Milestones Associated with the Early Phases of Recovery from an Eating Disorder

Contributor: Courtney Howard, B.A., Executive Assistant at Eating Disorder Hope and Addiction Hope

You will encounter many milestones as you begin to navigate your new life in eating disorder recovery. This will undoubtedly be a difficult time filled with potential triggers, but also empowering and even fun to experience life without the confines of an all-consuming eating disorder.

Milestones will show you how far you have come, sometimes reminding you that you still have a bit of work to do.

Whether it be putting cream in your coffee at Starbucks or enjoying a meal out with friends, even the smallest milestones can serve as motivation in your recovery.

Grocery Shopping in Recovery

Those who have never had an eating disorder might take for granted the ability to go to the grocery store, select food, and take it home without any anxiety or stress. However, going to the grocery store can be an arduous task when you are deep in your eating disorder. You might spend hours wandering the rows, reviewing food labels, putting things in your basket then taking them back out, or engaging in similarly obsessive behaviors. Your first grocery store trip in recovery is a big step.

It is best to bring a support person with you for your first trip, both to hold you accountable and support you through the process. Many eating disorder treatment centers provide grocery store outings to reintroduce grocery shopping in recovery and guide individuals on how to plan meals, select food, and avoid triggers. Some registered dietitians in private practice even provide this service, accompanying a client to the grocery store in place of a normal in-office session.

Remember to surround yourself with support people and try not be frustrated if the shopping trip does not go flawlessly. Recovery can be a long process, but taking these first steps is something to be proud of.

Social Situations Involving Food

Whether it be a friend’s birthday party or a first date, engaging in social situations that involve food is a huge milestone in the early stages of recovery. In the past, you might have made excuses to avoid having to eat in these social situations, or skipped out on them entirely.

Letting yourself be present for these gatherings can enrich your new life.

Eating disorders often lead to isolation, meaning those in recovery were probably not used to socializing much while in their disorder. This is not always the case, but even those who had active social lives while sick have likely undergone major transformations in their recovery and are now able to experience relationships and social situations on a deeper level.

Often, these parties, group outings, or dates take place at restaurants. Going out to eat while in recovery can be a significant milestone in and of itself, which loved ones should recognize when supporting individuals recovering from an eating disorder. Avoiding triggers and having a list of coping skills to turn to can be helpful when diving into social situations while fresh in the recovery process.

Enjoying the Holidays

The holidays are often a turbulent time for many people, but the focus on food can make it especially difficult for those struggling with eating disorders. Your first holiday season in recovery can be a time to start fresh with your family and make new memories.

Being fully present with your friends and loved ones during the holidays is such a beautiful gift that comes with recovery. No more preoccupation with food, whether it be avoiding it, bingeing on it, or a combination therein, means that you now have time and room in your heart to dedicate to your family and truly be present.

Though the holidays can be a beautiful time, they can also be stressful, regardless of whether you are in recovery. Being armed with coping tools is essential as you navigate your first holiday season in recovery from your eating disorder. This includes tools to cope with food-related triggers, but also holiday stress, family issues, or travel.

Celebrating milestones while early in recovery can boost your self-awareness of the progress you are making and motivate you to continue with your journey. Being proud of yourself and recognizing your accomplishments, even if you stumble through them, is a part of self-love. Remember that these milestones are just the first of many new experiences that you will encounter on your road to recovery.

Community Discussion – Share your thoughts here!

What were some significant milestones early in your recovery? How did they make you feel?

About the Author: Courtney Howard is the Executive Assistant for Eating Disorder Hope and Addiction Hope. She graduated summa cum laude with a B.A. from San Diego State University, holds a paralegal certificate in Family Law, and is a Certified Domestic Violence Advocate. After obtaining her certification as a life coach, Courtney launched Lionheart Eating Disorder Recovery Coaching in 2015 and continues to be a passionate advocate for awareness and recovery.

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 August 14, 2016
Published on EatingDisorderHope.com

Eating Disorder Hope Staff

The EatingDisorderHope.com editorial team comprises experienced writers, editors, and medical reviewers specializing in eating disorders, treatment, and mental and behavioral health.