To be frank, holidays can be tough in eating disorder recovery. A lot of activities are centered around food, especially during the Thanksgiving season. It can be so easy for the holiday to turn into a stressful spiral, but we are here to help you avoid this. Contrary to what your eating disorder may be telling you, it is possible to enjoy Thanksgiving in a mindful, authentic way. We’ve compiled a list of our four favorite tricks that are practical and effective. Please be kind to yourself this season (and always).

1: Set boundaries

Before attending any event or gathering, decide what conversations you are comfortable with and which ones you will need to remove yourself from. Have a plan in place if diet culture or triggering food topics arise – it can be as simple as pivoting the conversation toward sports or movies or removing yourself from the situation. Also, remember that choosing not to attend an event can be a brave and necessary thing to do.

2: Have a support person (or people).

Designate someone who knows and understands your experience with an eating disorder to be your support system. Create a game plan with them to set and enforce boundaries, avoid triggers, and be able to enjoy the holiday. Choose someone that you can be completely honest with about your history.

3: Eat normally the day of.

Treat the day of Thanksgiving like any other day – follow your regular eating habits and patterns. If you have a food plan with your dietitian and therapist, follow it. Do not “save up” calories for your Thanksgiving meal. Instead, approach your Thanksgiving meal the same way you would approach any other lunch or dinner. Savor every bite and remind yourself that all food is morally neutral. Remind yourself that you can always take leftovers home!

4: Embrace gratitude.

In theory, Thanksgiving is meant to be about thankfulness. Focus on what you’re grateful for and consider how to express that gratitude to individuals who have contributed to the good in your life. In truth, recovering from an eating disorder is difficult work. So, also, focus on the gratitude you feel towards yourself and all you have overcome.

Please know we are always here for you, especially during this season. We are so thankful for the Mindful Eating Dietitian family and want you to have fun on Thanksgiving. Be kind to yourself; recovery is not linear, so don’t hold yourself to extreme standards.