The 10 week CBS reality show, Beyond the Edge stars nine celebrities facing challenges in the jungles of Panama to earn money for their charities.
American Idol season 10 runner-up Lauren Alaina is a member of the cast and during the week 2 episode (Read our Recap) she bonded with model Paulina Porizkova over body image. Today, Lauren shared her thoughts on social media about opening up and discussing her insecurities and struggle with an eating disorder during this week’s episode.
“My biggest internal struggle in my life has been acceptance of my body.”
“Most of my captions are silly and punny, but I want to post something serious,” Lauren wrote. “My biggest internal struggle in my life has been acceptance of my body. I started struggling with feeling like I looked different than others when I was in fifth grade. The realization that my body is unique, unfortunately, in my 10 year old brain started unhealthy thinking and led to a battle with an eating disorder for many years.”
Lauren continued, “I have been on a journey of healing, self love and confidence for quite a few years now. I am proudly recovering from my eating disorder and can honestly say that I love and accept my body. I celebrate my curves. I love that I don’t fit the mold, but it is still hard sometimes to feel that way 100% of the time.”
“I am so thankful for this body God gave me”
“I am so proud of my journey so far on #BeyondTheEdge on @cbstv. I am so thankful for this body God gave me and it’s ability to help me survive in the jungle and make a difference for women back home who need it.”
Lauren went on to thank Paulina who gave her words of encouragement.”Thank you, @paulinaporizkov, for being a loving light and friendly reminder that we are all unique and beautiful just the way we are. Keep watching my journey on the show. I’m really proud of it.”
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“One blog” referred to her as ‘Miss Piggy’
Lauren shared about her eating disorder and the bullying she endured during her time on Idol when she was only 16. She mentioned that “one blog” called her Miss Piggy and photoshopped a pig snout on her face (More than likely she’s referring to the now defunct Vote for the Worst. The website’s community brought internet aughts brand of cruel b*tch*ness to the world of Idol forums and blogs).
Lauren confessed that she felt inferior to Paulina, who responded with empathy and understanding “Us models we perpetuated that myth that you are supposed to be tall and slim to be worthwhile as a woman and that kind of sucks. That’s not real life.” After she gave Lauren a big hug she assured the young singer, “You are so beautiful!”
Watch the clip below. Beyond The Edge airs on CBS Wednesdays at 9 pm ET/PT.
