t please everyone. I am me and I am healthy!!! And BEYOND happy and THANKFUL! That is all I can be.”
What do you think of PenaVega’s choice to defend her eating habits? Let us know your thoughts by tweeting to @YahooStyleCA.
