For many people in eating disorder recovery, there’s a moment when progress doesn’t feel like relief — it feels like grief.

You’re doing the work: restoring meals, reducing rituals, going to therapy, maybe even gaining weight or reclaiming your life. But instead of celebration, you feel… lost.

Both sun exposure and eating disorders (EDs) can negatively impact your skin, but in different ways. While excessive sun exposure can lead to premature aging and skin cancer, eating disorders can cause severe skin issues due to malnutrition, dehydration, and hormone imbalances.

Opening up about an eating disorder (ED) to a significant other can feel scary and vulnerable, but having their support and understanding can be a huge part of your recovery. If you’re ready to share, here’s how to approach the conversation in a way that fosters trust, honesty, and emotional safety.

Setting boundaries is essential when discussing your eating disorder with a partner, family member, or friend. Clear boundaries help protect your mental health, prevent triggering situations, and create a supportive environment in recovery.

A self-care plan is a personalized strategy that helps you prioritize your mental, emotional, and physical well-being while navigating recovery. It acts as a guide for managing stress, handling triggers, and nurturing yourself in a way that supports healing.

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.