.jpg)
By Jayden Branam
Thanksgiving is a time for celebration, family gatherings, and abundant feasts. However, for individuals with eating disorders, this holiday can be particularly challenging. As Thanksgiving approaches, it is important to be considerate of those struggling with disordered eating. Here are some tips on how to be supportive of all guests at your Thanksgiving gathering!
When hosting a Thanksgiving meal, all diet talk and mention of weight should be discouraged. As a society, we have made over-eating on Thanksgiving far too normalized. Not only is it customary for individuals to binge on this holiday, but it is also common for people to discuss restrictive eating habits afterward. This kind of talk can be extremely damaging to individuals with eating disorders and should be avoided at all costs.
Offering food alternatives is another easy way to support your guests. Often individuals with eating disorders have certain comfort and fear foods that they either gravitate towards or steer clear of. By offering a variety of foods, you can ensure that there is something for all of your guests to indulge in. Furthermore, it is important to provide alternative activities aside from eating. Activities such as board games, watching movies, and kickball can be a fun distraction that lessens the pressure on people with eating disorders to participate in the Thanksgiving meal. This can help reduce anxiety and make the meal more enjoyable for everyone.
It is important to remember that while Thanksgiving may be a lighthearted holiday for you, it can be a difficult day for others. By incorporating these considerations and educating yourself on disordered eating, you can help ensure a fun and inclusive holiday for all.
Comments