Many see Thanksgiving as a way of connecting with family by coming together and enjoying a traditional Thanksgiving meal. However, when struggling with an eating disorder, Thanksgiving can also mean feeling overwhelmed and anxious because the holiday focuses on food for celebration.
Here are some tips to help you through the holiday:
1. Treat It Like Any Other Meal
The Thanksgiving meal has often been thought of as a meal to “save up for” and eat past the point of satiety. Contrary to popular belief, Thanksgiving doesn’t have to be this way. When preparing for the day, ensure you are still eating at the appropriate times as decided by you and your treatment team. When deciding what you’re going to have (whether you planned ahead of time, or in the moment), (1) look at what is being offered, (2) take three long breaths, and (3) think about what looks appetizing (or doable) to you.
2. Identify Coping Skills to Use Before, During & After the Meal
Anxiety about spending Thanksgiving with your loved ones can be all-consuming. To ensure Thanksgiving doesn’t pass you by while your thoughts are on your meal plan or the food, come to the gathering equipped with tools to help you soothe your emotions and anxiety. Some examples may be:
• Bringing a journal
• Creating a playlist with calming music
• Doing deep breathing techniques
• Going outside with your support person (more on that in our next tip) for some fresh air
• Bringing a grounding stone (or transitional object) to help you stay connected
3. Identify a Support Person
Ask someone who will be at the meal (or accessible by phone) ahead of time to support you at the Thanksgiving gathering. Your support person could help distract you from a triggering moment with relatives or help change the subject during an awkward dinner conversation about food or weight. Create a code word to use with your support person so they know when you are feeling triggered or overwhelmed and may need some help.
4. Focus on Gratitude
Stay focused on what is good about Thanksgiving. Create a gratitude list, listing all the things and people you are truly grateful for. Bring this list to the Thanksgiving meal to use as a reminder when you find yourself struggling. Sometimes a gratitude list can include things as simple as being grateful for the ability to focus on the breath in your body, the ability to walk, the ability to use your senses of sight, touch, taste and hearing.
5. Take a “Time Out”
Give yourself mini breaks from the stress of the food, possible diet and food talk, and triggering conversations. Some ways to do this include going on a short walk with your support person, going into another room for 5-10 minutes to decompress, or simply stepping outside and taking a few deep breaths.
6. Be Kind to Yourself
Practice self-care by using your “empowering voice.” This voice is the opposite of your critical voice and is the one that embodies compassion, grace, and self-worth. Fostering self-compassion is an empowering process because it allows you to take ownership of your emotions, body and mind.
Julia Cassidy, MS, RDN, CEDRD-S, is the Director of Nutrition and Wellness for the adolescent programs at Center for Discovery. Julia has worked for Center for Discovery the past 17 years where she has been involved in the development of the dietary programs for the eating disorders division and mental health division of Discovery Behavioral Health. Julia is a certified eating disorder specialist supervisor and a licensed body positive facilitator. Julia is on the SIG Oversight Committee with AED (Academy for Eating Disorders) and she is the chair-elect for BHN (Behavioral Health Nutrition), Didactic Practice Group through the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Julia is passionate about helping individuals heal the relationship with food and their body. Part of her work is teaching self-compassion and embracing the idea of total embodiment and food healing.
Center for Discovery is a proud partner of the National Alliance for Eating Disorders!