Eating Disorder Recovery Is an Ongoing Process
For adults in recovery, viewing healing as a long-term journey rather than a destination can help support your own health.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Healthy Food
Singer Demi Lovato recently opened up about her ongoing journey with eating disorder recovery, noting that she does not view herself as fully healed. She describes using cooking as a functional tool to help manage her relationship with food and body image.
Why it matters
Understanding recovery as an ongoing, non-linear process can help many adults manage their own health expectations and reduce the pressure for immediate results. By decoupling personal self-worth from physical appearance, individuals may find more sustainable ways to navigate their own recovery paths.
This personal account from a 34-year-old public figure highlights the challenges of long-term recovery compared to the common misconception of a definitive healing endpoint. The clinical effectiveness of specific coping mechanisms like creative cooking as a primary treatment remains under investigation.
The players
Demi Lovato
An American singer and actor who has publicly shared her experiences with an eating disorder and mental health advocacy.
Jordan Lutes
A musician who married Demi Lovato in May 2025.
The details
Lovato reports managing her condition by intentionally decoupling her personal sense of worth from her physical appearance. She additionally utilizes cooking as a structured, positive interaction with food, which can help shift focus from restrictive patterns to the act of nourishment itself. This approach centers on self-acceptance rather than achieving a final, permanent state of being cured.
Timeline
• May 2025: Demi Lovato married Jordan Lutes.
• March 2026: Lovato discussed her recovery and book in an interview with Us Magazine.
• October 14, 2026: Lovato appeared on the Street You Grew Up On podcast.
Health Landscape
This experience aligns with the National Institute of Mental Health's framework on eating disorder recovery, which frames healing as a multifaceted, long-term process rather than a static event. It reflects a broader clinical shift toward emphasizing lifelong management over short-term outcomes.
Those managing eating disorders may find it helpful to discuss with a doctor how creative or sensory-focused hobbies can support their own recovery plans. If you are seeking support, consider reaching out to the National Alliance for Eating Disorders hotline at 866-662-1235 or texting 741741.
The takeaway
Recovery from an eating disorder is rarely a linear journey and often requires ongoing, intentional self-care practices. If you or someone you know is struggling, reaching out to a professional or using established support hotlines can provide essential guidance.
Further reading
For more on building a positive relationship with nourishment, visit our Healthy Food section.
More information
For resources and support information, visit the National Alliance for Eating Disorders website.
