Recovering from an eating disorder is hard. Really hard. I've been through a lot in my life and it was truly harder than anything else. Worse than moving across the country to a place I didn't know anyone. Harder than losing the horse I've had my entire life. Even worse than going four years without cutting myself because it's easier to live without something than to have to face your biggest fear three to six times a day.

But with the struggle comes great rewards. Here are just a few of the reasons why you should eat, even if it is the last thing you want to do.

1. Being warm.

Let's face it. Having to carry around a blanket and wear extra clothes all the time is not ideal.

2. Thicker hair.

Because hair falling out is a normal thing, but that much hair falling out is not good.

3. Road trips.

You eat out a lot during road trips. Eating out means more calories. A lot more. Being worried about food takes away from the trip. I went to Seattle and ate burgers almost every meal. With bacon. That could have potentially ruined the gross icon called the Gum Wall. Or the Beyoncé concert.

4. Concerts.

.

I got to meet one of my favorite artists about a year after I went into treatment. That was really only the start of all my concerts in 2016 and I have a lot of plans

5. Loving yourself.

This is arguably the most important part of recovery, aside from being a healthy weight. You need to accept yourself because if you keep listening to that voice in your head, you will be held back. Once you let go of the notion that you need to be skinny in order to succeed, you can do anything.

6. Swim suits.

This year, Aerie is donating a dollar for every un-retouched picture posted on instagram, up to $10,000. And they always have super cute bikinis or one pieces for everyone. I cannot tell you how amazing it is to go to a pool and not want to run and hide right away.

7. Weddings.

I got to see my sorority big, who has been one of my biggest supporters in recovery, get married and eating mac and cheese and potatoes didn't make me want to cry. I wasn't preoccupied with how much I would have to dance or walk the next day to burn it off.

8. Going out with friends.

I'm not talking about drinking, especially if you aren't of age, but just hanging out with friends. If your group is anything like mine, doing anything probably means there will be food involved. When you aren't in recovery you either have to eat or make up an excuse as to why you aren't eating. Kind of sucks, doesn't it?

9. Sporting events.

Whether it's futból, football, or baseball. Getting to see your favorite teams play is going to be a highlight of your month/summer/year. I was lucky enough to see Beyoncé and Lionel Messi in Seattle last June but seeing Messi work his magic was hands down the best part.

10. Dating.

Because you can't date when you have an eating disorder. You think you can, but it really doesn't work. Besides, who doesn't want the confidence to go talk to the cute boy in your lecture?

11. Being there for the important things in life.

I missed a lot while I was in treatment. I missed even more in the years before I decided to get healthy. Holidays sucked and I never wanted to do anything because I hated the way I looked. No one ever saw me the way I saw myself. Not many people really understood. But now, I can be there for special events. Like, actually be there. Not just physically.

12. Enjoying life again.

Gaining weight sucks. There's no denying that. I gained extra weight because I realized that I do like beer and whiskey. Definitely not recommended but for me, it's a big step to not care. I hang out with friends. I socialize with family. I get the damn piece of cheesecake because life is too short to care about what's healthy and what's not.