Alanis Morissette on Defeating Her Eating Disorder

Grammy-winner Alanis Morissette has traveled a long road struggling with depression, self-image, and food. In a recent interview with Health magazine, the singer shares that as a teenager, she was both anorexic and bulimic. Although her recovery began at age 18, Alanis says, "eating issues dogged me through my 20s." During that time, she wasn't worried about her weight, but was working long hours and eating salty and processed foods. Admittedly, she wasn't taking care of herself.

Life changed completely when she discovered Dr. Joel Fuhrman’s book Eat to Live. "It’s become my bible, pushing me to completely reorient my thinking about what to put into my body," the singer says. Check out her current diet:

"Now I concentrate on eating high-nutrient foods like fruit, nuts, collards, kale, and spinach. I’m obsessed with them. I even put spinach in my smoothies! — and arugula, too. For lunch, say, I’ll put it in a whole grain wrap with cucumbers, green peppers, hummus, tomatoes, and some lemon juice, cayenne, and hot sauce. I eat a lot of flaxseed oil to keep my omega-3s up, and I put cruciferous veggies like broccoli in soups — they’re so good for you."

Learn Alanis's philosophy on alcohol when you read more.

Alanis isn't all healthy foods all the time. She definitely indulges in the occasional glass of wine or piece of chocolate, believing that "treats are mandatory." Making healthy food swaps is another way the singer enjoys her favorite foods without feeling bad. Instead of regular mozzarella on her pizza, she tops it with soy cheese and organic tomatoes. In place of buttery popcorn, she loves snacking on "popcorn with balsamic vinegar, vegan butter, and all kinds of spices" — sounds tasty and I think I will try it.

As for dairy products, Alanis rarely eats them. She says, "I’ll never forget my friend Woody Harrelson telling me I needed to get rid of the dairy in my fridge to clear up my skin. He was right. My skin looks great now."

This nutrient-rich diet also gave Morissette the fuel to train for and complete a marathon this year, to raise awareness about eating disorders. Now that she's discovered how good it feels to treat her body right, starving herself just isn't an option. She adds that, "Eating the right way has become a sort of spiritual practice for me." To that I say rock on Alanis!