Strategies for Dealing With Eating Disorder Treatment and Summer BBQs

Strategies for Dealing

Eating disorder treatment can make social gatherings and special occasions a challenge. Food is often the focus when we get together, especially in our culture. We recognize holidays, birthdays, and milestones with a feast at the heart of our celebrations. As the nice weather approaches, so do those backyard, summer barbecues.

Whether it's a party or simply a family night, someone is likely to be cranking up the grill, tossing all sorts of meat over the hot coals, and breaking out the potato salads. This may mean plenty of unhealthy options and pitfalls for the person who is struggling with abnormal eating habits. However, there are steps you can take to help your loved one be a part of barbecues while making life easier for them.

Eating Disorder Treatments and Summer BBQs

Have Healthy Alternatives

For any individual who is undergoing eating disorder treatment, their new focus is often on developing a healthy relationship with food. Portion control, making good choices, and ensuring they get the proper nutrition are priorities. Whether the problem is bulimia or anorexia, a person with an eating disorder deals with issues like confronting and embracing food while developing normal, healthy habits.

For better chances of success, have a healthy alternative to hand, especially if you are going out. It is easier to stock your home with healthy food, but may become difficult when things are out of your control. If you are holding the barbecue, make sure fresh vegetables are an option. When grilling, choose lean proteins, such as fish and poultry to supplement your other choices. You can also grill vegetables for a healthy option.

Think about what you've learned throughout eating disorder treatment eating disorder treatment. Include low-fat dressings and butter substitutes. You can also include corn on the cob and baked potatoes, providing substitutes for calorie-rich salads made with mayonnaise. Water should always be in abundance. You could also include diet beverages. When it comes to dessert, break out fresh fruit. Angel food cake is a low calorie cake, as well as sugar-free jello and pudding.

If you are going to be a guest at someone else's gathering, bring along a dish that you know is safe and healthy. Pay attention to your loved one to ensure that he or she gets proper nutrition. Eating before the gathering may take off the pressure as well. A person who is going through eating disorder treatment will not want extra attention. Make things easier for them by providing alternatives and letting them know that you are there to turn to if they need support.

If you or a loved one in your life is suffering from an eating disorder or exhibits symptoms that prevent them from living a healthy, productive life, it may be time to seek eating disorder treatment from a professional mental health clinic.

Ben Brafman, LMHC, CAP is the President and CEO of Sylvia Brafman Mental Health Center, a licensed mental Health treatment center in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Ben has more than 20 years of experience in the addiction and mental health fields, which led him to develop a combination of innovative treatment protocols at The Sylvia Brafman Mental Health Center. He has been published on various topics including dual diagnosis and chemical dependency, and gives back to the community by educating other addiction counselors at his Academy for Addiction Professionals.

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