By DEIRDRE DURKAN-SIMONDS, US ASSOCIATE SHOWBUSINESS EDITOR
Demi Lovato is reflecting on how far she's come.
In honor of National Eating Disorder Awareness Week, the singer, 33, marked what she described as a full-circle moment in her life.
'This week is national eating disorder awareness week. It's a topic that is so close to my heart and one that is so important for us to continue to talk about,' Lovato wrote.
On Thursday, the former Disney Channel star shared photos of herself in her kitchen baking cookies and holding up her cookbook, One Plate at a Time, as she spoke candidly about once struggling with disordered eating.
'If u had told the Demi 10 years ago who was struggling with disordered eating that she would one day be releasing a cookbook, she would never believe u,' she continued. 'I created this book from a place of knowing how intimidating the kitchen can be and after learning how important it is to nourish yourself. It all started with taking tiny steps every day to heal my relationship with food, truly one plate at a time.'
Last year, she told People that the cookbook was designed for 'people who struggle to enjoy food without guilt and for anyone looking for a gentler, more grounded approach to cooking.'
Demi Lovato is reflecting on how far she's come in her eating disorder recovery
Lovato has long been open about her battles with eating disorders and addiction, often using her platform to advocate for mental health awareness and recovery resources.
Her cookbook, which includes 80 easy-to-make recipes, pantry tips and cooking hacks, comes out March 17.
In her latest post, she offered words of encouragement to others who may still be struggling.
'If u are still struggling or in active recovery, know that i am here, know that u are not alone, and know that it can get better. thank u @neda for all of your advocacy on the topic and for sharing so many resources with those in need.'
Lovato concluded her message with a reminder that recovery is ongoing.
'I am a work in progress and this is something i am still working on every day, but today, i am taking a moment to celebrate my journey and how far I've come.'
The post was met with an outpouring of support from fans, many praising the Confident hitmaker for her vulnerability and continued advocacy.
In 2020, the Anyone artist opened up about her past misconceptions on the sensitive topic, saying she 'used to genuinely believe recovery from an eating disorder wasn't real' and 'that everyone was faking or secretly relapsing behind closed doors.'
'This week is national eating disorder awareness week. It's a topic that is so close to my heart and one that is so important for us to continue to talk about,' Lovato wrote
On Thursday, the Disney Channel alum shared photos of herself in her kitchen baking and holding up her cookbook as she spoke candidly about once struggling with disordered eating
'I'm so grateful that I can honestly say for the first time in my life - my dietitian looked at me and said "This is what eating disorder recovery looks like,"' she said, at the time.
Lovato stressed to her followers that she is living proof that people can come back from personal battles with eating disorders, as she did.
'Also let this be a reminder to anyone who doesn't think it's possible: IT ACTUALLY IS ... YOU CAN DO IT. I BELIEVE IN YOU,' Lovato said. 'This year was tough.. be gentle on yourself if you slip up and remember to get right back on track because you're WORTH THE MIRACLE OF RECOVERY ... I LOVE YOU.'
In March 2021, she told CBS Sunday Morning that ongoing eating disorder-linked behavior played a role ahead of her near-fatal overdose in 2018.
Last year, the pop star married singer-songwriter Jordan 'Jutes' Lutes, who is also sober
'I didn't control any of my life at that period of time,' she said, adding that 'every time I was in a hotel room my phone was taken out of the room so I couldn't order room service.'
The same year, she admitted she eventually became 'tired of running' of herself 'into the ground with workouts and extreme dieting.'
'I thought the past few years was recovery from an eating disorder when it actually was just completely falling into it,' said on Ashley Graham's podcast Pretty Big Deal. 'And I just realized that maybe my symptoms weren't as obvious as before, but it was definitely an eating issue.'
Last year, the pop star married singer-songwriter Jordan 'Jutes' Lutes, who is also sober.