TL; DR Grief is one of the most powerful threats to eating disorder recovery, and one of the least talked about. Written from personal experience, this blog explores how the sudden loss of a mother tested years of hard-won recovery from emotional eating and bulimia. And what it actually took to stay the course through …
TL; DR When it comes to sending a young adult with an eating disorder off to college, six months of demonstrated recovery is recommended. Summer break simply doesn’t replicate the academic pressure, social dynamics, and independence of college life, making it an unreliable measure of true college readiness. Six months allows enough time for recovery …
![Joyful Eating in Los Angeles, California [Image description: drawing of 2 females joyfully eating ice cream] Represents potential eating disorder counseling clients in Los Angeles, California challenging diet rules and eating even when not hungry](https://www.eatingdisordertherapyla.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/ice-cream-final1-1024x708.jpg)
TL;DR “Only eat when you’re hungry” is one of diet culture’s most deeply ingrained rules, and one of the most harmful for people recovering from eating disorders. The truth is, there are many valid reasons to eat even when hunger isn’t present, including: Eating disorder recovery: following a structured meal plan helps restore hunger and …
TL;DR If you have bulimia nervosa, being at a weight lower than your body’s natural high point ( known as weight suppression) may actually be fueling your binge eating. When the body is pushed below its natural weight, hormones like leptin drop, metabolism slows, and appetite increases, making bingeing the body’s way of fighting back …
TL; DR Nutritional supplement shakes play a vital role in eating disorder recovery by helping restore nutritional health. These shakes provide a high-calorie, nutrient-dense liquid option for those struggling to consume enough food, especially early in recovery when feelings of fullness can be challenging. Popular brands like Boost and Ensure offer various formulations, including dairy …
TL;DR Online Family-Based Treatment (FBT) is a highly effective therapy for teens with eating disorders, emphasizing parental involvement in treatment. Delivered via telehealth, it allows families to participate from home, making it accessible for busy schedules. Research shows that online FBT can lead to significant improvements in weight, eating disorder symptoms, and overall mental health, …
TL;DR Family-Based Treatment (FBT) is not just for teens; it can be effective for adults, too. Originally designed for adolescents with anorexia and bulimia, FBT involves parental support in meal planning and supervision, which is crucial for recovery. Recent evidence suggests its application extends to young adults and older individuals, with many successfully using it …
TL;DR Parenting a teen with an eating disorder during Family-Based Treatment (FBT) is challenging. Parents need to balance normal parenting with the unique demands of recovery, which often involves refeeding at home. It’s important to distinguish between behaviors stemming from the eating disorder (like defiance during meals) and typical teenage rebellion. During high-stress moments related …
TL;DR Early intervention is crucial in addressing eating disorders, which can lead to severe health issues if not treated promptly. Family-Based Treatment (FBT) is a leading, evidence-based approach tailored for teens, emphasizing parental involvement to support recovery. Despite its potential benefits, parents often hesitate to intervene due to uncertainty about the early signs of these …
Transitioning to college can be exciting yet challenging, especially for those with a history of eating disorders. It’s crucial to prioritize your recovery during this time. Here are key strategies: Build a Support System: Reach out to family, friends, and potential new connections at college. Keep a list of contacts for support. Follow Your Meal …