Juicing is best when we use fresh vegetables and fruits (pealed or not), blended with yogurt, ice, milk, etc to add texture and flavor. It is also reasonable to enjoy them in a more simple/pure form. Here is a list of tips and guidelines to get the most out of this great idea.

Do you go into a meal worried about how you will feel after? Does this affect where you eat and prevent you from enjoying social situations? My clients with and without eating disorders have shared these concerns in our sessions. Serious physical discomfort should be addressed with your doctor to rule out medical complications.

Recovery is difficult, not impossible. I asked several past clients to share a part of their story. Perhaps you can identify something about them or what worked, to reach your own goals. I can assure you, they all worked hard, fell and got back up, over and over. Recovery is a process. You can do it.

Holiday foods can produce elevated anxiety and stress due to the negative labels on foods or ingredients and the fear of “over doing it”. This often results in an unhealthy obsession with being healthy. No single food, meal or day can produce health risks that touch the damage from ED symptoms. Fundamental in the recovery process is all foods in moderation and balance.

In my years of helping people through recovery, it is clear the holidays bring about an increased need for support and skills to not only to decrease risk of relapse, but to allow for enjoyment and closeness of family and friends. These suggestions have helped many throughout stages of recovery. Warm wishes to all for a wonderful holiday.

Have you noticed that a loved one has difficulty with eating, an obsession with weight, exercise and/or body image? If you think this obsession is causing a lot of physical and/ or emotional pain, you may be able to help that person get treatment. Age, relationship, gender of your loved one, all affect which suggestions will be most helpful.