Eating out in restaurants together is a common way for friends and families to get together, celebrate occasions, or catch up. Buffets are often an appealing option when you’re trying to accommodate different food preferences.
For someone in recovery from an eating disorder, the huge volume of food at buffets can be a terrifying situation. There may be other people indulging in large quantities, whether they’re the people you’re eating with or just other diners, and there is the extra pressure of being on display as you choose your food and carry your plate back to your table.
Buffets have unique challenges for those with anorexia and those who are compulsive eaters, while some experiences may be common to both.
- People with anorexia may feel the impulse to want to eat all that food, but then in reaction to that may berate themselves and focus on restricting as much as they can. There may be a big internal struggle going on.
- Compulsive eaters also may want to eat all of the food, and may have the feeling of not wanting to miss out on any particular food. They may feel very self-conscious about other people seeing or judging how much food they put on their plate, or how many times they go back through the buffet line.
Buffets can actually be a good restaurant option for people in recovery, because you can choose the foods that are right for you and your recovery plan. Many treatment centers and nutritionists offer experiential sessions of supported eating, where they accompany you to buffets and other restaurants and help you make positive choices. This can give you the confidence to cope on your own in the future.
When faced with a buffet table at a restaurant or event, take a few moments to pause and be in the present moment. You want to make mindful choices and resist the impulse to grab whatever calls to you in the moment. Tune in to your body and asks what it wants. This is a great opportunity to improve your relationship with your body, show it that you love and care for it, and grow in your recovery.