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The holiday season can bring on challenges and create anxiety when you are recovering from an ED. However, utilizing the tools discussed below can help you manage this time of the year, while also trying to enjoy the holiday cheer.

One with an ED may think ahead about the holiday in regards to food choices, fear foods, table time, comments made – to name a few.

You can manage “fear foods” with your dietitian and therapist – this will help you plan and navigate the situation that you are worried about. Realistic goals or plans made with your Dietitian or therapist can help you feel confident and also maintain the progress you have made in your recovery.

Tips for Managing the Holiday Season:

  • Discuss your anxieties around your holiday “fear foods” with your Dietitian. You and your Dietitian will work on food exposures to help overcome this fear. You deserve to enjoy your favorite foods and nourish your body.
  • Create a list of what you are grateful for (i.e., a roof to live under, friends, family, etc.). Add to this list each day.
  • Create a list of what you really enjoy around the holiday season (i.e., decorations, Christmas lights, giving to others, holiday music, etc.).
  • Be around people who make you feel comfortable. Gather or sit around those who you feel more comfortable around or next to those who have not made comments around food or body image in the past.
  • Support System is essential. Communicating your ED with your family, spouse, roommate, whatever your support system is – can help with managing the holidays but also help you move forward in your recovery.
  • Allow your support system (i.e., mom, dad, friend, spouse, boyfriend, etc.) to join the session with the Dietitian or Therapist so they can better understand your ED and how to better support you.
  • Get your parents involved if they are your main support system. Through educating parents on nutrition and the importance of support through their child’s eating disorder recovery, parents can improve and positively influence their children’s view on body image and overall eating behaviors.

Find comfort in this holiday season by having faith, gathering together with family and/or friends/pets, laughing, being grateful for the past year, and looking forward to the next year! It’s also important to look back and be proud of any changes you’ve made to eat healthier and work towards continuous improvement.

Nutritional Counseling Services

Nutritionists at Behavioral Nutrition specialize in identifying areas where diet can be improved and finding the best ways to make meaningful change for those struggling with ED. We understand that diet and nutrition can be tough to change. Because of this, our registered dietitians work with each one of our patients to develop a personalized strategy that will help them practice healthy eating behaviors. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you or a loved one make healthier diet choices.