Hello, my name is David and this is my new blog. I have been married for 25 years. My wife and I married when we were 18 years old so we had a lot of learning to do as we got older. Like any relationship, our marriage has had its ups and downs. However, last year, we had a real tough patch and I thought we might end up divorcing one another. Thankfully, this did not happen. The thing that saved our relationship was a recommendation by a friend that we sign up for counselling. The therapist helped my wife and I to truely understand the dynamics of our marriage and we have been much happier ever since.
Holidays are characterised by fun and cheer as families come together to celebrate life, love, successes and much more. However, amidst all the festivities and memory-making, there is one key thing that unites family: food. If you are undergoing treatment for a binge eating disorder, you may have a hard time staying away from all the delicacies served at the dinner table.
Unfortunately, staying in control of your eating is crucial to recovery; otherwise, you may relapse. With this in mind, here are a few tips you can employ to survive the festive season with disordered eating.
Plan Your Eating Menu
Going into the holidays without a plan of what you will eat will see you consume anything and everything that is served. While in therapy, your counsellor probably addressed the importance of eating a balanced diet. Thus, as the family plans for the holidays, have a list of the things you'll indulge in, from the snacks to main courses and desserts. Doing this beforehand helps you stay focused to avoid unhealthy food cravings.
Be Open With Loved Ones
If you celebrate your holidays with a tightly knit circle of family and intimate friends, it's a good idea to be open with them. Let them know you're undergoing treatment for disordered eating. Doing this will prevent them from making comments about your weight or diet, which could cause stress and take you back to unhealthy habits. Let them know not to talk about weight loss and other diet-related topics that may upset you.
Reach Out to Your Support System
Your support system will come in handy to keep you grounded and in the right state of mind during the holidays. It could be your therapist, family or friends. They can help ensure that you make healthy choices and avoid relapses during the festivities. For example, your family can prepare healthy food choices that fit into your treatment. A close friend can also be around to tackle snarky comments from relatives. Have someone you can talk to if you feel overwhelmed.
Set Aside Time for Self-Care
Finally, a little self-care goes a long way in putting you in the right state of mind throughout the holidays. The truth is, being around many people can be overwhelming. What's more, the holidays may bring about memories of loved ones you've lost and would love to be around. Such feelings lead to stress and anxiety and can cause you to use food as a source of comfort. Simple self-care acts such as taking long baths, reading a book, getting a massage or taking evening walks can help clear your mind and keep you focused on recovery.
Remaining on course with your binge eating disorder treatment over the holidays may prove taxing. However, don't let this period overwhelm you. Follow these tips and talk to your counsellor for professional advice on how to stay on track. To learn more, contact a professional like Dr. Pek Ang today.
Share5 December 2019
