Grocery shopping for eating disorder recovery can be a daunting task, especially if you’re used to restrictive eating patterns or food avoidance behaviors. But it can also be an opportunity to practice self-care, nourish your body, and develop a healthier relationship with food. Here are some tips that have helped me navigate the grocery store and prioritize my recovery:
- Make a list: Before heading to the grocery store, I like to make a list of the foods I need for the week. This helps me stay focused on my recovery goals and avoid impulsively buying foods that might trigger disordered eating behaviors. I try to include a variety of foods from different food groups to ensure that I’m getting a balanced and nourishing diet.
- Challenge food rules: If you’re recovering from an eating disorder, you may have developed a set of food rules or restrictions that dictate what you can and can’t eat. Challenge these food rules by trying new foods or foods that you may have previously avoided. This can be a scary step, but it can also be empowering and liberating to expand your food choices.
- Shop with a friend or support person: Grocery shopping can be an anxiety-provoking experience, especially if you’re recovering from an eating disorder. Consider asking a friend or support person to accompany you to the grocery store. Having someone there to offer encouragement, support, or a distraction can make the experience feel less overwhelming.
- Read food labels mindfully: If you’re in the beginning stages of recovery, or if reading food labels is triggering for you, it might be best to avoid reading food labels altogether. However, for some, reading food labels can be helpful in making informed decisions about what to buy, but it can also be triggering for some individuals. If you find yourself obsessing over the nutritional content of foods, try to read food labels mindfully. Focus on the ingredients and their benefits rather than the numbers.
- Embrace flexibility: Recovery from an eating disorder is not always a linear process, and it’s okay to have ups and downs. Embrace flexibility in your grocery shopping and food choices, and try not to be too hard on yourself if you slip up. Recovery is a journey, and every step forward is progress.
For additional tips and resources on grocery shopping for eating disorder recovery, I recommend checking out the “She Thrives” blog by Taylor Gage. This blog features a variety of resources related to intuitive eating, body acceptance, and mental health. It also includes a helpful guide on how to navigate the grocery store for those in recovery.
Navigating the grocery store can be a challenging and triggering experience for those in eating disorder recovery. But it can also be a powerful opportunity to practice self-care, nourish our bodies, and develop a healthier relationship with food. By making a list, challenging food rules, shopping with support, reading food labels mindfully, and embracing flexibility, we can take steps towards a more peaceful and fulfilling relationship with food.