Hello! My name is Grace Gao, and this is my story.
I started this blog shortly after I received my first natural period after 3+ years of losing it due to under-eating and over-exercising. This experience has deeply impacted my life, teaching me the importance of balance, self-compassion, and truly listening to my body. Through the highs and lows, I’ve learned how powerful it is to choose healing over control and to prioritize long-term well-being over short-term goals. I created this space to share my journey and the valuable lessons I’ve learned, in the hope of supporting and encouraging others who are navigating similar challenges.
I weighed my heaviest at 136 pounds (5 feet) in 6th grade. I started decreasing my calorie intake and exercising more beginning of 7th Grade, and 8th grade was when I started to take things to an extreme level and lost weight abnormally fast by undereating and over-exercising. During my freshman year in high school, I weighed 92 pounds (5 feet 2 inches).
Now, after years of recovery and acceptance, I’m at a healthy weight, but most importantly, my mindset has completely shifted. I’ve become a stronger person than I was before, both physically and mentally, and I would like to help others realize their worth is not based on their appearance, as well.
