Halloween is a widely celebrated holiday. Unfortunately, for those who have eating issues, Halloween can be a scary and emotional day. Halloween is among the worst holidays for eating issues and is a challenge for those who face these health problems. The biggest and most well-known part of Halloween is the candy. For people who have eating struggles, especially a binge-eating issue, candy can be a trigger. Binge eating, defined as recurrent episodes of eating large quantities of food, is a difficult problem to have on a day that has an overwhelming amount of food and candy readily available.
For children, candy is often used as a reward, but for someone with an eating issue, it is viewed as an additional obstacle in overcoming their eating struggles. Managing sugar and food intake is a challenge in general, but on Halloween, the struggle is exasperated. Instead of focusing on how much candy is allowed, focus on celebrating the holiday.
Some ways to control binge eating or negative feelings toward Halloween is to focus your time and energy on something else. Ideas include:
- Wearing a costume that makes you feel confident.
- Enjoying the holiday with friends and family.
- Giving out treats to children and donating candy that you have left over.
- Limiting trigger foods in your home and environment.
- Enjoying snacks that are not traditional, such as pretzels, apples and other healthy seasonal options.
Our Highland Park and Manhattan Eating Disorder Therapist Advocates for Those Suffering from Eating Problems
For more information regarding eating issues, over-eating, bulimia and body image struggles contact Joanne Gerr, L.C.S.W. today. Joanne, our Highland Park and Manhattan eating disorder therapist can help you find joy and serenity in the holidays. Call us at 212-750-8130 or 732-247-5112 for an initial consultation. You can also contact us online. Located in Manhattan, New York and Highland Park, New Jersey, Joanne offers a personalized approach to assist individuals with a wide range of emotional and behavioral issues throughout Manalapan Township, Marlboro, and Westfield, New Jersey.