Recovery from an eating disorder is not just about eating differently — it’s about relating to suffering differently.

In the self-compassion and mindfulness world, “The Three Difficulties” is a framework introduced by meditation teacher Tara Brach, rooted in Buddhist psychology and supported by trauma-informed care.

These difficulties show up over and over again in eating disorder treatment. But when they’re brought into the light, they can become powerful gateways to healing

Triggers are situations, emotions, thoughts, or experiences that activate disordered eating behaviors or negative self-talk. Recognizing your personal triggers can help you create a plan to manage them effectively and protect your recovery.

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.

Celebrating milestones in eating disorder recovery is important because it reinforces progress, boosts motivation, and acknowledges your strength. Every step forward—big or small—deserves recognition. Here’s how to celebrate in a way that aligns with your healing journey.

This playlist is designed to calm your mind, ease anxiety, and promote self-healing during meditation, deep breathing, or mindful reflection.

Music has the power to heal, soothe, and uplift—especially in eating disorder recovery and mental health healing. The songs you love can become a source of comfort, motivation, and emotional release.

The short answer is: Yes, full recovery from an eating disorder is possible, but the process looks different for everyone. Recovery is not always quick or linear, but with the right support, healing is achievable.

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.

some great digital tools and resources to help you create your own inspiring collage!

One of the most powerful shifts in eating disorder recovery is recognizing that no food is inherently “bad” or “good.” All foods provide value—whether it’s for nutrition, energy, comfort, or cultural connection.

A vision board is a powerful tool in eating disorder recovery. It serves as a visual reminder of your recovery goals, values, and motivations. Seeing positive images and affirmations daily can reinforce your commitment to healing and keep you focused on progress.

It’s easy to feel like your eating disorder is a core part of who you are, especially if it has been present for a long time. However, your eating disorder is not your personality, identity, or worth. It is something you are experiencing—not something that defines you.

It’s completely valid to feel like your eating disorder is not the real problem—because in many ways, it isn’t. Eating disorders are not just about food, weight, or body image; they are often a symptom of something deeper—unresolved emotions, trauma, anxiety, perfectionism, or the need for control.

If you’re feeling this way, let’s explore what’s underneath your eating disorder and how to navigate recovery with this understanding.

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.

Changing eating habits—whether for eating disorder recovery, intuitive eating, or improving nutrition—is a gradual process that takes time, patience, and self-compassion. You won’t wake up one day with a completely different mindset, and that’s okay.

Dealing with unsupportive people can be frustrating, hurtful, and emotionally draining, especially when you're working hard on recovery. Journaling can help you process your feelings, set boundaries, and build self-confidence in handling these difficult situations.

Unfortunately, not everyone will be supportive or understanding of your eating disorder (ED) and recovery journey. Whether they dismiss your struggles, invalidate your experiences, or repeatedly ignore your boundaries, it can be frustrating and even harmful to your mental health.

Practicing boundary-setting through role-play exercises can help you feel more confident, prepared, and assertive when tough conversations arise. These exercises simulate real-life scenarios, giving you structured responses to use when someone pushes back on your boundaries.

Setting boundaries is an important part of eating disorder (ED) recovery, but not everyone will understand or respect them right away. Some people might push back, argue, or dismiss your boundaries, whether out of confusion, habit, or lack of awareness.