Lyndi Cohen overcame 10 year eating disorder to feel better than ever

Lyndi Cohen, author of the Nude Nutritionist, opens up about her eating disorder and 10 years of striving for the 'perfect body'. Photo / Supplied

There was a time when Lyndi Cohen was an obsessed dieter who "hated" her body no matter how she looked.

Even at her "skinniest", the Sydney dietitian and nutritionist still wasn't happy with her body.

"It didn't matter how much weight I lost, I always felt I needed to lose more. The goal posts kept moving and I was never satisfied with how I looked," Ms Cohen said.

The Nude Nutritionist author was considered obese by 21 and after a decade of constant dieting, she had developed a binge eating disorder — the most common eating disorder in the world.

But after she realised the conventional approach to health wasn't working and dieting was actually making her gain weight, she took matters into her own hands — and went on to become a dietitian and reputable nutritionist.

However, while she is now at a happy and healthy weight, five years ago she never would have dared post the photos she posts today on social media where she's rocking a bikini.

Only recently she has found the confidence and comfort to share those images with her nearly 100,000 followers.

"I've worked hard on developing something I call unconditional confidence, which is the kind of confidence that doesn't wash off with make-up," Ms Cohen told news.com.au

"I no longer need other people's approval to know that I am worthy so it doesn't matter to me they see me with stomach rolls or cellulite."

The 29-year-old is known for posting 'Instagram V 'Reality' snaps on her social media and says she now feels confident more than ever, no longer needing others' approval. Photo / Supplied

Ms Cohen, 29, practised something called "intuitive eating" which is all about trusting your body and appetite.

She went on to shed 20kg over four years — but she will never reveal her weight.

"It's triggering for someone. Let's say I said I considered myself to be a bad weight years ago, and I shared that number. Someone might weigh the same and think they are the wrong weight for themselves.

"You can't compare a healthy weight on my body to someone else — you just can't."

After 10 years of yoyo diets she went 'back to basics'. Photo / Supplied

Ms Cohen, who graduated as dietitian and nutritionist in 2011, said she lost weight so slowly and gradually that if she had weighed herself, "I would have certainly given up".

MEN ARE HER BIGGEST CRITICS

Ms Cohen has a very strict rule and that's "no photoshopping images". She is known for her "reality" Vs "Instagram" snaps and while the majority of her followers are supportive, there's still a few who leave negative comments.

"The only negative comments I've had about my body are from men who are probably

used to only seeing perfect and photoshopped images of women," Ms Cohen said.

"They insinuate that my body isn't 'healthy', that I'm bigger than I should be and would say 'what would she know about health'."

She said whereas women just want to know how I have the confidence to post imperfect looking photos and will often call her brave.

It has only been recently that Ms Cohen has built the confidence and comfort to share bikini images.

"It's been a progression. I am pushing my comfort levels bit by bit," she said.

"I have stomach rolls when I sit down, cellulite all over my thighs and I am incredibly

healthy, strong and fit. We need to see different images of what health looks like so that

health is more achievable for everyone."

The 29-year-old author known for her Back to Basics approach said she doesn't want to be an Instagram influencer.

"The wellness world needs a major reality check if it's ever going to help anyone other than wealthy 20-year olds in crop tops."

"I'm sick of only seeing a photoshopped, idealised version of health in the media. You don't need to look good in a bikini to be healthy."

HOW SHE LOST 20KGS

She practised 'intuitive eating' which is about trusting your body and appetite. Photo / Supplied

Ms Cohen would often binge on foods like breakfast cereal, bread and eat peanut butter straight from the jar.

So instead of cutting out foods like sugar or carbs, she practised "crowding".

"I focused on adding in more health foods like vegetables and fruit, which meant I didn't feel deprived and didn't spiral into a binge cycle."

She also did more enjoyable exercises either going for a walk, job or partaking in a physical activity — but not the gym.

"I realised that slow and enjoyable exercise that I can fit into my schedule is always

better than long and gruelling workouts that never end up happening. Food and
exercise was no longer punishment," she said.

It came to a point where she was so ashamed of how she looked she based her worth and happiness on how much she weighed that day.

Today however she is a completely different person — mentally.

"I feel really comfortable in my body. I have bad body image days like everyone else. The

difference is, I don't let a 'bad' photo or seeing the reflection of myself in a window ruin
my day."

"It is not my life's purpose to look perfect from every angle."

Instead of changing her diet, Ms Cohen focused on changing her mindset around food and exercise.

"This finally allowed me to become consistent."

YOU DON'T NEED TO LOOK GOOD IN A BIKINI TO BE HEALTHY

"It's not worth sacrificing 95 per cent of your life to weigh 5 per cent less," Ms Cohen said.

"You don't need to be perfect to be healthy."

She said that 20 minutes of exercise you enjoy is better than an hour at the gym that never happens.

"Real health (not that flimsy short-term diet-induced health) is all about consistency, not
perfection — so if you want health that lasts longer than a manicure, then stop making
health harder than it needs to be."

"I want people to know that health is easy and sustainable when you stop listening to all
the diet nonsense and just get back to basics."