How Meal Coaching Transformed a Mother in Brooklyn

When Sarah*, a devoted wife and mother, reached out to us for support, she described a daily struggle that had become almost unbearable. She loved her family and was an accomplished hostess, yet she had difficulty eating. The textures, smells, and even the thought of food felt paralyzing. She often found solace in sugary comfort foods like cake and chocolate, but the fleeting comfort was replaced by guilt and a harsh inner critic; her "ED voice."

Sarah's challenges were rooted in years of dissociation from her physical needs. She had learned as a child to eat as little as possible, relying on sweet treats for a quick fix. The process of plating meals for herself felt impossible. Nothing felt right and she was overwhelmed by the options. Sitting down to eat felt equally daunting, and afterward, she would battle intrusive thoughts about compensating through purging or excessive exercise. The pressures of family life—children pulling her skirt for attention, noisy mealtimes, and her sensitivity to others’ emotions—only compounded her difficulties.

Breaking the Cycle with Meal Coaching

Through attentive meal coaching, Sarah began to reclaim her relationship with food. We started small, meeting over Zoom for 5-10 minutes during her meals. These brief sessions provided her with the accountability and grounding she needed. Sometimes, it was as simple as sending a photo of her plated meal or logging her thoughts and emotions in an app called Recovery Record. Gradually, Sarah learned to use DBT tools to cope with overwhelming emotions, and we encouraged her to share meals with loved ones when possible.

A Renewed Sense of Self and Family

The changes were profound. With regular nutrition, Sarah experienced steadier energy and fewer mood swings. She was able to approach her family with more patience and even reconsider her extravagant hosting habits, at least temporarily. Sarah is now able to view mealtime as an opportunity for nourishment—not just for her body but for her soul and family relationships.

Your Journey to Healing Starts Here

If you or a loved one are struggling with eating challenges, we’re here to help. Click here to ask about Meal Coaching and take the first step toward healing.