3 Helpful Tips for Navigating Eating Disorder Recovery in College

Written by Eden Davis, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and co-owner of Pearl Wellness Practice

College can be a time of excitement, education, and adventures. If you're struggling with an Eating Disorder, it can also feel stressful, overwhelming, and challenging at times. Our Registered Dietitian Nutritionist shares three tips for navigating recovery throughout college!

Prioritize Meals and Snacks

When running between classes, trying to make it to the study group, and falling behind on the assignment due at midnight, it may seem tempting to skip meals and snacks throughout the day.

Although your schedule may be packed, it's important to prioritize time for meals and snacks. Food is fuel for our bodies, it provides us with energy and the brain power we need to take on the day (and 15 projects).

If possible, try to plan your class schedule around meals and snacks. This allows you the opportunity to sit down, relax, and enjoy the meal you're having. If that's not a possibility, then aim to bring meals and snacks with you that travel well!

This might look like drinkable yogurt, a prepared sandwich, a banana, chips, or a granola bar. It's important to plan ahead and take the time to privatize meals and snacks. At the end of the day, our body will be thankful for the nourishment!

Find Time for Self Care

College can be a very overwhelming and stressful environment. It's important to find different forms of self-care throughout the day to decrease stress and improve your well-being.

Self-care could be setting aside time for meditation, stretching, nourishing your body throughout the day, ensuring adequate sleep, or enjoying a peaceful activity. It doesn't have to be anything too complex or time-consuming. By practicing self-care, we're able to build a healthier relationship between our mind and body.

Connect With a Treatment Team

When you're in recovery from an Eating Disorder in college, it can seem very challenging at times. It's important to find a treatment team that you're compatible with to help you through the recovery journey.

Finding a team that is nearby in proximity or can offer virtual services might work best for your schedule. Here at Pearl Wellness, we often see college students looking for Eating Disorder support in the DC, Maryland, Virginia, New Jersey, Florida, and California areas.

We enjoy working with these clients to structure a meal plan, find balance and variety in their diet, and work through their Eating Disorder behaviors. If you're looking for a treatment team and would like to chat further, reach out today.

With Pearls of Wisdom,

Eden Davis RDN LDN