How to Adjust to a Family Member’s New Meal Plan

Contributor: Crystal Karges, MS, RDN, IBCLC, Special Projects Coordinator at Eating Disorder Hope/Addiction Hope

Eating disorder recovery often requires learning a new approach to living that supports a healthier mindset and renewal of body, mind, and soul. One crucial aspect of eating disorder recovery is learning to adapt positive coping skills and establishing routines that help challenge many of the negative behaviors and habits associated with an eating disorder.

For an individual who has struggled with restricting, binging, and/or purging, following a meal plan set by a registered dietitian can help set eating habits that support recovery while keeping a person appropriately nourished.

Supporting a Family Member in Recovery

In a family setting, supporting a loved one through eating disorder recovery can be challenging but is necessary to help your family member through their journey. If your loved one is in treatment for an eating disorder, you have likely been involved in the process and have learned many things, not only about your family member, but about yourself and unit as a whole.

You may find that there are new things that your family may need to adapt to in order to support your loved one through their recovery. This if often true with a new meal plan that your family member may need to be following.

Understanding the Meal Plan Component

Meal plans are individualized and based on the needs a person may have. Some meal plans are intended for weight restoration, and in most cases, a meal plan helps support the normalization of eating habits. This often comes in the forms of regular meals and snacks, which may not be something that a family is used to having on a regular basis.

If you are unsure about how to best support your family member as they adjust to a new meal plan as designated by their treatment team, reach out for professional support. Family sessions with a registered dietitian can prove helpful for having all members on the same page and understanding the frame work of your loved one’s meal plan.

While it may be difficult to adapt to a new way of living, learning how to support your loved one can be instrumental in their recovery. When it comes to a meal plan, offering support does not necessarily mean eating the same foods at the same time but rather giving support and encouragement when your loved one is experiencing difficulties or urges to cave back to their eating disorder. Throughout this process, talk with your family member’s treatment team to become involved in the process and learn ways to appropriate help your loved one in their eating disorder journey.

Community Discussion – Share Your Thoughts Here!

What are some challenges your family might face when adjusting to a new meal plan for a loved one?

About the Author: Crystal is a Masters-level Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) with a specialty focus in eating disorders, maternal/child health and wellness, and intuitive eating. Combining clinical experience with a love of social media and writing, Crystal serves as the Special Projects Coordinator for Eating Disorder Hope/Addiction Hope, where her passion to help others find recovery and healing is integrated into each part of her work.

As a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor, Crystal has dedicated her career to helping others establish a healthy relationship with food and body through her work with EDH/AH and nutrition private practice.

The opinions and views of our guest contributors are shared to provide a broad perspective of eating disorders. These are not necessarily the views of Eating Disorder Hope, but an effort to offer discussion of various issues by different concerned individuals.

We at Eating Disorder Hope understand that eating disorders result from a combination of environmental and genetic factors. If you or a loved one are suffering from an eating disorder, please know that there is hope for you, and seek immediate professional help.

Last Updated & Reviewed By: Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC on June 29, 2016
Published on EatingDisorderHope.com