Handling Family Vacations with an Eating Disorder

          Have you ever realized that when you have an eating disorder; family vacations and outings become a living nightmare? As if living with these people isn't already bad enough now you are being shoved into a strange place with them and they want to be with you constantly. I know when you're younger you can definitely relate; but what happens when you're older? I'll tell you what happens.... IT GETS WORSE. I am 20 years old and married and I still struggle with family outings; especially with my in-laws who have no idea that I have anything close to an eating disorder. It wouldn't be as bad if these people weren't complete food junkies. All they want to do is eat!
 
          Now I'm not saying that I don't appreciate the thought but I cant exactly use the usual excuses when on an outing ("I'm not hungry," I already ate," "I don't feel good" etc...). So then what do you do? Well... me personally, order something small, make lots of conversation, take 3 bites and only 3, get a box and take the rest home "for later." Now there's just finding time to exercise.
 
I do very much have my ways of getting around this. Now if you have someone that likes to shop, like my mother in law, this will be very easy. Find the nearest shopping center and walk for hours! It's fun, you get to work out, and you might get a new pair of shoes out of it. Take a walk around and enjoy the scenery, do something and anything to get your and their mind off of anything food related. If you have a bike take it and go for a bike ride. You could even ride your bike to the restaurant; that way you have no way of bringing your leftovers back with you. Then later that night sneak some crunches and sit-ups in. This is just what I do personally. I'm sure there are plenty of other methods you could take depending where you are going.
 
            It really just takes a lot of the stress off of being out and about with your family, so you can actually enjoy your vacations! I mean that's what they are there for anyway. So make good memories not miserable ones. :) Just remember to stay hydrated and if you're going to eat don't eat junk. Eat healthy.

Until next time my Flowers
<3 Bloom