Demi Lovato is stronger than ever, but getting there wasn't easy.
The 22-year-old singer, who completed a three-month rehab stint for "emotional and physical issues" in 2010, is admitting that she almost went back to rehab last year for an eating disorder.
In an interview with Fitness Magazine, Lovato said it was difficult to eat healthily while on tour, and she began to "obsess" over food. The former Disney darling credited her boyfriend, Wilmer Valderrama, for "calling her out" on her behavior.
"I almost went back to rehab for my eating disorder last summer," she said. "I was obsessing over food and terrified of it at the same time. Wilmer noticed and called me out on it, which was a relief. I was done being afraid of food and so tired of overeating and not knowing why I did it."
The "Heart Attack" singer, who spent years battling bulimia, self-mutilation, bi-polar disorder and addiction, said exercise is the key to her recovery. As for diet, Lovato eats four smalls meals and two snacks per day.
"Exercising has been so important for my recovery, both physically and mentally," she explained. "On show days I count my concert as a workout, but on my off days I try to work out once in the morning and again at night. It can be a lot between performing and traveling, so I'm careful not to push myself too hard."
Lovato said she is now focused on conquering her body issues, and said she has found different ways to appreciate her body. The "Camp Rock" actress said the one thing she learned was to "be patient, because real change takes time."
When it comes to giving advice to other women struggling with body image, Lovato said, "We all have problem areas. I'm always going to have thick thighs. I can't change that, and obsessing over it will only make me miserable. Learning to be grateful for our bodies and taking care of them are the best ways for us to empower ourselves physically, mentally, and spiritually."
Lovato's motto: "If Beyoncé can do it, I can do it."
