Thanksgiving Provides Unique Challenge for Those with Eating Disorders: 5 Easy TIPS

# Don't focus on body image. Comments about weight should be avoided. Instead consider compliments such as, "You look healthy and happy!"

# Don't watch what others eat. If someone wants to eat more or less than you during the holidays, do not make that the focus of your concern. If you focus on what you are eating, you can set a healthy example. If you tell others to eat more or less, you are adding pressure to those who are already struggling with eating issues.

# Thanksgiving is a day of eating. If you have eating issues, then understand that Thanksgiving is the most difficult day of the year for you. See this day as a good challenge for you and all the people around the world who struggle with eating disorders. You are not alone.

# Create your own bubble of comfort. Set your own eating boundaries and do not allow the comments or expectations of others to change what is comfortable for you. If you give yourself the freedom to say "no" to others who are trying to get you to eat more, then you can feel good about not letting others push you out of your comfort zone.

# Allow yourself to be human. Allow yourself the freedom to have some stress and not react perfectly especially during the most difficult holiday for people with eating issues.

By Dr. Kevin Grold

There are variants to eating disorder and doctors to treat them. Most forms of eating disorders are likely to require some form of intervention or treatment. A substantial number of individuals with eating disorders may fit into a category of disordered eating patterns. Individuals with eating disorders that resemble eating disorders nervosa or bulimia nervosa but whose eating behaviors do not meet one or more essential diagnostic criteria may be diagnosed with EDNOS. Eating disorders are serious problems. Eating disorders should be assesses by professionals in the field. Early intervention is helpful in the treatment of eating disorders.