Mel C reveals sport and alternative therapies helped cure her eating disorder

The former Spice Girl has spoken out about her battle and recovery

She's always been affectionately known as Sporty Spice, and now former Spice Girl Mel C has opened up about how sport and alternative therapies helped her overcome an eating disorder.

Melanie Chisholm has spoken out about the battle she faced while a part of the 90s pop band, explaining her extreme self-consciousness at the age of 20 and how she recovered.

In an interview with BBC Good Food, the 42 year old said: 'I joined the Spice Girls when I was 20 and it was an insane time. I developed an eating disorder.

'I was in the spotlight, being photographed constantly, and I started to become self-conscious of my body image.

'I was in denial for a long time but I always wanted to get better - I had talking therapies and holistic therapies, like acupuncture.'

The mum of one, 42, went on to explain how sport and food have become so important to her over the years: 'Sport became really important to me too. I love to be physically fit and, obviously, to really push yourself, you have to make sure you eat the right things.

'I like to think I have a healthy relationship with food now, and I love to cook.'

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This isn't the first time Mel has opened up about her mental health battle, speaking openly about how being part of The Spice Girls often left her feeling self-conscious and depressed.

Speaking to Event magazine, the star said: 'When the Spice Girls were at their biggest, I couldn't even really look at myself in the mirror because I didn't like what I saw.

'Depression, eating disorders, obsessive over-exercising; I went through all of it.'

It was announced in September this year that Geri Halliwell, Emma Bunton and Mel B would be reforming the group, but without Victoria Beckham or Mel C.

Mel with her Spice Girl bandmates in 2012

Opening up about her decision, Mel - who is thought to have made £22 million from her time in the band - said: 'I made a lot in the Spice Girls but I spent a hell of a lot and had fun spending it.'

'I'd like to say the money didn't matter to me. I'm a single mother and I do have financial concerns.

'It was a really difficult decision. I didn't take it lightly. I did go quite far down the route with the girls. I went to a lot of meetings but I just didn't feel it was right in my gut. When I finally said no I just felt relief.'