The holidays are often portrayed as a time of joy, connection, and celebration — especially around food. But for individuals navigating Binge Eating Disorder (BED), this time of year can bring unique challenges.

From endless buffets and food-focused gatherings to disrupted routines and emotional stress, the holiday season can trigger urges to binge or bring up guilt about eating. The pressure to be cheerful, social, or “in control” may only make things harder.

The good news? With preparation, boundaries, and self-compassion, it is possible to get through the holidays without shame — and even with moments of joy.

Holidays are often imagined as joyful gatherings centered around food, tradition, and connection. But for individuals in eating disorder recovery, this season can be a minefield of triggers, anxiety, and pressure.

From family comments about food and weight to disrupted routines and overwhelming expectations, the holidays can test even the most committed recovery efforts. But with planning, support, and self-compassion, it is possible to approach holiday meals with greater stability and emotional safety.

This guide offers practical strategies for navigating mealtimes during the holidays — whether you’re in early recovery or supporting a loved one who is.

For many families, mealtimes are meant to be moments of connection and nourishment. But when a child or teen is struggling with disordered eating, ARFID, anxiety, or appetite loss, meals can quickly become tense, exhausting battlegrounds.

Fear food exposure is a technique used in eating disorder recovery to help you gradually reintroduce foods that cause anxiety and break free from food-related fears. It allows you to retrain your brain, rebuild trust with your body, and ultimately enjoy all foods without guilt or stress.

Eating at a restaurant can feel overwhelming, stressful, or triggering in eating disorder recovery. Preparing ahead of time can help reduce anxiety, increase confidence, and create a more positive dining experience.

Birthdays can be exciting, emotional, or even challenging in eating disorder recovery. They often involve food, social gatherings, and body image thoughts, which might bring up anxiety or ED urges. However, your birthday is about celebrating YOU—not about stress, guilt, or food rules.

Meal planning in eating disorder recovery can help reduce anxiety around food, build consistency, and ensure balanced nutrition while supporting a healthy relationship with eating. However, it’s important to approach meal planning in a flexible, non-restrictive way that aligns with recovery goals.

GLP-1 receptor agonists (e.g., Wegovy, Ozempic, Mounjaro, Saxenda) are increasingly used for weight management and diabetes, including in patients who have had bariatric surgery. However, there are important considerations regarding safety, effectiveness, and interactions with eating behaviors that must be addressed.

As your child progresses in eating disorder recovery, the goal is to gradually shift responsibility for eating back to them in a safe and structured way. This process requires patience, monitoring, and emotional support to ensure they maintain progress without feeling overwhelmed.

Traveling with a child in eating disorder recovery can feel overwhelming, but with planning, structure, and flexibility, it is possible to maintain progress while creating positive memories. Whether it’s a family vacation, school trip, or visiting relatives, keeping your child emotionally supported and nutritionally stable is key.