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Welcome to Equip

When Equip therapist Hannah Bishop, LPC, hears people say they don’t feel they need treatment for their 

, she understands their hesitation. Before Bishop embarked on a career in therapy, she was also struggling with her own eating disorder—and she wasn’t sure she wanted or needed support.

“As someone who is very independent and struggles with asking for help, I thought that I could figure things out on my own and be okay.” Bishop says.

Now on the other side of recovery, Bishop not only sees the immense value in receiving comprehensive treatment for an eating disorder, but also in the willingness to fully commit to the process. “I am a firm believer that having grit and determination, 

 to support, is what creates a lasting recovery,” she says. “I wouldn't have been able to be in recovery without my support system, and this looks different for everybody.”

Struggling with an eating disorder is often an isolating experience, and many people are tempted to just “power through” their illness with enough self-discipline. Often referred to as “

,” this process of fighting through a challenging situation or illness isn’t just ineffective; it can be anxiety-provoking, debilitating, and even life-threatening if it prevents a person from receiving treatment for their eating disorder.

We know that eating disorders aren’t vanity issues or lifestyle choices; they’re serious 

 among the deadliest of all psychiatric disorders. Everyone deserves access to the evidence-based treatment, trained providers, and peer support that can be so critical in overcoming an eating disorder. Here’s why no one should try to “white knuckle” their way through recovery—and why asking for help is so crucial.

The potential obstacles preventing people from getting proper care

Given the myriad of treatment barriers many people face, it’s understandable why they may feel too scared, intimidated, or financially unable to commit to a structured treatment plan with trained providers at the helm.

“The hurdles to recovery look different for everyone,” Bishop says. “But often finances can play a large role in whether someone has the opportunity to enter treatment and it often comes down to the unfortunately broken, underfunded mental health system."

Most eating disorder care is rarely covered by insurance, and the average eating disorder treatment is 

. Plus, many eating disorder treatment centers are geographically far away and require relocation or travel. These factors are part of why 

 was built as a fully virtual program that accepts most insurance plans.

Finances aren’t the only roadblock preventing individuals from seeking treatment. There are other potential obstacles related to familial support (or lack thereof), social stigma, logistical complications, or 

“Recovery thrives on resources, support, and the ability to put our needs first—and sometimes that isn't readily available for patients,” Bishop says. Bridging this gap is the motivation behind her work as an Equip therapist, “I want to be a provider who is a part of decreasing the hurdles that patients have to jump through in order to receive care and thrive.”

Why you can’t just “white knuckle” eating disorder recovery

 alone can heal an eating disorder. Eating disorders are complex mental health conditions that can hijack a person’s thinking and decision-making. With an illness that asks a person to fight their own brain every time they eat, it’s incredibly difficult to facilitate recovery alone. Here are some key reasons why.

Egosyntonic is a term that describes when actions or behaviors align with a person’s ideal self-image. Eating disorders are often egosyntonic, meaning someone might feel like their 

 or excessive exercise habits are helping them become the person they want to be, when in reality these behaviors are perpetuating an eating disorder. The eating disorder brain creates this egosyntonic mindset, which can make people initially not want to get better. Even if someone knows they need help, they might have a difficult time detaching from these ideas without structured treatment.

When a brain is malnourished, it impairs cognitive function, making it very difficult to make decisions and changes on your own. Many treatment programs begin with a period of renourishment to restore brain functioning and more reasonable thoughts patterns in a patient. Dietitians can create tailored, evidence-based plans for how to execute this process safely. This combination of a professional care team and the support of loved ones is invaluable during the critical renourishing phase of recovery.

Many believe they’re “not sick enough”

 about who gets eating disorders can make many people feel isolated or undeserving of treatment. Many people think you have to be underweight in order to seek professional treatment, and attempt to “white knuckle” their own recovery since they are not “sick enough.” These stereotypes aren’t just harmful, they’re also untrue. 

 with an eating disorder are ever medically diagnosed as underweight. There’s no such thing as not being “

 is actually one of the most effective strategies for overcoming an eating disorder.

Why evidence-based treatment is so critical to lasting recovery

 has repeatedly shown that​ the most effective ways to recover from an eating disorder is to seek out evidence-based treatment, like 

cognitive behavioral therapy for eating disorders (CBT-E)

. Finding affordable, accessible care from a team of competent, experienced, and compassionate providers can be challenging, but it’s not impossible, and Equip believes treatment is for everyone.

“The eating disorder can trick us into thinking that we are not ‘good’ or ‘worthy’ unless we are demonstrating high restraint and willpower when it comes to behaviors,” Bishop says. “It’s important to do the opposite of what the eating disorder is telling us to do, and instead rely on trained professionals and comprehensive treatment in order to facilitate lasting recovery, rather than a false sense of grit or willpower.”


Equip was built on the idea that it takes a village to overcome an eating disorder. That’s why each patient receives comprehensive care from a 5-person care team, and is encouraged to invite their friends and family to be a part of the recovery process too. If you or a loved one are struggling and ready to get professional care, 

Compton, Wilson M., and Beth Han. 2022. “Substance Use Disorders Are Deadly.” American Journal of Psychiatry 179 (1): 11–13. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ajp.2021.21101069

“Cost of Treatment - Project HEAL.” n.d. ProjectHEAL. https://www.theprojectheal.org/cost-of-treatment.

“Eating Disorder Statistics | General & Diversity Stats | ANAD.” n.d. National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders. https://anad.org/eating-disorders-statistics/.

Murphy, Rebecca, Suzanne Straebler, Zafra Cooper, and Christopher G. Fairburn. 2010. “Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Eating Disorders.” Psychiatric Clinics of North America 33 (3): 611–27. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psc.2010.04.004.

“White Knuckling: All Pain, No Gain | Anxiety and Depression Association of America, ADAA.” n.d. Adaa.org. Accessed November 18, 2023. https://adaa.org/learn-from-us/from-the-experts/blog-posts/consumer/white-knuckling-all-pain-no-gain.

“White Knuckling” Your Way Through an Eating Disorder Doesn’t Work — Here’s What Does 

I’m a registered dietitian (RD), yet I’m called a “nutritionist” at least once a week. Although there are stark differences between dietitians and nutritionists, I get it—it’s confusing. There are seemingly endless titles for nutrition professionals, ranging from dietitians, nutrition specialists, nutritionists, health coaches, holistic nutritionists, and more. With so many titles, figuring out the most skilled provider to help you heal from an 

 can be difficult. I’m hoping to help you clearly understand the differences in training, education, roles and qualifications so you can make an informed decision about who is the right fit for you.

What’s the difference between a dietitians and nutritionists’ training?

Education and schooling are two of the largest differences between dietitians and nutritionists.

The two licenses to be aware of for dietitians and nutritionists, respectively, are registered dietitian (RD) and Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS). In fact, RD and CNS credentials are the 

titles for dietitians or nutritionists that require years of higher education, supervised practice, licensure exams, and continuing education. Here's what it takes to become a RD:

Earn a bachelor’s or master’s degree from an 

 nutrition program, which includes wide-ranging coursework, including biochemistry, food science, and medical nutrition therapy. Starting in 2024, there will be a requirement for a master’s degree.

Complete 1,000 hours of supervised training in multiple settings, including hospitals, clinics, community centers, schools, and private practices.

Continue to learn through additional training to maintain credentials.

Earn a master’s degree or doctoral degree in nutrition or a related healthcare field.

 program with topics like biochemistry, anatomy and physiology, and life sciences.

Finish 1,000 hours of supervised training from a qualified supervisor in a choice of settings, like private practices, institutions, and clinics.

Pass the Certification Examination for Nutrition Specialists

On the other hand, uncredentialed nutritionists, which may have titles like “health coach” or “nutrition consultant,” are not subject to the same intensive training or education for the RD or CNS certifications. “There are other other nutrition certification programs that aren’t regulated by any organizations in the United States,” registered dietitian Courtney Darsa explains. “If there’s someone who goes by one of these titles, it’s best to look into their education and credentialing with their state and if their title is regulated. This is because their advice may be harmful if it’s not evidence and research-based.”

What’s the difference between a dietitians’ and nutritionists’ qualifications?

Because the main difference in training for a RD vs a CNS is medical nutrition therapy, the same goes for what they’re qualified to do. “While both RDs and CNS can offer counseling and education, RDs hold a unique distinction,” explains Ana Pruteanu, MS, RD, LDN, CEDS-C. “They are qualified to provide medical nutrition therapy and a range of clinical interventions. The scope of practice for RDs is extensive, encompassing a wide array of nutritional interventions.” Specifically, RDs can help 

, like eating disorders, using individualized nutrition treatment, including specific intravenous feedings, tube feedings, and meal plans.

 to provide services like nutrition education and programming and to work in nutrition research and health promotion campaigns. They’re also equipped to create educational materials about nutrition and healthy lifestyles.

Uncredentialed nutrition professionals (anyone other than a RD or CNS) likely don’t have adequate education, training, and qualifications to provide custom nutrition advice and guidance. Depending on the state they live in, it may even be illegal to do so, without becoming a licensed RD or CNS.

Why is it important to see a dietitian in eating disorder recovery?

Fully understanding medical nutrition therapy is essential when treating eating disorders, which is why it’s important to seek out a dietitian, specifically. Eating disorders have many medical complications, and so it’s important that nutritional professionals have a deep clinical understanding of treatment goals and how nutritional changes interact with other medical conditions. Dietitians working with eating disorder patients often work with a team of other providers, including a doctor, therapist, and psychiatrist, which requires regular communication and collaboration. “This is something that registered dietitians get schooling on and often have experience with in the clinical and hospital setting where medical nutrition therapy is being practiced,” says Darsa.

 shows dietitians’ skills and knowledge are necessary complements to psychological treatment of eating disorder clients. This is because without proper nutrition rehabilitation and care, psychological progress may not be sustained because of the effects of starvation on the brain. Plus, findings from a 2021 

 suggest that not only can RDs aid with refeeding, weight restoration, meal planning, and nutrition education in treatment, but that they can also help patients 

 to food, body, and exercise, and to develop a sense of safety within their bodies.

“In my personal situation in my daughter's recovery, her RD was 

,” shares Equip family mentor Laura Cohen. “She was extremely helpful to stand alongside my daughter during her recovery and was a pillar of her treatment team.”

What should you look for when choosing a dietitian?

When you’re looking for a RD to help you heal from an eating disorder or disordered eating, here are two key factors to keep in mind:

Not all RDs have eating disorder experience or specialization. “

When seeking an RD for eating disorder treatment, it's essential to inquire about their specific experience in eating disorders,” Pruteanu suggests. “This includes their educational background, years of practical experience, and the variety of settings they've worked in.” If they don’t have a ton of experience, make sure they’re under the supervision of someone who does.

Some RDs are steeped in diet culture and fatphobia. 

, research shows), who carry weight bias about people in larger bodies. Some RDs will say they treat eating disorders while also providing “weight management” or even weight loss services—consider that a red flag. “If an RD ever says to a client ‘do not worry, I will not let you gain too much weight,’ I would run fast away from that provider,” says Cohen. Instead, look for a RD who describes their approach as “weight-inclusive,” “weight-neutral,” or one that is rooted in 

Pruteanu suggests asking four questions in your RD vetting process:

How long have you been working with clients with eating disorders?

What additional training have you received in eating disorders?

What eating disorders diagnoses have you worked with?

What is your approach to treating eating disorders?

“By working with RDs specializing in eating disorders,” Pruteanu adds, “individuals in recovery can benefit from the nuanced expertise and compassionate guidance necessary for a successful journey towards healing and well-being.”

At Equip, patients work with registered dietitians who have specialized training in treating eating disorders and using a HAES-informed approach. Dietitians play a key role in treatment. Some of their responsibilities include:

Safely increasing calories through a nutrition prescription

Helping patients and their families with recipes and meal planning

Providing nutrition education and debunking 

Facilitating exposures to incorporate fear foods

Managing physiological symptoms like stomach pain and acid reflux

These dietitians collaborate with the other members of a patient’s care team to craft a treatment plan with the highest chances of success.

If you or a loved one are looking to connect with an eating disorder care team, you can 

 to learn more about our virtual, evidence-based program.

McEntee, Mindy L., Samantha R. Philip, et al. “Dismantling Weight Stigma in Eating Disorder Treatment: Next Steps for the Field.” 

 14 (2023). https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1157594.

Yang, Yive, Janet Conti, et al “Beyond Refeeding: The Effect of Including a Dietitian in Eating Disorder Treatment. A Systematic Review.” 

 13, no. 12 (2021): 4490. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13124490.

“Nutritionist vs. Dietitian: What’s the Difference?” NurseJournal, September 8, 2023. https://nursejournal.org/healthcare/nutritionist-vs-dietitian/.

“Nutritionist vs Dietitian.” CORP-MPH1 (PHD), October 12, 2023. https://www.publichealthdegrees.org/careers/become-registered-dietitian/dietitian-vs-nutritionist/.

“Certified Nutrition Specialist® TM Jobs, Salary and Certification Programs.” nutritioned.org, September 21, 2023. https://www.nutritioned.org/certified-nutrition-specialist/.

“Become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist.” Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: eatright.org. Accessed November 27, 2023. https://www.eatright.org/become-an-rdn.

Dietitian vs Nutritionist: What’s the Difference, and Which Provider is Right For You?

 that eating disorders only affect young people (especially girls) eclipses a common reality for many women: eating disorders often actually surface during menopause. Since the 

International Journal of Eating Disorders

 that found about 13% of women over 50 exhibit eating disorder symptoms, 

 have indicated a significant link between disordered eating and 

 (the time frame 12 months after a woman's last period) and 

The prevalence of eating disorder symptoms during midlife can be 

 “While we don’t yet have a reliable data set, it’s thought that about one-third of middle-aged women have a chronic condition, one-third relapse, and one-third have a new onset eating disorder.” says Equip Senior Research Manager, Jessica Baker.

Physiological and lifestyle changes related to menopause may explain why many women experience an eating disorder at this time of life. Here’s what you need to know about why and how menopause can trigger an eating disorder.

What does menopause have to do with eating disorders?

There’s a higher prevalence in eating disorder symptoms among midlife women navigating menopause than those who are pre-menopause, “likely due to a 'perfect storm' of hormone changes coupled with physical and psychological changes that often occur during this time of life,” Baker says. “Further, cultural pressures for midlife women to remain thin and young looking has steadily increased over the past decade.”

Most of us are well aware of the unrealistic beauty standards and “anti-aging” pressures that impact older women, but menopause-specific physical and psychological shifts are also important to consider. Along with 

 like hot flashes and vaginal dryness, weight gain may also occur during menopause, which could be triggering for those prone to 

During menopause, women also experience significant hormone changes, namely a reduction of estrogen and progesterone. There’s some 

 to suggest that a sudden change to estrogen levels can lead to abnormal food intake, increasing the risk of an eating disorder. This may also contribute to why many young women develop eating disorders during puberty. Hormonal changes can also have significant mental health affects, such as anxiety, depression, and loss of control. These symptoms can often exacerbate an eating disorder.

Additionally, many women going through perimenopause and menopause are often concurrently experiencing challenges, ranging from role transitions (like 'empty nest syndrome,' retirement, and divorce) to increased body dissatisfaction, grief, and loss. These stressors can all play a role with the development or relapse of an eating disorder.

It wasn’t until Equip Family Mentor Inga Yanoski helped her own child recover from anorexia that she realized she’d developed her own share of food and body issues in adulthood. “While I was never officially diagnosed with an eating disorder, I believe I could have absolutely had 

 in my 20s,” she says. “Even though I have worked hard on healing my relationship with food and body, there is no shortage of diet culture messages around how to navigate perimenopause and menopause that can find their way into my psyche and sometimes make me doubt my choices.”

, there’s an intense pressure to not let our bodies age, change, or grow” she says. “It’s this dangerous space where women could easily start with ‘lifestyle changes’ such as cutting out sugar and carbs, or experimenting with 

, and eventually trigger a relapse or an onset of an eating disorder.” Yanoski also points to the hormonal shifts and mid-life stressors that are at play, like putting kids through college, career shifts, relationship changes, and caring for aging parents. “These factors all impact our moods, sleep cycles, and in turn, our appetite.”

While eating disorders can and do manifest in a variety of ways, Baker says many of the hallmark signs and symptoms are consistent in all populations. “The early warning signs of an eating disorder are generally going to look similar across age groups.” These include:

“While the warning signs may be similar across age groups,. what 

 different is that the medical and physical consequences of an eating disorder are exacerbated at older ages due to the body's lessened ability to bounce back from insult and injury, so it is even more important to get help early,” Baker says.

Treatment for eating disorders during menopause

Despite the increased research exploring the link between eating disorders and menopause, there’s still work to be done to ensure patients receive the most appropriate, targeted care. “Unfortunately, few studies have looked at treatment specifically for patients at older ages,” Baker says. “However, similar to younger age groups, 

 (CBT) has shown success in decreasing symptoms for this age group.”

Individualized treatment means emphasizing issues that are relevant and significant to the patient. In the case of menopause, that might mean centering CBT and 

 around age-related concerns, life transitions and stressors, and the experience of menopause. “I have seen patients experiencing the stereotypical 'midlife crisis' which can raise questions about the purpose and meaning of life. For this I have seen the benefit of helping the patient identify their values and living life according to those values,” says Baker

What everyone should know about eating disorders before, during, and after menopause

Eating disorders certainly aren’t an inevitable consequence of menopause, but aging is also not the protective factor against eating disorders that many may believe it to be. “First and foremost, it’s important to understand that eating disorders can occur at any age across the lifespan and that those at older ages aren't 'immune,'” Baker says. “This is especially important if the individual has a history of an eating disorder. This time of transition may be a good time to revisit previous tools and strategies that were helpful in recovery and to reconnect with treatment providers.”

Baker is also clear that the medical community must make a concerted effort to better comprehend eating disorders in menopausal women. While self-advocacy is important, patients should be able to depend on their clinicians to offer empathetic, evidence-based diagnosis and care. “Too often, women at older ages have the experience of being brushed off or told they are too old for an eating disorder. This is extremely concerning given that we know the physical and medical consequences of an eating disorder are worse for this group of women.”

While there is still a long way to go in better caring for perimenopausal and menopausal women with eating disorders, continuing to have frank, honest conversations and dispelling myths will help people of all ages and backgrounds get the help they need. “We need to continue to spread awareness about eating disorders in midlife,” Yanoski says. “We must stop normalizing or even praising disordered eating. We must continue to address anti-fat bias and stop praising the pursuit of thinness.”

Equip is proud to treat patients of all ages with tailored care. Because treatment is virtual, it meets middle-aged patients wherever they are as they navigate the particular responsibilities and challenges of that life stage. If you’re concerned you may have an eating disorder or a relapse, 

Baker, Jessica H., and Cristin D. Runfola. 2016. “Eating Disorders in Midlife Women: A Perimenopausal Eating Disorder?” Maturitas 85 (March): 112–16. 

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.maturitas.2015.12.017

Finch, Jody E., Ziqian Xu, et al. 2023. “Network Analysis of Eating Disorder Symptoms in Women in Perimenopause and Early Postmenopause.” Menopause 30 (3): 275–82. 

https://doi.org/10.1097/gme.0000000000002141

Gagne, Danielle A., Ann Von Holle, et al. 2012. “Eating Disorder Symptoms and Weight and Shape Concerns in a Large Web-Based Convenience Sample of Women Ages 50 and Above: Results of the Gender and Body Image (GABI) Study.” The International Journal of Eating Disorders 45 (7): 832–44. 

Khalil, Joe, Sarah Boutros, et al. 2022. “Eating Disorders and Their Relationship with Menopausal Phases among a Sample of Middle-Aged Lebanese Women.” BMC Women’s Health 22 (1). 

https://doi.org/10.1186/s12905-022-01738-6

“Menopause: Age, Stages, Signs, Symptoms & Treatment.” n.d. Cleveland Clinic. 

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21841-menopause#symptoms-and-causes

National Institute on Aging. 2021. “What Is Menopause?” National Institute on Aging. September 30, 2021. 

https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/what-menopause

Why Adult Women Suffer from Eating Disorders.” n.d. Oprah.com. 

https://www.oprah.com/health/adult-eating-disorders-adult-women-with-anorexia/all

Can Menopause Trigger an Eating Disorder?

Eating disorder recovery can be a tumultuous experience any time of year, but navigating the holiday season — a time typically rife with food-centered celebrations — can be especially thorny. Thanksgiving in particular can be a challenging day for those struggling to improve their relationship to food and/or their bodies; those in recovery may have to interact with family members or friends who don’t fully understand or know about their recovery journey. Bracing for unsolicited and potentially hurtful comments 

 of an atypical meal can be tough — but there 

ways to get through the day and continue thriving in recovery.

“Thanksgiving is one of those holidays where disordered eating and thoughts are both prevalent and popular,” says Equip Peer Mentor, Ally Duvall

When comments around dieting, behaviors, or bodies come up, it can be hard to know what to say in the moment — especially when it comes from family members or friends.”

Here are some of the tried-and-true tips Equip team members have for addressing diet culture messaging and unhelpful commentary during Thanksgiving:

1. Set conversation boundaries ahead of time

“One thing you can do is practice making some body boundary statements ahead of time, so that if (and unfortunately when) those topics come up, you are prepared,” Duvall says. “Some of my favorites are: ‘I am not comfortable talking about my body like this, please change the topic’; ‘I don't have to earn or compensate for the food I am eating’; ‘I am trying to not talk about diets or bodies this year, would you like to try that with me?’”

Equip’s Therapy Director, Tana Luo, PhD, says boundaries are an integral part of preparing for the holiday. “It can be helpful to cope ahead and role play with a trusted loved one about how you might respond if someone brings up weight or dieting at Thanksgiving,” she says. “Assert and honor your boundaries. Come up with a list of safe topics ahead of time that you can fall back on if the conversation turns to weight or dieting.”

Equip's Nutrition Director, Megan Hellner, DrPH, MPH, RD, CEDRD-S agrees that an important part of planning for the holidays includes setting boundaries with family members around appropriate and preferred discussion topics.“Engaging in talk about weight or shape may be part of the family culture, but that doesn't mean we need to participate. If it's difficult to have those conversations directly, or you're afraid you may not be heard, ask a safe person to help you reach the family member in question,” she says. “Acknowledge that loved ones may be in a very different place as far as their relationship with food. This is not an excuse for engaging in diet talk, but it may be an explanation.”

2. Practice expressing your feelings in a positive way

One strategy Hellner recommends is implementing “

,” a style of communication that involves using the first person pronoun to convey emotions or address relationship issues.

One example Duvall suggests: "I have a hard time staying present and enjoying the meal when the conversation goes toward weight loss. If it's important to talk about weight loss, can we agree to have those conversations when I'm not around? I would really appreciate the support with my recovery."

Additionally, if there are concerns about family members inquiring about your struggles with food or weight, Hellner says it’s perfectly fine to specifically ask that those topics also be avoided on the holiday and/or in the company of others. “Family can help with this as well,” she says. “Think of a one-liner you can use during dinner, that is both respectful and direct, to move the conversation away from food and weight. For example, ‘Talking about food and weight is a pain point for me. Is it alright if I change the subject?’”

For those who feel comfortable being a little more straightforward, Hellner recommends this: "It really is concerning that we're spending this special time we have together talking about weight and calories, and it's harmful for my recovery. Let's focus on something more energizing or fun."

3. Make an effort to be your own best advocate

Holiday challenges offer a great opportunity to really practice our skills in an environment that would otherwise be overwhelming for pro-recovery behaviors.

“Expect to have to advocate for your recovery, and think about what this may look like for you in practical terms,” suggests Hellner.“Does this mean creating a new holiday tradition that is less food-centric? Or finding a new group to enjoy the meal with? Or a smaller-than-usual family gathering? Ask for help from your team on how to make the holidays feel a bit more safe.”

4. Prioritize proper nutrition before, during, and after the holiday

While some in recovery may be tempted to veer away from meal plans in an effort to “make room” for an impending Thanksgiving dinner, Hellner emphasizes that restriction of any kind could actually backfire in a big way.

“As far as the meals themselves, let's reject this idea of 'saving the appetite' for the Thanksgiving meal,” Hellner says. “It is neither helpful, nor is it necessary. Try maintaining normalcy around meals and snacks leading up to the holiday meal. This helps us by allowing us to approach the meal with a subtle (vs urgent) feeling of hunger, which in turn makes the meal feel more manageable and less 'scary.’”

Eating adequate portions in the days leading up to the event can also help prevent some of the more challenging emotions that often arise after larger-than-average meals. “It can help with post-meal fatigue and feelings of distress and fear that some folks experience in the day(s) after the holiday,” Hellner explains. “Give yourself grace. This meal is different...more dense, and perhaps scarier than meals you'll encounter throughout the year.”

To Hellner’s point about grace, a tip all experts endorse is to practice continued patience, self-compassion, and gentleness toward yourself. Holidays can be a challenge for anyone, and they can be particularly tough to navigate during recovery; approaching potential obstacles with an attitude of unconditional acceptance can go a long way in maneuvering difficult situations.

“Be kind to yourself!” Luo says. “This holiday can be a difficult day for many people recovering from eating disorders. Do your best, and be gentle with yourself. You can always re-set and get back on track with the next meal or snack.”

5 Ways to Shut Down Diet Culture Commentary During Thanksgiving

For many, Thanksgiving is a day centered around wholesome traits like family, friends, gratitude, and food. For those struggling with disordered eating, Thanksgiving to be a particularly challenging time.

Here, several Equip team members share how they’ve found meaning in Thanksgiving that transcends beyond the meal and helps them reclaim the day for themselves and their loved ones.

Kevin Dunn, Director of Family Mentorship

Kevin Dunn, Equip's Director of Family Mentorship, acknowledges that Thanksgiving can be a tough day for some, due to everything from an out-of-ordinary meal to potential unsolicited body or weight commentary. But he says there are effective methods for reclaiming the day in the name of health and recovery.

"We can effectively navigate and support our loved ones’ through Thanksgiving conversations focused on weight, food, shape, movement, or diet by flexing our validation and distraction skills,” he says. “As we reply to those delivering triggering content, our response might sound like, ‘I can hear that topic is a challenge for you. We’re thankful for so much today. In fact, we made a list. I’ll bet we share gratitude for some of the same people and things. Let’s take a look.’”

Gastelum grew up in a marginalized, Indigenous and Hispanic community. “My grandparents lived about 40 mins outside of Nogales, Sonora Mexico,” Gastelum says. “Their ranch was located off to the left down a dirt road near the railroad tracks. They lived in a makeshift home my grandfather built made of adobe and metal roofing. Their small farm was surrounded by the desert, mountains, and a small river a few feet away that consistently flowed.”

Gastelum and her family spent most of their time and holidays at her grandparents’ ranch. “As a child, I have a memory of my sister and I helping my grandfather collect vegetables from his garden. My nana and mother would roast corn outside, and they would cook the squash, potatoes, and green beans on the wooden stove. Afterwards, my sister, cousins, and I would help to make fry bread with piloncillo (pure brown sugar cane) syrup and the pumpkin empanadas (crescent shaped stuffed pastry) for dessert.”

When the family sat down for dinner, Gastelum says her grandfather would say a prayer of gratitude for the meal which included a mixture of the cooked vegetables, freshly made semitas, chicken, and charro beans. As the evening neared and the sun began to go down, he would share stories about her family’s ancestors and Indigenous folktales.