Episode 006

Handling the Holidays with a Loved One in Eating Disorder Recovery

In this episode of The Other Side of the Plate, hosts Laura Cohen and Jenny Gaines discuss managing the holidays when a loved one is not in residential or in-patient treatment and is able to be with their family at home (or able to travel with family for the holidays). They share strategies for caregivers to support their loved ones and the importance of self-care for caregivers, and the episode concludes with a look ahead to their next guest, Kevin Dunn, who will discuss the role of male caregivers in eating disorder recovery.

Also, the upcoming Weekend Workshop on November 22 will include discussion about handling the holidays when your loved one is in the hospital or in a residential treatment center and unable to be home.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

01:14 The Emotional Complexity of Holidays with an Eating Disorder

04:13 Personal Stories: Spending Holidays Differently

05:01 Preparing Ahead: Planning Meals, Routines, and Responses

08:52 Navigating Challenging Family Conversations

15:30 Setting Boundaries and Creating "Escape Plans"

19:35 Religious Considerations and Creating New Traditions

25:45 Giving Yourself Permission: This Is Temporary

30:12 Practical Tips: Holiday Outfits and Being Flexible

33:58 Closing and Preview of Next Episode

SUPPORT & RESOURCES

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FEAST website:

https://feast-ed.org/

FEAST flyer:

https://feast-ed.org/programs-and-services/

Resources:

Episode 3 - The Other Side Of The Plate Podcast

https://player.captivate.fm/episode/4fe0267f-7008-4717-b9bb-f1e3f9d07e11/

Laura and Jenni both recommend going back to listen to this episode for guidance on whether/how to tell family members about the eating disorder.

FEAST Weekend Workshops - F.E.A.S.T.

There’s still time to register for Workshop 6, Handling the Holidays, as part of FEAST’s Weekend Workshop series:

Saturday – November 22, 2025 at 12:00 Noon Eastern US / 5:00 PM UK

Led by Kate Craigen, PhD and Judy Krasna, F.E.A.S.T. Executive Director

Other resources:

• Navigating Ramadan with an Eating Disorder - F.E.A.S.T. webinar
• The Challenge of Holidays - F.E.A.S.T. blog post by Judy Krasna