Eating Out in Eating Disorder Recovery
Going out to eat can be daunting and intimidating. The pleasurable activity becomes anything but when you have an eating disorder. Even when recovering from an ED, it can still be challenging to go to restaurants where you cannot control the food, portions, and more.
By: Elizabeth Low
Here are several tips on navigating restaurant dining while in eating disorder recovery.
Firstly, if you have counted calories in the past and find it triggering to have the calories presented to you, try to go to restaurants that do not display the calorie counts. FDA law states that Chain restaurants with 20 or more locations must have calorie counts on their menus. Knowing this, you could avoid chain restaurants if you are not ready.
If you are getting ready to dine out with others, choosing a restaurant you would like can be empowering. However, you can still be prepared if this is not an option.
Usually, restaurants have online menus that you can view before eating. Once you have the menu in front of you, you can decide what you would like beforehand, instead of worrying about choosing it on the spot. You could also visualize the food and what it will smell and taste like.
You may have learned some coping mechanisms, and eating out at a restaurant is an activity where you may need to use them. Before, during, or after going out to eat, you might try breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, or mindful thinking, for example.
Also, your support system will make all the difference. If you have supportive people around you, they will not judge you for how you are eating. You should also be able to recognize that food is a vehicle for spending time taking care of yourself or nurturing relationships with others. Ideally, food does not have to be the main focus if you dine out. Instead, you can enjoy the ambiance, the experience, or the company and conversations you have.
When I had an eating disorder, I had a hard time eating a specific fear food for a while and would not order it at restaurants. Once I felt I was progressing in my eating disorder recovery, I went to a family’s house, and we ordered this food. After not consuming this food for years, I was finally able to eat the food at their house. After this breakthrough, I was gradually able to order this fear food at a restaurant without anxiety or guilt.
It is possible to enjoy dining out again, even if you are working your way through recovery. If you are not comfortable dining out at a restaurant, you could try a different time, perhaps when you feel emotionally ready for it. It is important to keep putting the effort in because you deserve to enjoy the experience and not be afraid of it.
At BALANCE eating disorder treatment center™, our compassionate, highly skilled team of clinicians is trained in diagnosing and treating the spectrum of eating disorders, including anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, compulsive overeating, and other disordered eating behaviors and body image issues. In addition to our full-time Day Treatment Program and Weeknight Intensive Outpatient Program, we offer high-quality programming, nutrition counseling with a licensed dietitian, meal support, and various other groups and resources to help those seeking help for food concerns.
Our admissions team would be happy to answer any questions you may have about our programs and services. Book a free consultation call with our admissions team below, or read more about our philosophy here.
This post was written by BALANCE Blog Contributor, Elizabeth Low (she/her).
Elizabeth is currently finishing her sociology degree with a concentration in social interaction and a minor in psychology at San Jose State University. During her undergraduate studies she has volunteered and worked in childcare, and in the food industry. She plans to pursue a graduate degree in Clinical Nutrition or Counseling. She hopes to actively counteract social messaging that is linked to disordered eating, overexercise, and body dissatisfaction. Her interests include cooking, childcare, education, research, and writing. She plans to help individuals have a healthy relationship with food and their body image through counseling in the future.