Today’s post is very personal, so if you don’t like that sort of thing, feel free to skip it.
In my red velvet pancake post, last week, I brought up heart health and how it’s important to take care of one’s heart. What I didn’t mention was:
I once took my own heart for granted.
Awhile back, I wrote a post about my weight and diet.
The post briefly referred to a time when I overdid it on the running while simultaneously—and accidentally–underdoing it on the eating. But I never elaborated much on what happened. Since I’m trying to be more personal on the blog, I thought I should tell more of the story, especially so none of you ever take your hearts for granted like I did:
It was in high school. I was big into athletics, playing both varsity soccer and tennis. As soon as I started running, I was hooked on that too.
But nobody remembered to tell me just how many calories athletes burn.
At this time in my life, I knew nothing about nutrition, was always running from one activity to another, and would eat whatever I could get my hands on when I had a rare free moment…
Of course, I’d also *just* switched to a vegan diet, which meant I was inadvertently taking in fewer calories simply because I’d fill up on bulky foods.
I didn’t realize I was losing weight—weight I couldn’t afford to lose—until people started taking my mom aside and asking if I was okay. She hadn’t noticed either; when you see someone every day, it’s hard to notice a gradual change. She appeased their fears by answering, “Oh, Katie’s just like I was as a kid: always eating, never gaining an ounce. Who knows where it all goes?!” But as more and more people continued to approach her, we had to face facts: something wasn’t right.
We booked an appointment with the pediatrician, who confirmed I’d lost a lot of weight. But then she also told me something else: My heart rate was extremely low, as was my blood pressure. I’d never heard the words bradycardia or hypotension before, but just the mention of such grandiose medical terms terrified me. (I think, if I remember correctly, my resting heart rate was 42 bpm.) The pediatrician referred me to a cardiologist.
That week between doctor visits was the scariest of my life. Imagine having to go about your daily routine, focusing on fractions and friends, worried all the while that you might have a dangerous heart defect. Obviously, I wasn’t running at this point; in fact, I was afraid to move at all. I was even afraid to go to sleep at night!
Finally, the day of the cardiology appointment arrived. After performing an EKG, they stuck a bunch of stickers on me, squirted some freezing-cold blue gel on a probe, and rubbed the gel around my stomach for half an hour. Then, after what seemed like hours of waiting (because I was so nervous), the cardiologist came in.
Turns out my low heart rate wasn’t a problem. (Athletes often have heart rates in the 40s. Even now, mine is usually in the low 50s.) But the doctor did advise me to gain back the weight I’d lost before I started running again; I’d been feeling sluggish and dizzy, and my low blood pressure #s were troublesome.
Happy ending: I took their advice, got healthy, and when I came in for my follow-up, six months later, the doctor told me I could even run a marathon if I so desired. (Thanks anyway, doc. I did not so desire.)
The reason I’ve never shared this before with is because I was embarrassed to admit how I took my health for granted and risked doing serious damage simply due to lack of proper care of my body. But I’m smarter for it– if I feel like something isn’t right, I won’t ever ignore it again like I did with the dizziness, sluggishness, and friends’ voiced concerns in high school.
My body is amazing, and that’s why I honor it every single day: with healthy foods (but only if they’re also delicious), with enjoyable exercise, and–above all–with plenty of good-quality rest.
Edit: Yes, I know there are a lot of disgusting rumors circulating about me online. For my own sanity, I’ve blocked some of the worst gossip sites so I can’t look at what the trolls are saying anymore. The rumors I saw in the past were either half-truths or (more often) full-blown, hurtful, and seriously ridiculous lies made up by people who have never even met me. There’s not a way to edit the stuff said on other sites—and it’s a free country so people have a right to say what they want. But please remember to consider the source when you read something. Anyone can say anything online, but that doesn’t make it true. If you’re ever wondering about something, just ask. I’m not trying to be devious or hide anything in my life.
(And yes, I know a lot of people are finding this page because Google decided to give out “chocolate covered katie anorexic” and “chocolate covered katie eating disorder” as suggested search terms. Unfortunately I can’t do anything about that either; it’s self-perpetuating. People are always going to click on it out of curiosity.)
hippierunner says
Thank you for sharing Katie! Nothing to be embarassed about- you simply didn’t know better! I had similar experience-running, not weighing enough, heart health scare. I feel like that is a time where it would’ve been best for adults to notice and help but they just don’t realize what’s going on often enough (sadly). I’m glad you’re better now! 🙂
Freya says
Thank you so much for sharing that. I had a heart scare few years ago too, when Iwas very ill with my ED – it was scary! But thankfully I think I’m ok now, and I’m glad you are too!
Heart health isn’t something to be messed with…:s
Hollie @lolzthatswim(andrun) says
Katie, this is such a strong story thank you for sharing. When I’m in swimming and running season (swimming 12+ hours a week) and running 50+ miles, my resting heart rate is also in the very low 40s.
You are an incredible and inspirational athlete! Thank you for sharing girl.
Erika @ FoodFitnessFun says
Oh my, what a horrifying experience! I’m so glad everything turned out fine in the end. You are a strong girl! 🙂
VeggieGirl says
Thank you for sharing your story and thank goodness you’re okay!
katie says
Katie!
I am so glad you published this, it is true that we do take our health/bodies for granted and we only have one so we have to honor it and treat it right ; )
life is all about lessons, and Im glad that you went and got checked out when this happened to you, and now you learned from it and know to never not fuel your body the right way ; )
So glad you shared this, we all have had struggles in our lives, love you!
Katelyn @ Chef Katelyn says
Girl I love you times a million. You are so, so strong and beautiful, and don’t you ever forget that! It warms my heart that you shared this with us, it must have taken so much courage. I have been through an eating disorder that I have yet to address on my blog, because I am terrified of talking about something so personal and not knowing who could possibly read it! Stay strong love dove! <3
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table says
Kudos to you for sharing your story. So many women neglect heart health, and we need to remember it is VERY important AND heart issues affect women at a higher rate than men!
Kathleen @ KatsHealthCorner says
That was beautiful girl!
Thank you for sharing this! It has really changed me for the better. 🙂
This is an excellent example of finding balance with yourself. 🙂
Hannah says
It’s really sweet of you to share that:)
I kinda had a similar experience with that this past year. When I get really stressed out, my appetite just goes away, a few quarters ago it got bad and I was losing too much weight. I was scared to go to bed too! My heart was always beating really funny and my hair started falling out. I didn’t want to tell anyone because I was embarrassed. Here I was acting like I have it together and under control when my body was falling apart. Eventually I talked to someone about it. I gained the weight back and switched to a vegan diet! Now I’m happy and have energy all the time. So much better then being stressed and unknowingly starving.
Sarena (The Non Dairy Queen) says
Thank you for sharing your story Katie! I am so glad you are ok and figured out what works best for your body. I think those of us that workout, sometimes can’t see that we need to make changes for the physical activity we are doing. I over did that a while back, but I was also breast feeding and ultimately ended up with an abdominal tumor so I had a lot of factors that led to a massive amount of weight loss. Sharing your story helps people be more aware of health in general and that you should always check yourself…even if you are healthy! Thanks Katie!
Marina says
Thank you for sharing this! It’s so easy to get distracted and stop caring about your own health, isn’t it?
I had a health scare, but because I’ve lost my weight intentionally. I don’t ever wanna go back to that blurry feeling, low bp, and heart that hurts with every beat.
Rachel (tea and chocolate) says
Oh Katie, I’m so glad you’re okay! We all do take our bodies for granted sometimes, and forget to nourish it properly. But you’ve come out all the better for it! Thanks for being such an inspiration.
Carrie (Moves 'N Munchies) says
Katie- im so so glad you shared this with us.. most importantly, im SO glad you were and still are okay! that must have been the most nerve-racking and scariest week of your life- im just so glad you got GOOD news! Health scares are pretty darn scary…. but i think that is what transforms us into the people we are today.. making health an even bigger priority than it ever was and treating our bodies even better than we would have if nothing had happened..!
I’m so so so glad you shared this and I’m even MORE glad that your heart is healthy!
on a lighter note… i just made your cream cheese icing for muffins and it was FAB 😀
chocolate-covered katie says
Ahhh yay! I saw your tweet about those chocolate carrot cupcakes and I was intrigued. Now I’m even more excited to see your post! 🙂
Susan says
Katie you’re awesome!
I’m so happy that you’re A) healthy and B) brave enough to share such a personal story!
Albizia says
We all tend to take things for granted until we are threatened to lose them. I admit I’ve also done it and I’ve done it more than once. When I look back, I see how much my stress-coping mechanisms have damaged my health and I feel a little ashamed because I have always been fighting for a better life and it seems that the fight itself is ruining this dreamt life. Ironic, isn’t it? And I really have to take a good care of my heart because my brother has a hereditary heart disease so if I do something to my perfectly healthy (I hope) heart, my parents will never forgive me.
Anyway, the most important thing is that you learned something from your mistake and changed for the better. Thank you for sharing this.
Kelly says
I know it’s hard to be completely “out there” on your blog and I’m always so impressed with people who manage to do this and maintain their dignity and grace. Katie, you are such a remarkable young lady. I hope you continue to write what you want to write about, even if it’s difficult. Your readers will only love you more for it.
Gaby says
Katie, you should never be embarrassed to share things about yourself! These events define who you are and have become and we all love you for it!
I’m so glad you’re better, I can only imagine how scary that must have been at such a young age. I don’t know if I’ve mentioned my story in any of our previous messages but I went through a health scare at 21 with my gallbladder and also lost of ton of weight PLUS felt horrible. And it’s terrifying at that age (yes even 21) because I was still naive and young and up to that point had taken my health for granted. I had never had to pay attention to my body or health or how to take care of it because everything just ran by itself so smoothly. Until something like this happens you take it all for granted, especially as a child, thinking you will live forever. I was terrified, I had no idea what was wrong with me, or how to make it better. I felt guilty because my friends and family were so afraid for me and even questioned myself thinking maybe I had done something wrong, I hadn’t taken care of myself, etc.
At the time it was the worst thing that could have happened to me, but now I know that it’s part of what has shaped me. I’ll never take my health for granted again, my body or my ability to enjoy day to day life.
I’m also happy that you have found a way to continue doing a sport you love while eating a diet rich in foods that you love to support it! Can’t wait for more nut butters!
Maryann says
Katie thank you for sharing your story! It was great to learn and little more about you. And of course, Im so glad everything turned out to be ok!
Sarahishealthy says
Thanks so much for sharing, Katie. I can’t even imagine how brave you gotta be to put such personal stuff up when you know how many people read. Not that I think you have anything to be ashamed of with this story at all! Thanks for caring enough about your many readers to put your true self out there for us.
eatandrun says
Great post, especially in light of it being National Heart Health Month :).
Julia says
Hi Katie
Thanks for sharing, I think we’re all guilty of taking our health for granted and not appreciating what incredible machines our bodies are. My mum recently had s 7.5 cm benign tumour removed from inside her heart to say it was a roller coaster would be an under statement
Leslie says
Wow I can’t even imagine how scary it must’ve been to not know for a whole week! But I guess you could find comfort in knowing that if your doctor really had felt it was dangerous, she would’ve sent you right away. Still, medical mistakes happen often, and it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Brandi says
I’m glad that you shared this story. I’m even gladder that you were able to take the doctors advise and bring yourself back to health.
I always find it nice for bloggers to share a bit about their past especially ones that brought a bad time for them. Most of the time these stories they end up stronger and learning from it. It’s nice because other people can also learn from the stories. So thank you and maybe someday someone will come across this story and realize not to do what you did and save them self a doctor trip.
abby says
oh katie, i can so relate! well except my health scares hve been all my own doing, because of my eating disorder, but really that’s a disease so also not my fault, but just like you i feel embarrassed to have taken my health for granted and sometimes i still do. we are so lucky that our bodies are nicer to us than we are to them!
thanks for sharing. it makes me feel better and less alone.
lots of love!
Gina says
Thank you for sharing. Life is a journey and we learn as we go! I’m just so glad that you are okay and are sharing this important information with all of us!
Lisa says
wow- that IS scary!! glad to see everything is doing better! what we we do without our chocolate-loving katie!?! :0)
p.s… tried your single-lady cookie the other day- yummy! someone in my house said it smelled good- why didn’t I make more? haha
thanks!
chocolate-covered katie says
Yayyayyay! I’m so glad you tried it! lol I actually am not a fan of the single lady cookies… because I never only want one cookie. So I “fixed” the recipe to make a bigger batch hehe :).
Damjana says
Interesting that just this morning I was thinking how I take my health for granted. My body cooperates with everything, it’s great. Some years ago I was midst a one-week fast and I remember I was lying on the bed and listening to my heart. Would it stop beating or would it continue? What to do if I notice it starts beating less frequently? Should I breath harder just to make it pump stronger? Instead I was just lying and listening to it. It didn’t stop lol but it was beating very slowly.
My heart beats slowly too since I do lots of sports, about 60 rpm right now but when I’m lying, even less.
Gen says
Great post! Thanks for sharing something so personal about yourself!
I’m really small too and have been dealing with an Eating disorder for about a year now….trying to gain back weight now! Do you have any weight gain advice?
chocolate-covered katie says
Hey Gen!
I hesitate to give weight gain advice, since peoples’ bodies are so different and react so differently to foods/calories/what have you. Also, I’d be afraid of saying the wrong thing and hurting instead of helping. All I can say is be sure to look to calorie-dense foods so you don’t feel super-full all the time trying to get in enough calories. 🙂
Lisa C. says
Great post, Katie. And well-written as always. Thanks for sharing!
Tricia says
Thanks for sharing! I kind of went through the same thing this past year. I was gettin ultra comppetitive without realizing I needed more calories. I lost some weight but enough to lose my period. Now that i’ve gained most of it back, I still need to be on a pill to kick start it :/ oh well live and learn
liz says
it’s so easy to take good health for granted. i’m sorry you had a scare, but i’m very glad you take care of yourself now. thank you for telling us 🙂
Joy says
Oh Katie!
I am so glad you are okay and so glad you learned how to properly takecare of you before you got seriously hurt!
Kate (What Kate is Cooking) says
Thanks for sharing this! I think that when we’re young, we automatically take our health for granted. I mean, how many high schoolers really think they can develop a potentially serious health problem? I’m glad you found out and took care of it before it really affected you. You’ve obviously found a healthy (and delicious!) way of eating that works for you, so that’s all that matters now 🙂
Kate says
Really nice post!
When I had anorexia, I got incredibly thin and even though people kind of knew something was wrong, they didn’t say anything [except my parents]. It is hard to remember much of anything during that time because I was in such a fog (since I was underweight & undereating). The hospital I went to for inpatient, just made me more confused by feeding me sugar all the time…I had to eat Fruit Loops right before bed and hfcs-laden milk…yuck!
When I discovered these blogs, such as yours, I realised that healthy people DO eat well and don’t starve themselves to stay a normal weight. Even though now, I STILL have problems with my sugar intake and binging, I feel so much better eating rounded, whole, healthy meals rather than a just a half of sweet potato for dinner. I am not free from my eating disorder but slowly I am getting out of disordered eating.
Thanks for blogging & helping me eat better:)
Livvy says
Katie, I’m so glad you shared this! Your story is all too familiar because literally the EXACT same thing happened to me! I didn’t used to run longdistance track until my freshman year the distance coach saw me (he saw I was skinny and tall too!) and asked me to join the team. Like you, I was immediately hooked and pretty good too. But then my weight dropped and got to a scccarrry scary scary low weight! I felt tired all the time and didn’t know what was wrong so I had my mom schedule me a doctors appointment. That’s when I found out my hr was 48 (but since I’m an athlete it wasn’t terrible) but my weight was way too low. I’ve been incorpoarting as much food into my diet ever since then as possible (2 years later!) and still working to gain back that weight. It’s really hard when your body literally just burns it off! Anyway, thanks for sharing your story and hope you enjoyed mine haha 🙂
chocolate-covered katie says
I did enjoy yours! Seriously, you have no idea how happy I am to know I wasn’t alone (although I’m sad others have gone through similar situations).
non blogger says
hi katie,
i don’t have a blog, but i read yours all the time. i never comment, but i have to today. this post was awesome, and i’m so glad you were able to share it with us, because i bet a lot of people have gone through similar things, especially judging by the comments people are leaving, but no one realizes just how many others have gone through the same thing.
for example, me. i didn’t have any idea that anyone else was in the same boat as me. when i was younger, i was just like you in that i was always so busy and sometimes forgot to eat properly because i didn’t have enough time or just didn’t care about food. unfortunately for me, i lost so much weight that it turned into an ed because my brain got all messed up and i started associating not eating with feeling powerful and in control. they say that a starved brain can make anyone turn eating disordered, even if they weren’t previously disposed to it. and that’s what happened to me, so it was harder to get out of it, and i’m still working on it. but blogs, especially honest ones like yours, have helped me so much. so keep doing what you’re doing and sharing with us. it helps more than you’ll ever know!
Sabine @ thefruitpursuit says
thank you so much for sharing Katie :). It’s nothing to be emberassed about, really! You didn’t take your health for granted as I see it, you were young and unknowing. at that age, most people take their health ‘for granted’.
I still sometimes feel guilty, or rather stupid, for really taking my health for granted with my eating disorder. but I also realize, again, this wasn’t on purpose. and we’ve come out stronger and wiser indeed 🙂
Emma (Sweet Tooth Runner) says
Katie, you are amazing. I think it is SO brave of you for sharing this, and what you went through sounds so scary!! You are so inspirational for so many reasons, but most of all for your positive outlook on life.
I did my heart a favour this morning. I gave it some love CCK-style with some red velvet pancakes 🙂
LOVE YOU girlie, and thanks for being SUCH an INSPIRATION to me! 😀
chocolate-covered katie says
Ahhh you made the pancakes?! How much do I love you, girl? Almost enough to get on the next plane to the UK to visit, even though I’m terrified of flying. I need to meet you!
Love from your stalker ;).
Annie says
Aww to both of you!!! This comment section is full of love!!!
J3nn (Jenn's Menu and Lifestyle Blog) says
Thanks for sharing this with us, Katie!! Heart health is nothing to take lightly. My father and grandfather both died from heart attacks, so being on the opposite end of the weight spectrum (overweight!), I, too, keep my heart health in mind all. the. time, especially now that I’m over 30.
This is an excellent reminder to be good to your heart (and body), and to never take any of it for granted. 🙂
XOXO
emma says
Hi sweetie! Thankyou for sharing your story with us. One day I hope that I will find the strength to share mine too 🙂 lots of love xoxo
Erika says
Thanks Katie! Great post. I really am enjoying reading everyone’s responses, too, because (like a lot of others have said), it’s making me feel less alone! Unlike you, I did have an eating disorder, but it caused me to also have a heart problem as well as loads of other health issues. I’m slowly working out of them!
Nina says
I think if a doctor told me I had to see a cardiologist, just going there alone would be enough to scare me into having a heart problem! You hear “heart” and it sounds so scary, because that’s SUCH a vital organ. So glad it all turned out for you :).
Mary says
Great post, as usual, Katie. Although I’ve never had such a similar experience, I felt like I was right there with you, from the vivid way you wrote about your story. Definitely makes me think twice about how I treat my body and what I put into it. What a great way of looking at it: your body is a temple. Treat it that way. Thanks for the reminder!
Liz @ iheartvegetables says
Katie! Thank you for sharing your story!! That is scary, but I’m glad it turned out ok. And now you know better, so it’s nothing to be embarrassed about!
chelsey @ clean eating chelsey says
Thank you so much for sharing this story. I’m sure that was so scary to go through as a teenager. That is why it’s SO important to educate kids on nutrition and how to properly fuel their bodies. Heck, we have to educate ADULTS on this too!
Sana says
I had a mini heart scare as well with a mummer. I was scared to even walk fast!
Glad it was nothing seriouss!
Amy Bee says
Katie you are so brave and thank you for sharing this! For the love of god don’t be embarrassed you were young and didn’t know any better. It just goes to show the damage poor nutrition can have on our bodies.
I have been battling an ED for a number of years and have had numerous scary moments with regard to heart health and it really does make you stop in your tracks.
You are a true inspiration for turning things round and I am so glad you are okay. This week I will be making myself a single lady carrot cupcake 😀 cannot wait!
Keep up the great work angel 🙂
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Aw thanks, Amy! I hope you love the carrot cake!! 🙂
Eleanor@eatinglikeahorse says
Thank you so much for sharing that; it might really help someone else in a similar situation.
Don’t be too hard on yourself and embarrassed though; a friend of mine’s got lupus and she once said to me “you never know how ill you felt till you feel better”, which was proved to me with my coeliac disease; it was only after I went GF and had treatment for a blood condition diagnosed at the same time, that I had the benefit of hindsight and could look back and realise just how rubbish I’d felt before.
So glad you’re ok though 🙂
bitt says
sometimes we think as teens we can do anything to our bodies and they will be fine. not so! i had some scares as a teen but not the same issue, still it was from not respecting my body’s needs. thanks so much for sharing!
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Haha so true! Like all my friends who go to tanning beds every week! They are so going to regret that… even if they don’t get skin cancer, they’re going to look like prunes when they’re thirty. I keep telling them that, but lol they don’t care!
Jess@atasteofconfidence says
I had a very similar experience, although I knew I was losing and was okay with it. I was a swimmer (about 4/5 hours six or seven days a week), and I wasn’t eating enough. My blood pressure and heart rate were low (mine was 43- were so close!) Thankfully I gained the weight back and am back to my healthy state- glad you are, too!
Michelle says
I think that’s great that you’ve reached a point that you’re comfortable to share. It might inspire some people to hit up the doctor in case something is wrong. So often it’s easy to associate health [especially heart/blood pressure] scares with overweight people, but this isn’t always the case. Healthy is healthy, no matter your size. Seriously, thanks for sharing!
Lauren says
Thanks for sharing your story, it always amazes me how many people can relate to other blogger’s stories – I used to think I was the only one concerned about everything I ate.
In high school, I went through restrictive phases where I would eat only 700-1200 calories/day. I knew it was bad, but I thought I was being healthy about it because I would have a piece of fruit or a tiny, iceburg lettuce salad for lunch. I am so glad I got out of that phase because I realize I had no energy, I was always anxious, and not very happy.
Holly @ Couch Potato Athlete says
Katie thanks for being so honest on your blog — but I am so sorry to hear about those issues. I’m glad you are ok!
Lauren @ WWoB says
Oh low heart rates are scary. When I was in my best race shape (I was on the nationals triathlon team at my university) my heart rate was about 50 bpm. And although I was my fastest then, I was not my healthiest. I was underweight as well and had to gain weight. I feel so much better now… Its weird being told that you look really different or that you arent in good condition when you think you are being super healthy and dont see much of a physical change in your appearance. But its important to listen and to take action – I am so glad that you did! I think another really important sign of health (when doing sports or not) is having a regular menstruation.
Thanks for sharing Katie!
lindsay says
low HR is scary. You are so wise for going to the doctor at that time. I think we all need a little debriefing on our hearts and how exercise (too much or too little) can effect it. Such wisdom katie, thank you!
LC
Getting Through It says
I have had a lot of health scares. Mainly doing with my anorexia. I am getting better though, and taking care of my body helps things get back in line. Some things, unfortunately, are irreversible though.
Katherine: Unemployed says
thank you for sharing such a personal post!
Jennifer JCD says
Katie, thank you for sharing this story. It takes real courage to post something like this! All I can say is that you are very lucky to have friends, teachers, and parents who love you so much to get you to the doctor and get you healthy again. You are also awesome because you overcame the little hurdle and became stronger as a result. And thank goodness you’re back to good health!
Heather says
This is definitely a story that was worth sharing. If there is anything we MUST do, it is to listen to our bodies and know when to ask for help. It is so good that you sought the advice of a medical professional before your weight loss began to have permanent affects on your body!
I don’t think there is anything to be embarrassed about. You were young and naive and if anything, the whole point of growing up is to gain life experience and learn from it. If you had never had this happen to you, you may not be quite the advocate for healthy eating as you are now!
Stacey (The Home-Cooked Vegan) says
Wow. What a scary time for you!
I must say- it’s cool that you got into running in high school. I kind of wish I would’ve at that time too. Just like you-I didn’t know squat about nutrition.
I’m so glad you saw a cardiologist! Imagine if you would’ve kept running on empty 🙁
I sort of had the opposite problem last year-I was running a lot but had a ton of stress, so I was treated for hypertension and high blood pressure. My resting heart rate was around 90 (!!)..
Three cheers for becoming heart healthy!
Catherine says
Thanks for sharing Katie! I’m so glad you did what was right for you and took care of your health. Thanks for getting the message out there that we need to be vigilant about our own health/bodies.
Alexandra (Veggin' Out in the Kitchen) says
Thanks for sharing your story, Katie! That must have been really scary, but I’m SO, SO glad that everything turned out just fine! I was once underweight too, but now I’m back to a normal, healthy weight! 🙂 I think that it’s really important that when I found out that I needed to gain weight that I did it by eating healthy foods (just more of them) and still exercising instead of chugging junk foods and not exercising. It sounds like you did the same thing! 🙂 Yay for healthy eating!
Alex@Spoonful of Sugar Free says
Thanks for sharing, Katie! The same exact thing happened to me a few years ago…I got so much into health and wellness and cut out dairy and gluten at the same time, but didn’t really know what to replace it with (therefore leaving holes in my diet). I lost 15 pounds in a few months and didn’t notice it until my parents said something. At first I started playing tennis much better because I was working harder and running faster (I was smaller). But then I became weaker and my endurance wasn’t good enough, so my game dropped. I started literally shaking during practice and matches, but I didn’t know why.
I lost my period, which really scared me. They put me on a scale, and I realized-whoa, I’m underweight. So, I developed a way to gain weight, and started doing a bit more strength training and gained 20 pounds. I feel so much better and my tennis has improved dramatically! I have to take some extra hormones to get my period back, but all is well!
Thanks for the post, Katie 🙂
chocolate-covered katie says
Gosh, we sound so alike! That’s exactly how my story played out: at first I was super-fast and was winning everything and OWNing on the tennis court as well… but soon I was feeling sluggish, dizzy, and just awful.
So glad you were able to get better… and from what I hear, you’re tearing up the courts again ;).
Sarah says
Great post! 🙂
Me says
thanks for sharing this personal post with us!
I have a really low RHR, but my blood pressure is fine. The Drs never have said anything to me. Wonder if it’s because my BP is ok?
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Probably as long as you don’t have any other health problems, it’s nothing to worry about. In my case, my doctor just did it as a precautionary thing. But also, I’d lost a lot of weight and my bp was low AND I was feeling dizzy, so she was concerned for those reasons.
alyssa - fashion fitness foodie says
That is so scary!! I knew nothing about eating healthy or how many calories to eat when I was in High School – I’m so glad nothing serious ended up happening and you are OK in the long run.
Claire says
Katie, this is beautifully written. Well done for having the courage to talk about your experiences, that week would have been terrifying. However it was a mistake – one that you’ve clearly learnt a great deal from – and ultimately your body showed how strong it was by supporting you for so long.
Allison @ Runs A Latte says
Thanks for sharing such a personal story! I always battle about whether to share such stories on my blog, and I haven’t yet, but I do really enjoy reading them. Thanks for giving us a glimpse into your life.
In 8th grade, I once had to visit the cardiologist for a potential heart problem, and you’re so right, it’s the scariest thing! My heart rate had probably never been so high for so long from all the anxiety. Thankfully things worked out for the best.
chocolate-covered katie says
I think just being in that office was the scariest part! It’s intimidating!
Averie (LoveVeggiesAndYoga) says
Thank you for posting this personal health account, Katie! I know that you just helped someone (or many people) by your post. Someone out there will benefit greatly and thank you 🙂
I am so glad that you’re okay, that everything turned out fine, and that you learned some lessons in health, life, and the big picture of things. Life is a journey and a process, we are all always learning about it and ourselves…so happy for you that everything is fine. Whew! 🙂
Jenny says
Hm… Wow, for once I’m not sure what exactly to say in a comment! Many things went through my head as I read this.
-This is a wonderfully written post.
-Thank you SO much for sharing something that you probably would rather have not, as it is somewhat of a delicate subject, I think.
-Also, thank you for reminding us all of how important our health is!
It was inspiring to read this… and actually a great motivator for me. I’m NOT an athletic person as you were and still are, but I am underweight with a very, very low heart rate and really need to gain weight. It seems really difficult to do sometimes — so difficult that I feel like throwing in the towel and accepting that I’ll be doomed to be underweight forever, but… this post proves that it can be done.
Thank you so much. 🙂 I’m so glad that you pulled through that health scare, ending up stronger and more informed than ever before… and with a new appreciation for health!
Chocolate-Coated Runner says
Your health scare was similar to mine considering it dealt with track sophomore year of high school. In fact, it is basically the same thing that happened to me LOL. It’s nice to know that I’m not the only one! 🙂
Emily B. says
Woah, I had NO freakin idea so many people have gone through this! Kudos to you for bringing it up, because now I know I’m not the only one. I cannot believe this! I’ve felt so alone, because I’m currently going through something similar. I lost a lot of weight recently and am in the process of gaining it back, trying to get my periods back and get back to a healthy state. Thanks Katie :).
Namaste Gurl says
Wow, Katie- what a amazing, well- written and deep post! I can totally relate, as I’ve had heart problems as well, and it’s surely a scary dilemma. Glad you fixed the problem, and learned an important thing… to take care of your whole body. So true moderation in exercise and a healthy diet is key for good health! Way to say it well!
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Thanks girl!
Sending you well-wishes for your heart problems as well!! 🙂
Mary @ Bites and Bliss says
I loved reading this Katie andwill actually admit to the same thing happening to me. Not so extreme as to having to get an EKG, but I was told that my BP and HR were extremely low. (The nurse actually told me to go eat a Chik-fil-A sandwich to raise my BP. 😉 ) It’s in the normal range for someone my age, height, and fitness level though and I’m glad yours is, too!
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Ugh, I had a doctor once tell me to eat steak and I’d gain weight :(. It’s scary when some doctors–who don’t know a thing about nutrition–try to give nutritional advice, because people assume they know what they’re talking about because they’re doctors :-?.
Tara says
I’m sure many of your readers (including myself!) have similar stories, so it’s awesome that you shared! Mine involved an eating disorder combined with excessive exercise. I had to be taken out of gym class because my doctor was afraid I would have a heart attack doing the one mile time trial. I’ll never forget the EKG’s, Bones Scans, and Blood tests I had to take. I’ll never forget going to be with chest pain (probably just heart burn) and thinking my heart was going to give out. Ironically, I discovered running once I had recovered from my eating disorder at it is what taught me to embrace food.
i haven’t shared my story yet on my blog for the same reasons as you, but you’ve inspired me. I need to get it out so that people like us don’t feel alone and know that it is possible to get better, whether or not it was on purpose or not.
katie says
i’m so glad that you’ve recovered. you are so strong!
just thought i’d let you know i wrote about you in my blog post today!
Christin@purplebirdblog says
I love your honesty, and thank you for the peek into your life! I think a lot of us can relate to inadvertently abusing our bodies in one fashion or another, and the important thing is that you were able to take steps in the right direction to get back on track! <3
Pure2raw twins says
Thank you Katie for sharing your story!! I did not know athletes tend to have a lower HR, good to know. I am so glad you are okay. My older sister had heart problems when she was in HS, but now is better. Scary stuff when dealing with the heart.
HUGS!
Änne says
Thanks so much for sharing your story, Katie. I can so relate to this, although it not my heart but my spine which I took for granted and never really cared about. As a kid I always hat to do physiotherapy and at the age of 16 I even had to wear a corset …Up until last year I never really thought about continuing to exercise until I had a lumbago (and one week in bed full of the strongest painkillers I ever experienced) and had a CT scan because my toes were numb (my thought was: yeah…what do numb toes have to do with my spine???). They found out that two of my vertebra (I hope this is the right word) are instable and slowly tuck my nerves and 3 spinal discs are already damaged. This was THE experience that showed me that I´ll have to to something and strengthen my muscles to stabilize my spine. Since then I do excercise regularly and also do physiotherapy again. I hope I can delay the problems – that definitely will occur sooner or later – as long as possible.
My toes are still numb, but maybe I´ll get them tattoed, as I won´t feel it anyway^^ …and remind me why I have to treat my spine well and take care of it.
greetings from freezing cold Rostock, Germany
Rebecca says
So even though I’ve read your entire blog from start to finish (literally), I’ve never commented… But it was so brave of you to share this, and I think it’s great that you’re letting us get to know you better, because I know I get curious about your personal life. This post is also really inspiring in terms of respecting your body and its needs, which I know I don’t always do. Anyway, I’m so glad you are healthy now. Thanks for sharing!
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Wow, thank you so much for reading the whole thing, Rebecca! I’m honored lol. 🙂
Cat says
I agree with all of the comments above – this post was incredibly personal and brave. It’s hard enough talking about tough points in our lives, much less sharing them with tons of strangers. I really appreciate your posting about this though because I once found myself in the same situation and I honestly can still remember how scary it felt to be told I was in danger. I made a resolve then and there to never allow myself to be at a point like that and now I love to focus on my own proper nutrition and health.
Frances says
It takes guts to talk about a particularly private incident like that, even to a group of friends- you’ve gone out on a limb and talked about it with an enormous public audience. kudos!
i have some thoughts. it was funny to me, reading this post, that you could have had NO idea what was going on with your body. Thoughts of calories and exercise have been so present in my head for years; I can’t remember a time when food was just food. I mean no judgment, of course. I sort of wish I could go back to when I didn’t have a clue.
Having been in the same situation, but due to an eating disorder, it’s hard for me to read this post. I feel a little bit indignant, a little bit annoyed- it sort of feels like someone who’s never had an eating disorder is trying to say she’s been there, too, and understands what it’s like. I know that’s not what you were trying to sound like, though- it’s just my personal reaction. I read this and thought…well, it must be nice, to be so clueless about calories, to be in that dangerously sick condition but not have your sanity questioned, to not have your freedom robbed as you’re subjected to humiliating treatment programs….it was a hard read.
I have to thank you, though, for not being afraid to post things like this- things that might garner all sorts of responses. I know you’ve been attacked on your blog before, and to keep on taking risks is awesome. Again, I’m not attacking. I know it probably sounds like I am, but I just wanted to give you my feedback. Blog on! 🙂
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Nope, I actually wasn’t thinking about people with EDs at all when I wrote this, so I definitely wasn’t trying to say I know what it’s like. I was simply relating an experience that happened to me. But please never feel afraid to give honest feedback; I really appreciate all thoughts and opinions, as long as they’re respectful (yours are!) :).
Kaitlin says
Hello Katie! I love your blog and recipes, but I must say that I also had a “red flag” reaction when reading this (and some other) posts about your weight, but for slightly different reasons (it is also concerning that so many girls/women responding to this are reporting that they too are so underweight). I am a recovering anorectic. Reading your entries about weight and exercise have sounded exactly like the “script” I used all the time to justify my very underweight appearance. I told others all the time how much I just loved running, and how I just ate a very healthy diet, or was eating “all the time” and just not gaining, or just didn’t realize I wasn’t eating enough. I guess the world will never know (and shouldn’t know!) what’s really going on, and I have no right or basis to say that you’re intentionally so underweight. But I encourage you to take a deep look inside just to make sure everything is at peace, because coming from personal experience and having defended my own thinness for years with so many of these exact words, I know that it really hurt me much deeper than I realized at the time. And if not, then more power to you! Either way, sending nothing but love.
karen d says
Great post! Everyone can take a little something away from your story. Thanks for sharing. On my own personal note, I have recently lost over 100 pounds and am starting to exercise regularly for the first time in my life. It’s still hard to get motivated sometimes but the results are so worth it. And one more thing, I LOVE oatmeal and I am delighted to find so many luscious recipes on your blog.
Claire says
Katie,
I just sort of stumbled upon your blog and read this post, and I have to say that for the first time I was totally inspired. I am currently struggling with a really similar issue… I have recently become hooked on running and am training for a half marathon. I am an extremely healthy eater, and I eat a LOT, but with the combo of running and my high-nutrient but fairly low-calorie diet, I VERY easily drop way too much weight. I so want to be a strong, healthy runner, and reading your post reminded me that I need to take care of my body or I’ll end up weak and injured, possibly even permanently, which is the exact opposite of what I want. Thanks again 🙂
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Good luck, girl! I definitely noticed a difference, speed and motvation-wise, once I started fueling better. I had so much more energy! 🙂
Mali K (The Mali K Whey) says
Very interesting post! May I ask how you go about raising your blood pressure? Mine is extremely low, and I often feel dizzy, sluggish, nauseous etc as a result. I increased my salt intake to no avail, and have even tried homeopathic remedies. Was just wondering if you had any tricks!
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
I can’t give you any advice, since it sounds like something a doctor needs to address. I’d be very irresponsible to give out medical advice :(. For me, mine was so low due to my unhealthy state. Now that I’m healthy, it’s still loe (80s-90s are the top #s), but I don’t feel sluggish or anything.
I’d caution against thinking just eating more salt will do the trick, because you could throw your electrolytes out of whack. Again, it’s an important issue; don’t try to treat it without a professional’s help. Your health is too precious :).
As for your stevia q, I buy nunaturals and have never noticed a strange taste.
Mali K (The Mali K Whey) says
Thanks 🙂 I appreciate that you can’t really give out medical advice. My doctor offered me medication but I’m resistant – I see it as a last resort!
Unfortunately in South Africa there is only one brand of pure stevia available, and it has that funny taste! Maybe I’ll look into getting some shipped over from the US!
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Hmmm, I think you’re smart to resist medication… I’d be hesitant to go with medication except as a last resort, because you want to figure out WHY there’s a problem before you just treat it with medicine, ya know?
Mali K (The Mali K Whey) says
My sentiments exactly! I don’t like masking the symptoms without tackling the cause!
kate@ahealthypassion says
thanks for sharing your story you are such a beautiful person and inspiration to so many women!
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Thank you so much, Kate!
Jessy says
I just started reading your blog and in a rather intense stalking session found this post. Basically I’m currently going through the same thing you were (bradycardia as a result of running a lot and not eating enough) and it’s helped me a lot to read about it happening to somebody else. It’s also reassuring to hear that you made it through everything and still run today (I’m so excited to be able to run again). I’ve struggled with disordered eating in the past but i thought that, since running made me feel so great and i wasn’t actively restricting what i was eating, i was doing something good for my body and mind for once. Clearly i was wrong. Right now i should be on a school trip to new york but my doctor said that i wasn’t allowed to go because of my heart. On the bright side, i’m quite excited to try out your chocolate chip baked oatmeal recipe tomorrow morning! (I love your blog by the way!!…in case you couldn’t tell by my earlier mildly creepy stalking comment)
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Haha I love long comments; do not apologize! It’s always nice to know someone else is going through what I experienced… although, at the same time, I wish you didn’t have to :(.
I hope you like the oatmeal!!
Sierra says
Are you still trying to gain weight? How many calories do you eat a day? Sorry for the questions, I am trying to gain too 🙂
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
I’m not actively trying to gain weight, but I would definitely be thrilled if some extra pounds happen to show up. I don’t count calories, though, so I can’t tell you how many I eat right now.
Kit-Kat says
I think your story is somewhat similar to mine, just that I KNEW I was under-eating and over-doing exercise.
I had anorexia for two months, and still exercising and doing tons of activities. The result was a drastic drop in weight, and my parents went through the same pull-asides yours did. Finally I was taken to the doctor, and my pulse was 42….. the doc said that it would have been okay if I was at a good weight, but I was also very dehydrated and my blood pressure was bad. They were going to admit me into the hospital, but I was so scared that I swore to them I would do anything to change my failing health, as long as I could still be with my family, exercise SAFELY and eat vegan.
Thankfully, they consented, but I was so terrified for the first week of change because I had to go through numerous tests to make sure I did not have any heart problems or diabetes (which runs in my family).
I am so much better now (although I will admit that I do still count calories, old habits die hard), and I can do almost any activity I want, which is like the old me, and I am at a good weight, but still slender.
Thank you so much for sharing your story, and never be embarrassed to speak about a health condition to people. Most will take it as advice with open arms! I tell girls about my past when I see or hear that they are on a strict diet while keeping up with their activities, and the lights emmedietly go off in their heads. It makes me feel good inside that I am doing my part by preventing someone’s life from becoming endangered by the female athlete triad.
Thank you again!
Anonymous says
im sorry but reading this just makes me so upset! i went on a vegatarian diet and started soccer and accedentially lost alot if weight. i didnt have an eating disorder of any type but everyone thought i was anorexic. they sent me to a hospital for a month and i still have to see a dietition. its horrible! they have an exact weight they want me to be and if ik not theyll send me back to the hospital. i wish i was as lucky as you, ive always wanted to be vegan but they wont even let me be vegatarian anymore! i feel terrible eating meat and like im killing innocent animals. i can never look at my parents with the same love i used to and it kills me.
Justine Duppong says
Thanks for sharing your story, Katie–it’s so important. I myself am recovered from both an eating disorder and an abusive romantic relationship, and so now my focus is helping others figure out how they can get their best bodies and lives, by working WITH what they have, instead of trying to conform to something that just isn’t natural or healthy for them.
Keep spreading the passion for good health!!
Carina says
Hey, 1st of all….i LOVE your blog! it just completely, like, changed my life haha I’m trying EVERYTHING!:) but also….i have a question. This exact thing is happening to me right now. I joined cheer and got put on 2 squads and started getting really into healthy eating. Well, apparently that lead to not enough calories and i lost over 20 pounds in 3 months and i was reallyyy small to begin with. Everyone is concerned and doctors think I’m getting health problems from it, not to mention i HATE how i look now…so my question is, how did you gain the weight? Because I’ve been trying so hard for about two months now and nothing is working but i want to gain it in a healthy way. So are there any good tips you could give me? I’d appreciate it so much! Thanks:)
ANH says
Just found this post and I’m glad you wrote it! Many many girls out there need to hear stories like yours.
kim says
hi katie! i, like you, am very thin. i actually don’t get a period anymore, and was wondering if you (or anyone else reading this) has the same issue. unfortunately, i can’t afford to go to a doctor right now so i don’t know if this is unhealthy or just a side effect of being thin.
Chocolate Covered Katie says
Hi Kim,
If you think you are just not getting a period because you’re too thin, try gaining some weight to a healthy level and see if it comes back.
Not getting a period is your body’s way of telling you that something is wrong. I’m not a doctor, so I can’t give out medical help, but please look into your options. Are there any free treatment clinics you can go to? Or a social worker who can help you find a doctor? I don’t know about specific options, but I do know that doctor care, up to a point, is available even to those who can’t afford it. http://www.moneytalksnews.com/2011/09/30/healthcare-help-for-the-uninsured/
Katie Means says
I am also very thin and wanted to know how you gained the weight back! I keep on trying and trying but nothing works. Shakes, peanut butter, nuts, weight training, snacking ad nauseum! How did you do it?
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
https://chocolatecoveredkatie.com/2012/03/04/my-high-calorie-recipes/
Anonymous says
a very simuliar thing actually happend to me. i went on a vegatarian diet and started soccer so i was more active and acedently lost alot of weight. unfortunatley my story had a kich worse ending, they though i had an eating disorder even though i didnt and they sent me to the hospital for it…..it still makes me so sad and angry
Katie says
I’m so glad to know that you’re okay! So scary. Kind of wake-up call for me, too– 10 pounds less ago, I was feeling sluggish and dizzy all the time, would regularly and randomly start to black out, and my blood pressure was super low. I guess it’s a good thing I’ve recently gained weight.
Delphine says
Hi Katie- I am going through the same thing. I was once hospitalized and now i see my mistake. I corrected myself and now i eat six times a day and take care of myself. Reading your story makes me feel like I am not alone.
georgia says
katie,
i’m currently in treatment for anorexia nervosa, after being discharged as an inpatient. i live on my own, so i cook for myself all the time and often have panics about ‘safe’ foods, and things like chocolate have previously rung alarm bells in my head as i used to associate them with guilt, because they were ‘bad fats’ to me.
your blog is making me feel so much better about having these indulgences, and makes me see that they ARENT bad. its a little step at a time, but thank you so much for sharing it with us!!
georgia
Chocolate Covered Katie says
Thanks Georgia. And good luck to you! 🙂
Alice says
My god, I’m SO angry with the people who insult you and talk about you on the base of one or two pictures they saw without knowing anything about you.
You are an extremely awesome person, you are so full of joy and happy thought and positive things you share with us all, and, to a point, you helped me to get over my own ED.
When I was away from the thought I’d have to starve myself to be pretty, I was still struggling with my self-esteem and getting to normal, healthy eating habits (still am, but it besomes better slowly), several documentations on TV and articles in magazines (along with other media) made me feel like there was no “normal” anymore in concerns of body shapes and eating.
It was like there were only two possibilities: Starving and being too thin and ill or eating tons of (unhealthy, not your) cake and sweets and junk food while becoming fat.
If your amazing blog taught me one thing, it is that health is the first thing that matters, and as long as one is paying attention on health in the right way, one can be skinny or normal or whatever, depending on the person. But healthy, in any case.
I don’t know if my babbling is understandible, but it was fun to write it^^
Thank you, Katie, for your incedibly great blog!
Kelli Anderson says
Thank you for sharing this. You’re so smart to block those awful sites! I love your honest approach. You are an example to me.
Casey says
Thanks for sharing your story. I am currently going through the same kind of problem but I unlike you unfortunately have anorexia nervosa and have related heart problems and it is not all that easy for me to reverse. I must say I wish that I did not care and it was so easy to just eat food not calories. I am glad that you did not have to experience such a horror.
Punz says
Hey, I love your site, and have been referring to your recipes for almost a year now. I’m a student trying to eat and cook healthy, and find your recipes both for convenient and delicious. I’m also trying to lose weight but I’m often told I don’t know where to draw the line between healthy and extreme. To help me decide, I did an online search and found a really interesting link. I just thought you should be aware.
P.s. Disclaimer – The person on the link site does not know or is not affiliated to me in any way. I found it out of my own research.
Chocolate Covered Katie says
Hi Punz,
Thanks for such a sweet comment. I just looked at your link and emailed you about it. A lot of it is either completely made up or taken out of context. People are able to say whatever they want on the internet, and no one polices it, so there’s unfortunately nothing I can do except hope people who read her site will see through the ridiculousness of it.
Punz says
Hi Katie, I appreciate your prompt reply and making things clear. My apologies if I came across as accusatory. Once again, your recipes rock! Cheers!
Kaitlin says
Hi Katie,
I have a similar situation– I was a heavy kid and lost a lot of weight by adopting a healthy vegetarian diet and exercise. Only I also got pretty thin without realizing just how small I was and now need to gain the weight to protect my heart, bones, organs, etc.
Do you have any advice on how to do this in a healthy, slow and steady way and then stop at a good weight? Or was it easy peasy for you? I’m finding it a little scary to know the right way to do it without overdoing it or adding “bad” weight if there is such a thing. I love this post, the comments on it, and all your recipes. SOOOO good!
Kaitlin
Jessica says
I read lots of healthy cooking blogs, and I absolutely love that your blog is all about enjoying healthy desserts without worrying about weight loss. Everyone wants to feel good, regardless of their weight, and a huge part of that is eating healthful, delicious foods.
I must say, though you are slim it’s clear from your photos that you are also very healthy. No one gets hair and skin like that from disordered eating. So pretty! My first thought was seriously, “Oh, she must be a runner.”
Thank you for being funny, creative, and honest. Also, I think this applies here:
http://xkcd.com/481/
Chocolate Covered Katie says
LOL!
Courtney says
This post really hit home for me. I am pretty much in the exact same situation you were in. I have run cross country and track for 4 years now, but we just got a new coach and he has kicked up our training and our mileage to a whole new level. He also talks to us a lot about eating healthy and not fueling up with junk food and sugar and his talks really went to my head. I cut off all processed foods and anything I thought was unhealthy -I was eating nearly 2200 calories under what I should have been- and combining that with the running I lost a ton of weight. I went to the doctor a few weeks ago and am just now starting to realize how bad this is. I’m starting to turn things around now and this is a huge inspiration for me. Thank you!!
Hannah says
I love you, your a strong, healthy, independent girl. Who makes the healthiest most awesome recipes on the planet. You also bring awareness and change people one chocolate goodness at a time. I’m really glad your health scare had a positive outcome. Sending you lots of love 🙂
Catie says
Katie,
I love your blog! I’ve been reading it for the past few years and I’ve never left a comment on anything, not really sure why. After reading through this post (and the “my weight and diet” post) I felt inclined to say something.
First, I think it might be helpful to know that I am in the process of becoming a registered dietitian, I am about to graduate with my bachelor’s of science, and then go on to my masters. That said, I have always admired your recipes (there is nothing better than a deliciously nutritious meal or snack). Whenever I’m in the mood for something new, healthy, and tasty, your blog is the first (and often times, the only) place I go to. I love to cook and create my own recipes, but I also love trying things other people create.
I would also like to preface this comment by mentioning that I am also an athlete and I have bounced between sports for the past several years. From softball, to running, to swimming, now to heavy lifting, I have had my fair share of sports injuries and health irregularities. The first thing I thought when reading this post was “her resting rate was 42 bpm? but she’s a runner, that’s normal for someone who is so athletic, i’ve been there too.” After I thought that, I thought “well, I hope the low heart rate wasn’t a sign of something more serious.” As you said, it wasn’t a serious heart problem at all! Luckily! =]
Anyway, all that aside, I want you to know that I, a reader, future registered dietitian, athlete, and self-proclaimed foodie, admire everything you stand for. I know this particular post is a few years old and I’m sure all the negative emotions from the awful attitudes have since dissipated, but I still feel compelled to reinforce how inspirational you are when it comes to nutrition, delicious food, and overall health.
Thank you for sharing your personal experiences (and your amazing recipes). Not only are all your post delicious (when they’re about food), but you are so articulate and descriptive that they are so interesting to read!
Keep on doing what you do best and don’t let anyone discourage you!
(oh, and my name is Catie, too! except i spell it with a C =])
Irene says
Well said, Katie!
I’m a pediatric nurse and used to work in a cardiology clinic for children. We did EKGs, Echos (like you described–except we warm up the gel!), etc. Occasionally, a teenager or young woman came to the clinic for the first time with the same referral as you: low BMI, heart rate, and blood pressure. Almost every patient had the same recommendation after thorough testing: Make sure you eat enough carbs, protein, healthy fats, and salt (and drink lots of water). They were otherwise perfectly healthy. Contrast that to someone who genuinely has the condition anorexia nervosa. They don’t even look healthy. They tend to have characteristic brittle nails, bluish fingertips, fine hair, a gaunt face, and basically just lack that healthy “glow”. Yes, they might have the same vital signs as you did (low BMI, HR and BP) but they are not healthy! I can take one look at your pics and know that you’re just one of those skinny, healthy girls with a high metabolism. Nothing wrong with that, as long as you take care of yourself! It seems like people who say hateful things are just plain jealous. You’re beautiful inside and out! Keep up the positive attitude!
Amy says
I never even knew Google gave out those search names until I read this post and looked into it myself. I was absolutely APPALLED at the comments and judgements people online have made. I was so infuriated I wanted to go through my computer screen. These people know nothing about you and yet saying all these hurtful comments. Katie, in my opinion, I think it comes down to jealousy….you have an extremely successful blog. You’re a pretty girl! But use your “haters” as motivators! For every 1 negative comment you get like 30 positive ones! So never let that get you down. Those nasty people don’t matter anyway.
MrsHubbard says
I just stumbled on your website today and I love it. It doesn’t seem like you really had anorexia, but a health scare that you were wise enough to heed. You are healthy now and you have a great blog, helping others be healthy. It seems that the gossipers are probably jealous!
kim says
It can be hard to admit somethibg, but it can help for the better!! We’re all embarassed about somethibg in our life, but it’s okay to tell someone about it!! You may have just given the courage to do so!! 🙂 😉
Olivia says
Hi I’m a 15 yr old girl and am currently going through something very similar. I am underweight and run cross country and have been getting chest tightness and feeling weak and tired. I just had an EKG done which was normal, but my heartrate is only 44 BPM and I’m really scared. I’m seeing a cardiologist next week but I’m so scared going to die. How did you manage to get through that week of not knowing?
Chocolate Covered Katie says
*Hugs*
Oh my, it was so long ago… but just be sure not to run AT ALL if the doctor told you not to. Just follow your doctor’s orders to the letter, and if you are scared, call up your doctor for reassurance that you’ll be okay as long as you really do listen to what he or she says 🙂
Jacky says
I’m 15 as well and run cross country as well….the season is over now. I’m in the hospital right now, after being admitted. I lost my weight intentionally and had a 33 BPM heart rate when they admitted me. Now I’m “recovering” and they are saying I can’t run when I leave here and I’m having a REALly hard time with this…running is what makes me not a waste of space…and even being quote “low weight” I don’t look all that thin and really don’t want to gain weight back and especially stop running because I NEED to be fast for next season…when you took a break from running did it kill your speed too? I don’t really care how slow my heart goes…I just need to run…thanks so much.
Kp3girl says
I love you, Katie!!! You are so strong and am my hero- I am struggling with weight gain and you keep me going. I love you. Thank you so, so much. Xoxo =)
Anonymous says
Katie, I have been following you about 6 months, have fallen in love with your recopies and have just been reading more about you as a person. Your recopies have been so helpful for me as I was recently diagnosed with Celiac, and as I enjoy making yummy food healthy. Not only that, these recent blogs regarding weight, running, rumors, and life have been especially helpful for me as I have grown up around eating disorders, but have strived to be healthy properly-and with the Lord’s help. It is still a constant mind battle, as kids watch and learn from their environment, but I know I will succeed. I truly do appreciate that woman can eat yummy yummy food, enjoy life, love exercise and help people. I too am a runner, have run some halves and a marathon. With the last year of all my health stuff and Celiac disease I haven’t been able to run-but I am slowly getting back into it and can’t wait for my next race, whenever that can be. It really sounds like you are an honest person-I appreciate that.
Aeva says
I had a school doctor send me to a cardiologist once. She thought I had a heart murmur, but the cardiologist looked and me and said, “Honey, you’re just skinny and flat-chested. That sound is the blood pumping through your veins.”
Ah…those awkward, gangly teenage years. Glad you caught it, Katie, and that it all turned out ok for you!
Aria says
I really appreciate this post. I’m in my senior year of high school and have always been on the lower end of weight as well. I’ve done track, marching band, and I like to go for runs when I have the time. I finally became a vegetarian this year and I also decided to eat a lot healthier. However, I’m only 5’2″ and my weight dropped from 92 lbs to 83 before I knew it. When I realized I’d been losing weight, I calculated how many calories I was getting in a day and it was under 1000 (as I’m sure you know, not good). I’ve been working on gaining the weight back since. Very few people are sympathetic to me because they think gaining weight is no problem but it’s been really difficult. Meanwhile I’ve also had to deal with the lack of support from my family in my decision to be a vegetarian. I’m now up to the 87-88 lb range and I’m working my way back up. Reading your post really meant a lot to me because I’ve felt ashamed thinking I’m the only person that could have done something like this. I just want to say I love your website and perusing through the numerous recipes is one of my favorite pastimes. Thank you for everything you do!