Ways to Make Mealtime Easier in Eating Disorder Recovery

ED RECOVERY BLOG

Eating disorders are commonly misunderstood as being only about eating, exercising, and restriction. However, if you or a loved one has ever struggled with an ED, you know the real issues lie beneath the eating disorder behaviors. With that being said, food is necessary for survival and is needed every day, multiple times a day. Because of this, those in recovery must find a way to eat even when they’re still struggling with ED thoughts and behaviors. We have come up with a few of my favorite tips for making mealtimes easier in your recovery.

Eat with someone who supports your recovery

• Having support at the moment is very helpful for anyone struggling with an ED. If you are seeing others eat around you in a normal and healthy way, it will help you to feel a little more comfortable.
• If your family (or whoever you typically eat with) is not supportive of your recovery or contributes to negative food talk, try texting with a friend before or after the meal. Even during if you’re able to! This can help you feel supported even if someone isn’t physically eating with you.

Make a visual motivation card

• When I was in treatment for my eating disorder years ago I made a gift for a friend to help her through her meals. She was a mother and always had photos…