Gretchen Rossi, the blond bombshell on The Real Housewives of Orange County, is best known for bringing controversy and catfights to the show. But behind that bold, sexy exterior, Gretchen was once so insecure about her body image that she suffered from bulimia. For the first time, Gretchen opens up to In Touch about her debilitating battle with the eating disorder — and how she ultimately recovered and learned to accept her body. “I got healthy,” Gretchen smiles.

When did your problems with food begin?

I was a lot heavier back in high school and in college. I wasn’t even fat, I was only 130 pounds. But compared to what I look like now at 115 pounds, I thought I looked fat.

Did you seek help on your own?

Not at first. My best friend busted me in the bathroom, and then my parents found out. That’s when I decided to seek therapy, I decided that I was going to make a difference, and I went and got my personal training license and nutritional license. Then I worked as a personal trainer, nutritionist and aerobics instructor.

What part of your body do you like to accentuate?

My boyfriend, Slade, gives me the compliment that my butt is my best feature, so I try and make sure my butt looks cute in whatever I have on.

Is there anything you try to downplay?

I don’t like my legs at all. I hate my legs. I have just always wanted skinnier thighs. My thighs kill me!

What is your diet like?

I don’t count calories or cut sugar out. I have a little taste of everything, then, for the next three days, I’ll be really careful.

Have you had any plastic surgery?

Well, according to the Internet I have! No, I have not had any plastic surgery whatsoever.

How is your body image now?

This is the best weight I’ve ever been at, and this is the best I feel like I’ve ever looked. I feel toned and healthy and good. And it took a little bit to get to that place, but I’m grateful I’m finally at that place.

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