Eating Disorders and the Holidays

1
(No Transcript)
2
The holiday season is known for stress, whether
it is due to facing busy shopping malls, or
finding time to visit relatives. Feelings of
anxiety are common this time of year, especially
for disordered eaters who fear the food-focused
winter months. This presentation is designed to
help eating disorder sufferers unwind and put
their health first in the coming months.
3

• In the United States, an estimated 10 million
  females and 1 million males suffer from
  potentially life-threatening eating disorders.1
• Disordered behaviors can include an unhealthy
  relationship with food, a disconnection with
  one's body image, and unhealthy weight-regulation
  practices.
• These symptoms may be enhanced during the
  indulgent winter months, especially since each
  holiday season brings an increase in
  advertisements promoting weight loss and a new
  body just in time for the New Year.
• As a direct result, each calendar year, Americans
  spend over 40 billion on diet plans and
  diet-related products.2

4

• During food-fixated holiday events, it can be
  difficult to handle feelings of shame and guilt
  that trigger disordered eating. Work with an
  eating disorder treatment center ahead of time to
  intercept negative emotions before they appear.
  You can also use tactics such as making a list of
  thoughts or situations that have been triggering
  the past. Next to each item on the list, write
  pro-recovery responses to help center your mind.
  You can also bring the list to important events,
  in case debilitating emotions crop up
  unexpectedly.

5

• Remember that celebrating with loved ones is the
  true purpose of the holiday season. Try to forget
  about the element of food entirely, and focus on
  reconnecting with family and friends. Always
  think positively, and replace any feelings of
  dread with eager anticipation for spending time
  with the ones you love.

6

• Eating disorders are isolating. Individuals who
  suffer from unhealthy eating habits may
  experience social withdrawal as a defense
  mechanism to continue addictive and destructive
  behaviors. Recognize this fact ahead of time, and
  confide in someone you love. They can act as your
  personal cheerleader if times are tough, and will
  help you to handle your holiday commitments in
  stride.

7
Dont Fill Your Calendar

• The holidays are always hectic, so avoid further
  stress by keeping your schedule manageable.
  Overbooking yourself can result in a lack of
  control, which may be triggering to some.
  Remember that youre not expected to attend every
  single holiday party, and go only to the events
  that youre most excited about.

8

• Relax and enjoy seasonal delights
• Remember that all food can be enjoyed in
  moderation there are no good or bad foods.
• Give yourself permission to sample traditional or
  specialty dishes without the guilt.
• Savor the texture, smell, and taste of each bite,
  remembering the love that went into preparing
  every meal.
• Avoid the last supper mentality you can always
  have more! Another idea is to take home a doggy
  bag to enjoy your favorite foods later.

9

• The most important thing to remember this holiday
  season? Youre only human! Try not to punish
  yourself for accidental overeating, and stay calm
  in the face of negative emotions. Take time to
  breathe, and remember that tomorrow is a new day.

10

• Rebeccas House is an eating disorder treatment
  center in Orange County that is focused on
  healing the mind and body. Our goal is to lead
  eating disorder recovery that will last a
  lifetime, avoiding chance of relapse and need for
  further treatment. Get help now by visit
  www.rebeccashouse.org.

11

1. http//www.umassmed.edu/contentassets/f2f8025d2bf2
   4b1fb3f531b076d167fb/neda-fact-sheet.pdf
2. http//health.usnews.com/health-conditions/mental-
   health/eating-disorders/overview