The Role of a Nutritionist in Managing Eating Disorders During the Holiday Season
The holiday season can be a challenging time for everyone. Whether it’s increased family time, money struggles, work deadlines, or food anxiety, there always seems to be another stressor around the corner. Those who are struggling with eating disorders may feel these challenges more strongly than others. While the holidays can provide time for relaxation and appreciating loved ones, the food-centric events and social pressures may exacerbate struggles for some. Being faced with loved ones may also come with harmful comments regarding intake and appearance. Furthermore, in the New Year we typically see an influx in diet-culture messaging around starting new diets and strict exercise routines, which can make matters worse as well.
If you are feeling overwhelmed in navigating all the things that come along with this time of year, working with an eating disorder nutritionist may provide much needed reprieve. A trusted nutrition NYC expert can help you navigate these challenges with confidence and care.
Understanding Eating Disorders and Holiday Stressors
As eating disorder specialists, we know that these behaviors are often a product of a stressful time or experience in an individual’s life and exist as a very strong coping strategy. As the holidays may present a source of stress, the eating disorder’s response may be to increase these unhealthy coping behaviors. These behaviors may include restricting when presented with increased quantities of fear foods, binge eating when surrounded by foods that are typically “off limits” and an urge to compensate with movement.
Without the help of a professional, you may be engaging in harmful or disordered behaviors without realizing the effects it may be having on your physical and mental health. Perhaps you are noticing an increase in these behaviors but do not feel equipped to face things yourself. Seeking professional support from dietitians for eating disorders may seem daunting, but ultimately can help provide you with the tools you need to change your behaviors.
The Role of a Nutritionist in Eating Disorder Management
Adding an eating disorder nutritionist to your care team can help promote holistic care to address physical and emotional triggers around food. By taking an individualized approach, each session can be uniquely tailored to your specific needs and concerns. A few ways an eating disorder nutritionist can help their clients are meal planning, digging deeper into thoughts and feelings around food, and increasing mindfulness. Together we can help you build a balanced approach to eating during the holidays. Having an eating disorder nutritionist on your team can help bridge the gap between the physical and psychological aspects of eating disorders.
Nutrition Strategies for the Holiday Season
In addition to addressing deeper, underlying emotional triggers and stressors that come with the holiday season, our nutritionists can provide several practical tips and strategies. One widely recommended tip is to maintain eating regularity, even in times of uncertainty or stress. This serves to promote balanced blood sugar, normalize hunger/fullness cues, and improve energy. Eating regularly can reduce the likelihood of a binge, as going into mealtimes appropriately hungry rather than ravenous will help the individual to consume their meal in a mindful manner.
Another tip to apply over the holidays is setting realistic goals for yourself. Having the expectation that everything will change in a matter of days creates added pressure to an already difficult situation. Starting small and realistic, with goals as simple as taking care of yourself to the best of your ability, can be enough of an undertaking this time of year.
Finally, challenging a restrictive mindset and feelings of guilt by allowing yourself to enjoy this well-deserved break. Keep in mind that one day, week, or even month of eating/movement does not define your overall health.
Emotional Support and Accountability
A big theme of our work at Nourishing NY is meeting each client where they are in their recovery journey. An eating disorder nutritionist can be an essential member of the care team to provide emotional support and track progress over the holidays. Combining practical tips with deeper emotional work can help create sustainable changes and address the root of your concerns.
We understand that this is likely one of the most sensitive and vulnerable parts of you. That is why dietitians for eating disorders approach each session with compassion and are always looking to create a safe space to address fears and challenges. Whether it's through meal planning or a listening ear, an eating disorder nutritionist provides the accountability needed to stay on track.
Finding the Right Nutritionist in NYC
It can often be a challenge to find a qualified eating disorder nutritionist in NYC. We encourage you to do your research and spend some time considering what exactly you are looking for to meet your individual needs. Ask yourself questions like - what setting am I most comfortable in? What specialties am I looking for? What are my long- and short-term goals? Does this practice align with my values?
Making a list of your personal goals and reflecting on your own journey can be a helpful tool in finding the right fit for you. What approaches taken in the past have helped you find success? If you are struggling with an eating disorder, or disordered eating in general, we encourage seeking specialists who understand both the physical and psychological impacts this may have on you.
We know this is a difficult time of year. We encourage you to lean on your support systems and do what you can to take care of yourself. Taking steps to seek the support and guidance that you need is a great first step towards showing up for yourself. An eating disorder nutritionist can play a crucial role in your care team to manage your eating disorder during the holiday season.
