Avalon Hills Eating Disorders Center’s Post

Thanksgiving can be a whirlwind of family, food, and festivities—but what happens when your child’s extreme picky eating adds stress to the day? In this episode, Christine shares seven practical strategies to make the holiday more pleasant for everyone. From setting realistic expectations to creating a sensory-safe environment, introducing foods before the big day, and involving your child in non-eating roles, you’ll discover how to approach Thanksgiving with confidence and ease. Plus, learn how to handle well-meaning but outdated advice from relatives and keep the focus on connection instead of confrontation. Tune in for tips that will leave you feeling prepared and supported this holiday season! #ThanksgivingTips #PickyEaterSolutions #FamilyGatherings #HolidayStressRelief #MindfulEating #ParentingAdvice #FoodAllergiesAwareness #ChildhoodNutrition

The festive period is heavily focused on food. Approaching the holidays, your loved one will feel a lot of pressure if they’re navigating an eating disorder. Sit with them and make a plan of things you can do over the festive period that have nothing to do with food. Here are some ideas: * Go to the shop and find a fun new board game for the family * Start a new crafting project * Plan trips out * Highlight Radio Times (if you know you know) with your favourite TV shows * Ask for their ideas for decorating the table and give them the responsibility to bring it to life (this also helps distract them on the big day). What other ideas could you suggest for those who are supporting someone over the holidays? #christmasinrecovery #christmasfood #eatingdisorderrecovery #eatingdisordersatchristmas #recoverywarrior #edrecovering #cheltenham #localbusiness #gloucestershire

🍂 October is Eat Better, Eat Together Month! 🍂 What better way to embrace the cozy fall season than by gathering around the table with family and friends for some delicious, nutritious meals? As the leaves change and the air turns crisp, let’s celebrate the joy of sharing food and making memories. Eating together isn't just about enjoying good food—it’s about creating stronger connections. Studies show that regular family meals can lead to improved social skills, better eating habits, and even fewer behavioral issues in teens. So this October, let’s make mealtime a priority! 🥗🍲 #EatBetterEatTogether #FamilyMeals #TogetherIsBetter #First5Lake #HealthyHabits #FamilyConnections

Every year, around Thanksgiving, a total stranger will reach out to me for help. They’re stressed out, hosting relatives they didn’t really want to invite, and—for whatever reason— they agreed to cook dinner for 20 people. Something in them snaps, and they hit the “no more” point. If you’re nodding along, know that it’s not too late to change course. You can still say no to all of it. But if you choose to see this through, it’s time for some triage: *Delegate: Let others handle parts of the meal. Ask someone to bring dessert, drinks, or a side dish—even if it’s last minute. *Ask for Help: Don’t hesitate to rope in friends or family for prep, setup, or cleanup. You didn’t eat the entire meal alone, you can ask for help with the cleaning. *Simplify: Cut out the extras. If something feels like a “nice to have” instead of a “need to have,” skip it. Focus on what matters most. And once the dust settles, let’s make sure this doesn’t happen again next year. If saying yes to things that should be no is your pattern, let’s talk. Send me a message, and we’ll work on those boundaries together. #holidaystress #peoplepleasing #boundaries

Hey parents! As we navigate the journey of feeding our picky eaters, it's important to remember that our mindset can make a huge difference. When we focus on the positives, we can help our children develop a healthier relationship with food. 🌈🍽️ Instead of stressing over the foods they won't eat, let's celebrate the small victories and explore new ways to make mealtime enjoyable for everyone. Ready to take the first step? Comment "QUIZ" or DM me to access a quick 2-minute quiz that can help you get started with navigating your child's feeding challenges. Let's make mealtime a positive experience! 💪❤️ #PickyEaters #PositiveParenting #HealthyEating

Every year, around Thanksgiving, a total stranger will reach out to me for help. They’re stressed out, hosting relatives they didn’t really want to invite, and—for whatever reason— they agreed to cook dinner for 20 people. Something in them snaps, and they hit the “no more” point. If you’re nodding along, know that it’s not too late to change course. You can still say no to all of it. But if you choose to see this through, it’s time for some triage: *Delegate: Let others handle parts of the meal. Ask someone to bring dessert, drinks, or a side dish—even if it’s last minute. *Ask for Help: Don’t hesitate to rope in friends or family for prep, setup, or cleanup. You didn’t eat the entire meal alone, you can ask for help with the cleaning. *Simplify: Cut out the extras. If something feels like a “nice to have” instead of a “need to have,” skip it. Focus on what matters most. And once the dust settles, let’s make sure this doesn’t happen again next year. If saying yes to things that should be no is your pattern, let’s talk. Send me a message, and we’ll work on those boundaries together. #holidaystress #peoplepleasing #boundaries

It can be hard supporting someone with eating distress over the Christmas period and not knowing how best to help. We'll be sharing a few tips on how you can best support someone. Helpful Tips for Family and Friends 1 It can be highly distressing for people struggling with eating distress and eating disorders to hear comments about food and people's appearance. This applies to comments towards other people not just the person with ED. Try to limit comments about eating habits, food choices, appearance, and portion sizes, especially during meal times. #Christmas #EatingDistress #Recovery #EatingDistressRecovery #EatingDisordersRecovery #Family #Friends #Carers #Support

✨ Feeling overwhelmed by holiday indulgence? Join Dr. Dae’s Savor the Season Challenge and discover easy strategies to enjoy every event without feeling overstuffed or guilty. From portion control to mindful movement, these tips will empower you to celebrate with confidence and balance. 🍽️ Tip 2: Use a salad plate instead of a full dinner plate at buffets or family dinners. This simple swap naturally reduces portion sizes and helps you avoid overeating. Want to take it further? Arrange your food so it doesn’t touch—this creates space and prevents piling on too much. This small shift can change how you approach meals year-round! 🎯 Make this your first challenge—download the booklet today. https://lnkd.in/gndzKwrw #PortionControl #HealthyEatingTips #SavorTheSeason #DrDaeTips #HolidayHacks

Want to make your Halloween more inclusive? 🎃 Remove obstacles: Ensure a clear path to your treat station. Sensory-friendly is key: Skip the strobe lights and loud noises. Offer options: Have non-food treats for those with dietary restrictions. Describe the treats: Help those who may not be able to see them. Secure your pets: Some children might be frightened. By following these tips, you can create a welcoming and inclusive trick-or-treating experience for everyone. Cheers!

Feeding smart as a family is the holy grail of raising happy healthy eaters! Many parents don’t realise how much their eating habits affect their kids. In the first seven years, kids might make their own choices, but they learn from what they see at home. Here’s the truth: You can’t expect your child to eat healthy if you don’t. Kids are mini versions of us. If we eat healthy and stay active, they’ll want to do the same. We are their world in those early years, and they watch everything we do. So, it’s not just about offering them healthy food—it’s about showing them how to live healthy. If we make healthy choices, they will too. What’s one healthy habit your kids have learned from you? #healthyfamilies #smarteating #leadbyexample