Freelee Banana Girl who lives off-grid in the jungle speaks out about how her battle with anorexia

Freelee the Banana Girl – who now lives off-grid in a South American jungle – has spoken candidly about how her battle with anorexia left her binge-eating until she was in agony.

The Australian vegan YouTube star, otherwise known as Leanne Ratcliffe, said she developed the eating disorder at the tender age of 17. 

Taking to Instagram, the now-37-year-old revealed how she would consume just 500 calories a day, and sometimes nothing at all.

At the age of 19, Freelee – who’s famously known for eating up to 51 bananas and two kilos of potatoes in a day – said she fell into the grips of a drug addiction.

Freelee the Banana Girl – who now lives off-grid in the jungle – has spoken candidly about how her battle with anorexia left her binge-eating until she was in agony

The now 37-year-old has been leading an 'off-the-grid lifestyle' in a jungle in South America

The now 37-year-old has been leading an ‘off-the-grid lifestyle’ in a jungle in South America

She revealed how her fluctuating weight came after suffering from anorexia and bulimia before she was binging on food until she was in agony

She revealed how her fluctuating weight came after suffering from anorexia and bulimia before she was binging on food until she was in agony

‘When I was 19 I became addicted to cocaine and ecstasy. My nails were brittle and my hair was falling out. My skin was covered in acne bumps,’ she said.

‘By the time I was 21 I had swapped anorexia for bulimia and was binge-eating till I was in agony, purging daily.

‘I developed serious digestive issues and suicidal depression. I felt helpless after seeing every specialist in the book.’

But her life took a turn for the better when she was introduced to a raw plant-based, vegan diet.

‘One day I went to my usual yoga class and there was a new teacher. She was so incredibly vibrant and energetic. I felt drawn to speak to her,’ Freelee recalled.

‘She told me she was vegan, and loved fruit. Little does she know that she helped save my life that day. Never give up. #gofreeyourself.’

The Australian vegan YouTube star, otherwise known as Leanne Ratcliffe, said she developed the eating disorder at the tender age of 17 (pictured in her early adulthood)

The Australian vegan YouTube star, otherwise known as Leanne Ratcliffe, said she developed the eating disorder at the tender age of 17 (pictured in her early adulthood)

Her life turned around for the better when she was introduced to the vegan diet

Her life turned around for the better when she was introduced to the vegan diet

Not only are they enjoying a minimalist lifestyle, but Freelee has also given up on all cosmetics, including razors, make-up and shampoo

Not only are they enjoying a minimalist lifestyle, but Freelee has also given up on all cosmetics, including razors, make-up and shampoo

Her social media post comes as she has been leading an ‘off-the-grid lifestyle’ in a jungle in South America with her partner.

Not only are they enjoying a minimalist lifestyle, but Freelee has also given up on all cosmetics, including razors, make-up and shampoo.

‘I chose the off-grid lifestyle because it just feels right. I love being surrounded by nature, rather than cars, people and shops,’ she said in her latest YouTube video.

‘I like harnessing the sun’s power to build a life outside the grid system. I enjoy the fact that I’m not dependent on anyone else for my water, power, waste removal and eventually food.

‘Although we have a service provider, the internet is also an off-grid satellite system, empowered by the sun.

‘I feel lighter having minimal possessions, having things in my life that I actually use that serve a purpose, only owning clothes that I wear.

‘The off-grid lifestyle also becomes a very cheap way to live, which means, working less and playing more.’

The popular vegan blogger has been enjoying the nomadic lifestyle with her partner 

The popular vegan blogger has been enjoying the nomadic lifestyle with her partner 

Freelee said she's aware her lifestyle is viewed as unusual by many, and to those she says 'being a weirdo is my specialty'

Freelee said she’s aware her lifestyle is viewed as unusual by many, and to those she says ‘being a weirdo is my specialty’

She explained her decision to take on the nomadic world cane after she woke up one morning 'dreading the work day ahead' 

She explained her decision to take on the nomadic world cane after she woke up one morning ‘dreading the work day ahead’ 

She explained her decision to take on the nomadic world came after she woke up one morning ‘dreading the work day ahead’.

‘I was exhausted with the 9-5 grind. Waking to an alarm, commuting over a hour a day dressed in a restrictive suit, painting my face to “look the part”, binding my feet in high heels, and faking a smile to the public,’ she said.

‘I was sick of working my life away making someone else rich. Maybe the worst, I was bored. I wanted to be turned on and to FEEL something meaningful everyday.

‘That morning I decided to free myself from being a slave. There wasn’t any social media back then so I transitioned by becoming a personal trainer with my own business. Soon after I found veganism and my true passion in life.’ 

And since then, she has been living a carefree life. 

‘I haven’t shaved my body hair, dyed my hair, or worn makeup in over six months… I’m feeling freer than ever in life. This is not random good luck! You too CAN create this freedom, and I’m here to inspire you,’ she said.

Freelee said she’s aware her lifestyle is viewed as unusual by many, and to those she says ‘being a weirdo is my specialty’.

‘Please don’t ever be afraid to be different, BE afraid to be like everyone else. You are a limited edition,’ she said.



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