This article discusses sensitive topics including eating disorders.

Many child stars face significant challenges as they grow up, however, Alison Sweeney from Hallmark has navigated her transition without major public incidents. Nevertheless, her upbringing within the entertainment industry posed its own difficulties.

Starting her acting career at just four years old, Sweeney attributes her successful navigation of the industry to her protective parents. In response to troubling accounts from other child actors featured in the series “Quiet on the Set,” she commented, “This is exactly what my mother worked so hard to shield me from.” Although she was fortunate to avoid predatory figures, she faced the tough reality of rejection, often receiving harsh feedback during auditions, which she discusses in her book “All The Days Of My Life (so Far).”

Sweeney’s unique career path also made it hard for her to fit in at school. She felt isolated and faced social challenges, admitting, “I remember being excluded by most of the girls at school because I was shy.” Her early success on “Days of Our Lives” may have further fueled jealousy among peers, making her school life even more challenging.

In her memoir, “All The Days Of My Life (so Far),” Alison shares that she struggled with overwhelming stress related to her role in the soap opera. Notably, she often had nightmares about oversleeping, leading to a fear of being late to filming. Additionally, her demanding schedule hindered her from pursuing a college degree.

While starring on “Days of Our Lives,” Sweeney began hosting “The Biggest Loser,” which prompted her reliance on coffee for energy, resulting in a panic attack linked to caffeine. After juggling both roles for seven years, she started to feel burnt out, expressing that her health was adversely affected due to sleepless nights and constant stress. “I felt like a hamster on a wheel, unable to pause,” she reflected.

In 2014, she made the difficult decision to leave “Days of Our Lives,” which allowed her a much-needed break and new opportunities. Reflecting on her last day of filming, she described her emotional experience, saying, “I was red and blotchy almost all day.”

Sweeney faced severe challenges with her body image during her time on “Days of Our Lives.” Though tempted to develop bulimia, her body resisted it. Instead, she formed a precarious connection between her emotional well-being and her weight, constantly monitoring the scale’s numbers that influenced her happiness.

Sadly, she encountered comments that deepened her insecurities. Recalling an audition experience, she stated, “I was told by a casting team, ‘Send her back when she’s lost 20 pounds.'” Turning to food for comfort became her coping mechanism, while she fell into the traps laid by fad diets that promised unrealistic results.

Ultimately, education about nutrition helped her shift her unhealthy eating habits. Recognizing the detrimental impact of processed sugar, she switched to a diet with lower carbs and more protein, aided by insights from “The Biggest Loser” star Jillian.