How Eating Disorder Thoughts Show Up at the Holiday Table
Typically, holidays are times when families and loved ones join to celebrate at get-togethers that center around meals, which can, therefore, be difficult for those with eating disorders to enjoy celebrating. Not only do holiday seasons involve eating food, but also negative talk and conversation surrounding food and body.
In this blog post, we will discuss how diet culture shows up at the holiday table and what we can do about it.
Why Eating Disorders During Holidays Can Be Challenging
Unfortunately, it is common to have at least one person at the holiday table comment on having to “earn” their meal or that they were “good” all day to “deserve” a large holiday meal. Though these comments are not factual, if you are in eating disorder recovery, the eating disorder may convince you that your family member is speaking the truth. As a result, it may even cause you to second guess your eating and your plate’s appearance.
Responding To Challenging Situations and Comments
There are a few different ways to respond or react in this situation involving eating disorders during holidays, and ultimately, a lot depends on the energy you have to give. For instance, your options include redirecting the conversation, fact-checking the individual, stating how you feel (for example, you can say, “I do not feel comfortable talking about this,” or “Can we change the subject?”), or ignoring and saying nothing.
Strategies for Responding to Weight-Focused Conversations
In addition to people discussing needing to “earn” their food to “deserve” it, eating disorders during holidays unfortunately often include conversations surrounding weight loss and weight gain. This is a difficult topic to listen to while in eating disorder recovery because it can trigger eating disorder thoughts, and consequently, result in eating disorder behaviors. Moreover, there are a few options, each dependent on your feelings, for responding in this situation. Therefore, it is also essential to remind yourself of your progress in recovery and your goals to help debunk eating disorder thoughts. Finally, it may be helpful to fact-check what weight means and how it impacts health, specifically your own.
Eating Disorders During Holidays: Breaking the ‘Good’ vs. ‘Bad’ Food Myth
Talking about eating “healthy” or “unhealthy” foods is especially prevalent around the holidays. For example, certain foods are deemed “bad” for your health and demonized, while others are considered “good” for your health and placed on a pedestal. While there is science behind the health benefits of certain foods, all foods can fit in a nourishing diet.
Additionally, it is important to work with your team to discuss any doubts or questions concerning the foods you eat, especially during the holidays. Finally, remember that all foods play a role in your health, whether mind, body, or soul.
If you or someone you love is struggling with food anxiety or other eating disorder behaviors during the holidays, BALANCE eating disorder treatment center™ may be the right treatment for you.
BALANCE eating disorder treatment center™, located in New York City, offers free consultation calls to help you explore next steps. We provide in-person programming seven days a week and are in-network with UnitedHealthcare (UHC), Cigna, Emblem, and Oscar, with Aetna coverage coming soon. Support is available, and recovery is possible. Schedule a free consultation call with our admissions team here and stay connected with BALANCE on Instagram here.
This post was written by BALANCE Blog Contributor, Tori Barkosky (she/her).
Tori is a recent graduate of St. Catherine University, having earned a B.A. in Psychology and a minor in Nutrition Science. Tori is passionate about all things related to intuitive eating, HAES, mental health, body respect, eating disorders, and disordered eating. She also geeks out on neuroscience and loves studying the brain and its anatomy. Tori currently works as a Mental Health Practitioner at an eating disorder clinic. Outside work, she enjoys practicing yoga, exploring nature, and drinking coffee.
