Attending a wedding means you’re going to have an all-inclusive access to countless delicious indulgence, ranging from elaborate buffets, to appetizers, to main courses and of course, all of the different decadent desserts.
When you’re struggling with an eating disorder, whether you’re actively in recovery or not, inserting yourself into situations where there’s an abundance of “trigger foods” can feel scary.
You might be tempted to try and ignore the foods, pretend they aren’t there, and not eat anything — but oftentimes, this isn’t practical (and much more stressful) than practicing mindfulness and self-control with the foods you consume.
Some of the best ways to manage an eating disorder are to challenge negative thinking patterns, look out for your future self, be gentle and supportive of yourself and reach out for professional support.
In this article, we’re going to share the best tips for maintaining control of your eating disorder during this wedding season.
Step 1: Ask yourself these questions
With the looming presence of weddings comes the looming pressure to lose weight (even for guests), with that pressure comes the temptation to say no to the delicious foods and desserts and focus entirely on water and the salad bar, but that doesn’t have to be your only option.
When you find yourself about to engage in some restrictive or harmful behavior because of the mindset of needing to lose weight, take a moment to pause and ask yourself why.
Why do you need to lose weight?
To be beautiful, or handsome enough? You already are.
To be someone of worth, of value? You already are.
To deserve friendship, love, success? You already do.
When you’re tempted to restrict or harm yourself (such as through binging), ask yourself why do you need to lose weight? The truth is, you probably don’t.
Step 2: Look out for your future self
One of the best ways to manage your eating disorder during wedding season is to prepare yourself in advance for any environments that might be challenging (such as receptions).
If you have a therapist, a recovery group, or some sort of support team, you can speak with them to help you come up with a coping plan for the upcoming events.
If not, you already know your triggers and biggest temptations, therefore, you can come up with a proactive plan for yourself, and by yourself. Some examples include, writing down affirmations on note cards, having a list of logical reminders close by, or recruiting someone to be your check-in buddy (someone you reach out to when you’re struggling with a temptation).
Step 3: Be gentle with yourself
Navigating life with an eating disorder can be really challenging, especially during festivities where drinking and feasting are a primary activity. The day will be difficult, even if you maintain complete control of your eating disorder, so it’s important to support and reward yourself along the way. You’re doing a great job; don’t forget to remember that.
Step 4: Reach out for professional support
If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. When left out of control, eating disorders wreak havoc on your physical, emotional, and mental health, and on countless occasions, have proven to be fatal.
We know it can be overwhelming or even scary when you or someone you love is struggling with an eating disorder, but we’re here to help. At Seeds of Hope, your recovery is our top priority, and we’re here to support you every step of the journey.
We offer a variety of different programs for those struggling with an eating disorder, and to ensure you are supported on the most optimal level, we’ll make sure your treatment plan is fully tailored to your exact needs.
To speak with one of our compassionate staff members about how you can manage and begin to heal from an eating disorder, simply call our office today at 610-644-6464.