A Day in the Life of a Family Navigating Eating Disorder Recovery

Recovering from an eating disorder (ED) as a family is challenging, emotional, and requires structure, patience, and teamwork. Below is an example of what a typical day might look like for a family supporting a child through eating disorder recovery, incorporating meal structure, therapy, emotional support, and self-care.

·         Morning Routine (7:00 - 9:00 AM)

o   Wake Up & Morning Check-In

§  Gently check in with your child:

·         “How are you feeling this morning?”

·         “Do you need help with anything before breakfast?”

·         Avoid: Commenting on their weight, appetite, or how much they ate the day before.

§  Breakfast (Family-Based Eating Approach)

·         A structured meal with a balance of carbs, proteins, and fats.

·         Example: Oatmeal with almond butter, banana, and a glass of milk.

·         Parents’ Role:

o   Sit together as a family

§  eating meals together reinforces normal eating habits.

§  Offer gentle encouragement if your child struggles to eat.

§  Use neutral conversation (talk about school, hobbies, not food or weight).

·         Challenge: If your child resists eating, stay calm and firm:

o   “I know this is hard, but your body needs energy to get stronger.”

o   “Let’s just take this one bite at a time.”

·         School & Midday (9:00 AM - 3:00 PM)

o   Morning Therapy or Counseling (If Applicable)

§  If your child is in outpatient therapy, they may have a morning session with a therapist or dietitian.

§  CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) may focus on challenging fear foods and negative body image thoughts.

o   Packing a Recovery-Focused Lunch

§  Goal: Ensure your child eats a full meal without skipping.

§  Example: Turkey and cheese sandwich, apple slices with peanut butter, and yogurt.

o   Parents’ Role:

§  If your child eats at school: Check in with them afterward (but without pressure)

§  If they struggle to eat at school: Discuss options with a teacher or school counselor for meal support

·         After School (3:00 - 6:00 PM) – Emotional & Nutritional Support

o   Afternoon Snack (Consistency Matters!)

§  Example: Greek yogurt with granola or a smoothie with protein powder.

§  Why? Eating frequently prevents hunger-triggered anxiety or binge-restrict cycles

o   Challenge: If your child says they’re "not hungry"

§  Response: "Your body still needs fuel, even if you don’t feel hungry right now."

o   Physical Activity (Joyful, Not Punishing)

§  Encourage light movement (a walk, stretching, a creative activity)

§  Avoid excessive exercise—if your child has a history of overexercising, set clear limits

o   Therapy Homework / Journaling

§  Many therapists assign journaling or reflection exercises on body image, triggers, or progress

·         Dinner (6:30 - 7:30 PM) – The Most Challenging Meal

o   Structured, Balanced Meal

o   Example: Grilled salmon, quinoa, and roasted vegetables

o   Include safe foods and challenge foods in small portions.

o   Parents’ Role:

§  Keep family mealtimes relaxed (avoid tension around food).

§  Redirect the conversation away from calories, weight, or portion sizes

o   If your child panics over food:

§  Response: “It’s okay to feel nervous. We are here to support you. Your body needs this food to heal.”

o   Post-Dinner Coping Strategies

§  Engage in a relaxing family activity (watching a show, playing a game, reading)

§  Distract from post-meal anxiety (especially if they have urges to purge or restrict)

·         Evening & Wind-Down Routine (8:00 - 10:00 PM)

o   Evening Snack (Prevents Nighttime Hunger)

o   Example: Warm milk with cinnamon and a handful of almonds.

o   Helps stabilize blood sugar and promotes better sleep

o   Bedtime Check-In (Emotional Support Matters)

§  Validate their progress, no matter how small

§  “I’m really proud of you for trying today.”

§  Avoid discussing food, weight, or body image at night to prevent anxiety

§  Parents’ Self-Care:

·         Eating disorder recovery is emotionally exhausting. Take time for yourself—journal, meditate, or watch a show

Final Thoughts: What This Day Shows

·         Structure is key → Set meal times and stick to them

·         Support, not pressure → Encourage eating without guilt or force

·         Therapy & emotional support → Address the mental side of recovery

·         Patience & self-care → Parents need support too!

Disclaimer: This information is intended for educational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice. If you or someone you know is in crisis or needs immediate help, please contact a healthcare professional or crisis intervention service immediately.