5 Sneaky Signs That Somebody You Love is Struggling with Food This Holiday Season
The holidays are often filled with celebration, joy, and togetherness—but for those struggling with their body image or relationship to food, it can be an extremely difficult time of year. Disordered eating can take many forms, and it might not always look like a traditional eating disorder. Here are some sneaky signs that somebody you love is struggling this holiday season:
1. They Seem Obsessed with Food
If your loved one is constantly talking about food—whether it’s obsessing over what they're eating, when they'll eat, or how much they've eaten—it could be a clear sign of disordered eating. Similarly, if they frequently express negative thoughts about their body or engage in conversations about dieting or weight, this usually indicates an obvious internal struggle.
However, it’s not always this clear cut. Did you know that taking a sudden interest in cooking and baking can also be a sign of a disordered relationship with food? Have you noticed that your loved one is constantly preparing food, researching holiday recipes, or scrolling cooking videos on TikTok? These can all be signs of a deeper issue with food.
2. They are Silent and/or Restless at Meal Times
It’s common for individuals who are struggling to hold their anxious thoughts inside, rather than discuss them openly. Even if they aren’t voicing their concerns, their mind could be running wild about how many calories they will consume, or feeling deep shame for indulging in a holiday meal.
Do you notice that your loved one is completely silent at meal times, or looks deep in thought? Maybe they are fidgeting or bouncing their leg at the dinner table? Perhaps they are quietly staring at their own plate, or the plates of others? These all could be signs that they are struggling internally with holiday eating.
3. They Often Say “I just ate” or “I’m full”
These are excuses your loved one might make when they feel anxious, scared, or ashamed of eating holiday foods. If you are noticing a pattern of somebody consistently refusing food because they “just ate” or are “still full from lunch,” it might be a sign that they are struggling with food and having the urge to restrict their intake.
It’s important to note that your loved one is probably not meaning to lie to you. It is the nature of an eating disorder to be dishonest around food, and these behaviors often arise from a deeply painful place - give them grace when you can.
4. They Express No Longer Liking Foods They Used to Enjoy
Are you noticing that your loved one is no longer interested in their favorite holiday cookies? Or maybe they have suddenly told you that they don’t like the taste of your famous mashed potatoes and gravy? Are they skipping out on baking pie together with family? These could all be signs that they are trying to avoid foods that they deem “unhealthy” or “bad.”
Again, your loved one is most likely not trying to lie to you. In many cases, they are also lying to themselves when they say that they no longer enjoy foods that they previously loved/
5. They Are Squeezing in Exercise at Times That Don’t Feel Appropriate
This one can be especially tricky to figure out. Some people enjoy moving their bodies over the holidays in a flexible, joyful, and healthy way. That said, your loved one may be engaging in compulsive or disordered exercise patterns to compensate for holiday eating. Here are some common signs that their workout routine is heading into disordered territory:
They won’t skip a workout, even if they are tired, sick, or injured
They skip family time or time with friends in order to work out
You notice they eat significantly less if they couldn’t get a workout in
They exercise at inconvenient times like right before bed
This time of year can be really hard when it comes to food and body image. Look out for your loved ones!
If you or a loved one struggles with any of the behaviors noted above, I’m here to help. Feel free to send me an email at eada@morningbirdtherapy.com.