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By: Olivia Kline, EDC Administrative Assistant  Navigating Eating Disorder Recovery When You Have Food Allergies Eating disorder recovery is already a complex and often emotionally challenging journey. But when you add food allergies into the mix, the process can become even more overwhelming. Managing food restrictions out of medical necessity—like avoiding allergens—can unintentionally mirror or even contribute to disordered eating behaviors. This overlap between food allergies and eating disorders is more common than many people realize, and understanding the connection is crucial for effective recovery. The Overlap Between Food Allergies and Disordered Eating Research has shown that individuals with food allergies are at an increased risk for developing disordered eating patterns and even clinical eating disorders. A study by Jafri et al. (2021) highlighted the high prevalence of eating disorders among people who live with food allergies. The constant vigilance required to avoid allergic reactions can significantly increase anxiety around food choices. Over time, this anxiety may translate into excessive restriction, fear of eating, or obsessive behaviors around food safety—all of which can contribute to or exacerbate an eating disorder. Similarly, Avery et al. (2003) noted that people with food allergies are more likely to experience fear surrounding meals and dining out. Avoiding allergens requires reading food labels, asking detailed questions at restaurants, and sometimes avoiding social situations that involve food. While these actions are essential for safety, they can also become intertwined with disordered eating behaviors if a person begins to fixate not just on the allergen content, but also on calories, fat, or other nutritional metrics. The Psychological Toll of Food Allergies Living with a food allergy doesn’t just impact what you eat—it can also shape how you view yourself. Studies have found that people with food allergies often internalize feelings of being “defective” or different. Jafri et al. (2021) found that individuals with allergies frequently reported lower self-esteem than their non-allergic peers. This sense of being different or having something “wrong” can take a toll on mental health, especially for children and adolescents who are still developing their identities. In addition to the physical risks of an allergic reaction, there’s an emotional and psychological component that can be just as significant. Constant vigilance and fear of a potentially life-threatening reaction can create a chronic state of anxiety. This internal stress, when left unaddressed, can make recovery from disordered eating even more difficult. Why Specialized Support Matters Given the intricate relationship between food allergies and eating disorders, it’s essential to seek treatment from a team of professionals who understand both. Jafri et al. (2021) and Avery et al. (2003) both emphasize the importance of integrated care, involving mental health professionals, dietitians, and medical providers with specific expertise in food allergies and eating disorders. At The Eating Disorder Center, we take this approach seriously. Our team is committed to providing holistic, evidence-based care tailored to each individual's unique needs. We offer both in-person and virtual services to make care as accessible as possible. Here’s How We Can Support You or a Loved One: Individual Therapy: Our therapists are trained in treating eating disorders across the lifespan. We work with children as young as seven years old through adulthood. Therapy often focuses on rebuilding a healthy relationship with food, reducing anxiety, and improving self-esteem. Collaborative Care: We believe in the power of a multidisciplinary approach. Our therapists work closely with dietitians and medical providers to ensure all aspects of your care—both physical and emotional—are addressed. Diagnostic Evaluations: Not sure if you or your child is dealing with an eating disorder? We offer comprehensive assessments to evaluate the impact of food allergies and identify disordered eating patterns. Recovery Coaching: Sometimes, additional support outside of therapy can make a big difference. Our recovery coaches, Javoni Cobb, MA, and Sarah Baginski, MSW, offer personalized support and practical strategies to help you navigate daily challenges in recovery. Coaching is available worldwide and can be a powerful complement to therapy. You're Not Alone—We’re Here to Help Living with a food allergy while working through eating disorder recovery can feel isolating—but you don’t have to do it alone. With the right team and support system, full recovery is not only possible but sustainable. If you’re ready to take the first step in your recovery journey—or if you’re supporting someone who is—reach out to us. We offer eating disorder therapy in person in Rockville, MD, and virtually across Maryland, Virginia, Washington, D.C., Pennsylvania, California, and Florida. Our recovery coaching services are available worldwide. Contact us today for a free 15-minute consultation with one of our eating disorder specialists. We’ll help you figure out what support is best for your unique situation and start you on a path toward healing. Schedule a FREE 15-minute consultation to explore how eating disorder therapy or recovery coaching can help you to find freedom. 🌟 Available in MD, VA, DC, PA, FL, and CA for eating disorder therapy 🌍 Offering recovery coaching worldwide The Eating Disorder Center is a premier outpatient eating disorder therapy center founded by Jennifer Rollin. We specialize in helping children, teens, and adults struggling with anorexia, binge eating disorder, bulimia, OSFED, and body image issues. We provide eating disorder therapy in Rockville, MD, easily accessible to individuals in Potomac, North Potomac, Bethesda, Olney, Silver Spring, Germantown, and Washington, D.C. We also provide eating disorder therapy in Arlington, Virginia and virtually throughout Virginia. Additionally, we offer eating disorder therapy virtually in Florida, Pennsylvania, and California. We provide eating disorder and EMDR trauma therapy in Rockville, Maryland and virtually throughout Maryland and Virginia. We provide eating disorder recovery coaching via Zoom to people worldwide. Connect with us through our website at www.theeatingdisordercenter.com
References: Avery, N. J., King, R. M., Knight, S., & Hourihane, J. O. (2003). Assessment of quality of life in children with peanut allergy. Pediatric allergy and immunology : official publication of the European Society of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, 14(5), 378–382. https://doi.org/10.1034/j.1399-3038.2003.00072.x Jafri, S., Frykas, T. L., Bingemann, T., Phipatanakul, W., Bartnikas, L. M., & Protudjer, J. L. P. (2021). Food Allergy, Eating Disorders and Body Image. Journal of affective disorders reports, 6, 100197. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jadr.2021.100197
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By: Megan Samuels, MSW, LCSW-C, Eating Disorder & Trauma Therapist  The holiday season can be joyful—but for those in recovery from an eating disorder, it can also be incredibly challenging. Between travel, changes in schedule, and time spent with family, this season can bring up all kinds of triggers. If you're in eating disorder recovery, you're not alone in this. As an eating disorder therapist, many of my clients struggle around the holidays, and over the years I’ve noticed three major themes that come up again and again: change in routine, being with family, and staying on track with recovery goals. Let’s take a closer look at each, along with some strategies to help navigate them. Challenge #1: Disrupted Routine For many in eating disorder recovery—especially students or those with structured workweeks—holiday time can throw everything off. One moment you’re attending classes, sticking to a routine, and the next you’re traveling, staying with family, and surrounded by different foods at different times of day. It’s a lot to adapt to. What can help: Try bringing snacks or meal items with you when you travel. Whether you're going home, visiting relatives, or taking a vacation, having some consistency in what you eat can offer a much-needed sense of stability. Even small steps like packing your go-to snack bars or sticking to your usual meal times when possible can make the transition feel less abrupt. In addition, it can be helpful to prioritize recovery-oriented activities, such as eating disorder therapy, self-care activities, meal prepping, and/or eating disorder recovery coaching. Despite a disrupted routine, having a consistent plan to prioritize your recovery can be a game changer during this stressful time. Challenge #2: Family Dynamics Spending time with family can be both comforting and complicated. For those in eating disorder recovery, it’s especially tough when family members make offhand comments about food, weight, or appearance—whether directed at you or someone else. These comments can be triggering, even if they’re meant to be harmless. What can help: Setting boundaries ahead of time can make a world of difference. Let your loved ones know that you'd appreciate avoiding food or body talk during your visit. It might feel awkward, but it's a healthy and important boundary to protect your mental health and your eating disorder recovery. Also, lean into your support system. Who’s someone you trust? A friend, a sibling, an eating disorder therapist? Let them know this time of year can be tough for you. You could set an alarm on your phone to check in with them periodically, or just send a quick text when you need some encouragement. Remember: eating disorders thrive in isolation. Reaching out is a huge step in recovery. Challenge #3: Staying Committed to Recovery When you’re working hard to follow a meal plan or maintain recovery behaviors, the unpredictability of the holidays can throw things off balance. Lack of routine, unfamiliar foods, or even skipping meals due to travel or events can open the door for eating disorder thoughts to creep back in. What can help: Make a plan ahead of time with your treatment team. Discuss potential challenges and map out how you’ll approach meals, snacks, or specific events. If there are certain foods that help you stick to your recovery goals, talk to your family about making sure those are available during your stay. And don’t forget to reconnect with your why. Why did you choose recovery? What motivates you to keep going? Write these thoughts down somewhere—on your phone, in a journal, or even on a sticky note in your bag. That way, if things get hard, you can remind yourself of your strength and purpose. It may even be helpful to share these thoughts with a loved one or a support person, so they can also reinforce these motivating messages about sticking to eating disorder recovery. Final Thoughts Let’s be real--the holidays are hard, especially when you’re in eating disorder recovery. But you don’t have to go through it alone. Whether it's your treatment team, a good friend, or your journal, use the resources available to you. Your recovery deserves protection, even during the most hectic times of year. You’ve already made it this far, and that’s something to be so proud of. Keep going. You’ve got this and I am rooting for you. Schedule a FREE 15-minute consultation to explore how eating disorder therapy or recovery coaching can help you to find freedom. 🌟 Available in MD, VA, DC, PA, FL, and CA for eating disorder therapy 🌍 Offering recovery coaching worldwide The Eating Disorder Center is a premier outpatient eating disorder therapy center founded by Jennifer Rollin. We specialize in helping children, teens, and adults struggling with anorexia, binge eating disorder, bulimia, OSFED, and body image issues. We provide eating disorder therapy in Rockville, MD, easily accessible to individuals in Potomac, North Potomac, Bethesda, Olney, Silver Spring, Germantown, and Washington, D.C. We also provide eating disorder therapy in Arlington, Virginia and virtually throughout Virginia. Additionally, we offer eating disorder therapy virtually in Florida, Pennsylvania, and California. We provide eating disorder and EMDR trauma therapy in Rockville, Maryland and virtually throughout Maryland and Virginia. We provide eating disorder recovery coaching via Zoom to people worldwide. Connect with us through our website at www.theeatingdisordercenter.com
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The Eating Disorder CenterWe are a premier outpatient eating disorder therapy center in Rockville, Maryland.
We also provide eating disorder recovery coaching to people worldwide via Zoom. Click here to book your free 15 minute phone consultation! Phone: 301-246-6856 Email: [email protected] Archives
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