Today we’d like to introduce you to Alli Bollinger.

Hi Alli, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.

Being a dancer my whole life, I fell into an eating disorder during my undergraduate career as a dance major. What started as an innocent way to better myself quickly turned into the thing that was taking my passion away from me. Struggling to find help, I took recovery into my own hands. After many messy and hard years, I moved to New York City to pursue my dream as a professional dancer – as a new version of myself who is now free from the chains food and exercise had on me. One year after my big move, I booked my dream job as a Radio City Rockette. This was the biggest full circle moment, since this dream was what got me through recovery. Because of my journey, I felt the biggest pull on my heart to help others do the same. Now certified as an Eating Disorder Recovery Coach, it feels like my purpose to inspire others through their recovery, to live their biggest and wildest dreams.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?

Definitely not. At first, my eating disorder was something I tried to keep a secret. But as a dance major, it was hard to hide. My professors took me out of dance performances until I was healthy again. This is was the turning point I needed, but it made everything more real. Once I was in a better place with my recovery, I moved to New York City – it felt like a fresh start. Yet, my eating disorder was still a big part of my story, and I felt the need to share it. I knew that someone sharing their story would’ve helped me so much when I was going through it. So I shared it – to the whole world. I was terrified of the judgements that would be made, especially in the dance world. But, I kept reminding myself that authenticity will always lead me to where I am meant to be. And to that, I can say it has.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about @your_spoonful?

As a certified Eating Disorder Recovery Coach, and someone who has been there and has recovered, I offer coaching for those looking to find freedom around food and exercise. I meet my clients where their at, in the way that I wish I had been met when I was going through it. This personal experience not only allows me to truly understand what others are going through, but also allows me to offer my clients hope in that if recovery is possible for me, it is possible for them too. When it comes to eating disorder treatment, I have seen what works and what doesn’t. Getting down to the bottom of why the eating disorder is present is my speciality, with a holistic health approach that serves the individual tools that will last a lifetime.

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?

Social media has brought so many amazing people into my life. It is easier than ever to find people who are similar, to reach out, and to start conversation.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://yourspoonful.thrivecart.com/restriction-to-freedom/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/your_spoonful/
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@your_spoonful?lang=en

Image Credits

Jon Taylor photography