This is a summary based off the article from HuffPost.
The Yolk
- Holiday meals can be difficult
- Family drama, eating disorders, recent weight gain or loss
- You don’t know a person’s situation and how comments will affect them
- If you don’t want to respond at all to someone
- Walk away, ignore, or change the subject
- Comments about your body size
- “Please don’t make comments about my body.”
- Ask for help from others ahead of time
- Comments on what food you’re eating
- You will eat more and differently during the holidays, that’s okay
- “It’s none of your business.”
- Comments on your dietary choices
- It’s your choice what you choose to eat or not eat
- “I appreciate your concern, but I can manage my own eating.”
- Negative comments on the food being served
- Not everyone can afford or manage serving a large amount of food
- If you’re the host
- “Cooking is not my thing, so I bought this from the store.”
- If you’re the guest
- “Is there anything I can bring?”
Perspective
- There are many ways to tackle this subject, and this is only a brief overview
- Consider other reasons for behavior –
- Is this person struggling with an eating disorder?
- Is this person struggling with money and cannot afford to bring a dish to pass?
- Was this person recently diagnosed with something that makes them more particular in food choices?
- Has this person recently lost or gained a bunch of weight for a reason that’s entirely personal?
- Is this person giving every effort to improve their health, but they’re only at the start of their journey, and so you can’t tell?
- It’s not about what’s on the table, it’s about having fun with family and friends and having time off
- The holidays are not the time for interventions
If you or a loved one are struggling with an eating disorder, reach out for help with a call or online chat with NEDA.
