Cait Fairbanks, known for her role as Tessa Porter on The Young and the Restless, has shared her personal journey of overcoming body image issues and eating disorders. Her story is a powerful reminder of the importance of self-acceptance, mental health, and healthy habits.
Battling Body Image Issues and Eating Disorders
Fairbanks bravely opened up about her past struggles with self-esteem and how it manifested into unhealthy behaviors. She revealed, “We all have things we don’t like about ourselves,” and admitted to taking her "pain and anger" out on her body. This destructive cycle involved extreme calorie restriction ("a few hundred calories a day"), followed by binging and self-induced vomiting. She further shared that she also became obsessed with working out, spending hours in the gym, sometimes twice a day, without seeing the changes she desired.
This portrayal of Fairbanks' experience resonates with the storyline of Traci Abbott on The Young and the Restless in the 1980s, who battled bulimia and used diet pills in an attempt to control her body image. Both stories highlight the pressures and challenges individuals face in a society often obsessed with unrealistic beauty standards.
The Turning Point: Self-Examination and Self-Love
Fortunately, Fairbanks found her way to a healthier mindset through time and self-reflection. She stated, “I’ve reached this point in my life where I just want to stop hurting myself.” This realization marked a turning point in her journey towards self-acceptance and healing.
Fairbanks emphasized the importance of listening to her body while working out. This approach signifies a shift from obsessive exercise to a more balanced and intuitive approach to physical activity.
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Sharing Her Story to Inspire Others
Fairbanks decided to share her story with the hope of helping others who may be going through similar struggles. “I’m not sure who needs to hear this, maybe no one, but I hope that you can be patient and kind to yourself,” she wrote. She also acknowledged that self-compassion is a work in progress, and she is grateful for the support of the amazing people in her life who are patient and kind to her.
By sharing her experiences, Fairbanks aims to break the stigma surrounding eating disorders and body image issues, encouraging others to seek help and support.
Cait Fairbanks on The Young and the Restless: A Time Capsule
Fairbanks has been a part of The Young and the Restless for many years, which she describes as a "time capsule." Having started on the show at a young age, she appreciates working with people who have witnessed her growth and journey.
She humorously remarks, “I still feel like I should be getting a call from Teen Mom,” and jokes about being a teen mother. Fairbanks reflects on the unique experience of growing up on the show, stating, “I’m working with the people who knew me when I was six or seven, and that’s a crazy thing to think about."
Embracing Growth and Change
Fairbanks acknowledges the different phases of her life, both on and off-screen. She says, “I go home, and obviously I’m 35 years old, I am a wife, and I am a mother.” She appreciates the support she has received from her colleagues at The Young and the Restless, who have been invested in her personal growth and well-being.
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She also reflects on the contrasting characters she has played on the show, Cassie Newman and Mariah Copeland. "I’m not totally Mariah and I’m not totally Cassie, but they are two different walks of my life,” she adds. “I was Cassie when I was Cassie, but I grew up and I am Mariah, at times now."
Mental Health Awareness on The Young and the Restless
Fairbanks' story aligns with the show's commitment to addressing important social issues, such as mental health. Melissa Claire Egan, who plays Chelsea Lawson, spoke about the importance of portraying mental health struggles in soap operas, noting that "People want to see themselves in these characters." The Young and the Restless aims to strike a balance between entertaining storylines and relatable stories that reflect the realities of viewers' lives.
Diet and Fitness Regimen
Cait Fairbanks revealed to Soap Hub that she loves to cook and that she always feels better when she cooks at home. "Food is the enemy and your best friend," she said. "I’ve been trying to cook [at home] a lot more… I don’t do intermittent fasting. I can’t wait that long!"
Other cast members of The Young and the Restless have also shared their approaches to diet and fitness. Courtney Hope (Sally Spectra) emphasizes moderation and listening to her body, avoiding foods that make her feel sluggish. Melissa Ordway (Abby Newman-Abbott-Chancellor) admits to struggling with strict diets and prefers to eat what she wants and then exercise. Brytni Sarpy (Elena Dawson) follows a pescetarian diet and believes in working out so she can enjoy her food. Zuleyka Silver (Audra Charles) enjoys changing up her workouts to avoid boredom, incorporating Pilates, spin classes, and weight-lifting. Michael Mealor (Kyle Abbott) focuses on moderation and avoids foods that make him feel terrible. Joshua Morrow (Nicholas Newman) rotates body parts in his workouts, incorporating both strength-building and toning exercises.
The Importance of Fan Support
Fairbanks expresses her gratitude for the fans of The Young and the Restless, stating, “I would not be here without the fans.” She acknowledges that their love for Cassie Newman brought her back to the show and has shaped her life. She hopes to continue entertaining viewers and bringing them stories that they love to watch.
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