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Eating Disorder Center of Denver Offers Tips to Help Eating Disordered Individuals Negotiate the Holidays

DENVER, COLO. (Dec. 2, 2009) – Eating Disorder Center of Denver, one of the nation's foremost centers for the diagnosis and treatment of the full range of eating disorders, recognizes that the holidays can create anxiety and concern for people with eating disorders and offers several tips to help these individuals negotiate this time of year.

“The holidays are not always an easy or joyous time for eating disordered individuals. Staying recovery focused may be difficult if they encounter uncomfortable family interactions and/or an abundance of food,” says Tamara Pryor, Ph.D., Clinical Director, Eating Disorder Center of Denver. “However, wisely navigating the holiday season will help these individuals start the new year with a positive and healthful outlook.”

Tips to Help Negotiate the Holidays (Courtesy of National Eating Disorder Association):

1. Eat regularly and in a reasonable pattern. Do not skip meals.
2. Take advantage of the holiday season and reflect on the positive things in your life.
3. Discuss your anticipations of the holidays with your therapist, physician, dietitian or other members of your treatment team.
4. Have a well thought out game plan before you go home or invite others into your home. Know who your support persons are and whom you’ll identify when it is time to connect with needed support.
5. Talk to loved ones about important issues, such as decisions, victories, challenges, fears, concerns, dreams, goals, relationships and your feelings about them. Allow yourself to have fun.
6. Consider choosing one loved one to be your “reality check” with food. Ask them to either plate your food for you or give you a reality check on the food portions you choose.
7. Write down your vision of where you would like your mind and heart to be with loved ones during the holidays. Take time during the day to reaffirm this vision and center yourself.
8. Focus any personal goals you may have with loved ones around what you would like to do. Make your goals about doing something rather than preventing something. If you have food goals, then make sure you also add personal, spiritual and relationship goals.
9. Work on being flexible in your thoughts as well as in guidelines and expectations for yourself and others.
10. Stay active in your support group, or begin activity if you are currently not involved.
11. Avoid overstressing and overbooking yourself. Cut down on unnecessary events and obligations and leave time for relaxation, reflection and spiritual renewal.

For additional information on helping people with eating disorders negotiate the holidays, go to www.edcdenver.com or call Eating Disorder Center of Denver at 303-771-0861.

About Eating Disorder Center of Denver
Established in 2001, Eating Disorder Center of Denver (EDC-D) is one of the nation's foremost centers for the diagnosis and treatment of the full range of eating disorders. EDC-D is committed to empowering individuals 18 years of age and older suffering with anorexia, bulimia, binge eating and related disorders to help them achieve and sustain recovery. A multidisciplinary team of board-certified psychiatrists, physicians, clinicians, family therapists and registered dietitians work together to create a specialized, evidence-based treatment plan for each patient. For additional information about EDC-D, visit www.edcdenver.com or call 303-771-0861.

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Media Contact:
Beth Hardy
Weise Communications
303-996-9940, ext. 107
bethhardy@weiseideas.com

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