Michael Simon/startraksphoto.comJoanna Krupa comes across as überconfident on The Real Housewives of Miami. Case in point: during the Bravo reality show's opening credits, the Polish beauty proudly proclaims, "Don't hate me because I have it all. Hate me because I'm beautiful." Underneath that bold exterior, however, lies a girl who secretly struggled with an eating disorder in her early twenties.
"I gained weight and struggled to lose it quickly in order to pursue my dreams of being a model," Krupa says. "Being 20 years old, I had no idea how to lose weight fast and laxatives were an easy way out."
The former Dancing With the Stars competitor was able to break her unhealthy eating habits before they became worse. "Thank God I didn't hurt myself and stopped," she tells People.
These days, the newlywed maintains a healthy diet and exercises regularly to stay slim. "Long day now Time for a workout!" Krupa, 34, tweeted on Thursday, Nov. 14.
In fact, the blond beauty is baring her body in a sexy 2014 wall calendar. A portion of the proceeds will go to Angels for Animal Rescue, one of the many animal rights groups that Krupa supports.
If you or someone you know suffers from a possible eating disorder, seek help by visiting the National Eating Disorder Association's website or calling its toll-free, confidential helpline at 1-800-931-2237.
(E! and Bravo are both part of the NBCUniversal family.)