You can have an eating disorder and still be healthy

I want to share a story from my son’s life that really stuck with me. Over 20 years ago, he had a medically diagnosed eating disorder and was receiving treatment at a specialized clinic. The school was fully informed and included details in his individual profile so that teachers knew how to support him. One week, a supply teacher who was covering for his regular teacher pulled him aside and questioned him about his lunch. She asked if our family was going through financial hardship because his lunch didn’t include fruits, vegetables, or high-protein items like meat and cheese. It was frustrating and, honestly, completely out of line. Fast forward more than two decades: my son still has an eating disorder, but he graduated from university with Distinction in Honours Computer Science and now has a high-paying, stable job. His annual bloodwork is always normal. He’s living proof that you can maintain excellent health without eating what society labels as a “balanced” lunch. This story is a reminder that eating disorders aren’t about willpower or laziness. People can look healthy and be successful while still navigating these challenges. Education and compassion matter more than assumptions about someone’s plate. I share this to support anyone struggling with an eating disorder and to remind parents, teachers, and society: your assumptions can hurt more than they help.