Help please DS is bringing GF and she has eating problems

pavlovs_dog

i would suggest either the buffet option for lunch, or fill the fridge and leave it up to your son to sort out their lunch? (needn't be adventurous - sandwich, something on toast - whatever they fancy).

then perhaps a takeaway in the evening. either a paid for one from the shop, or home made kfc/chinese/pizza/chippy style meal... the type of thing that it wouldnt be unusual for teenagers to take up to their rooms to eat

ailuro2

I agree- sandwiches at lunchtime, tell them to help themselves, cos you just remembered you need to get 'whatever food' for dinner, and are popping out for it now....

At dinnertime eat it on your lap in front of something on TV everyone likes to watch.

This is a good compromise,as it won't make her feel like she's being made a fuss of, which might make it worse.

Bun

Hi,

We had a friend with an eating disorder, and she found things like meat fondues (with the hot oil, chunks of meat and veg etc) with dipping sauces and salad etc good because everybody is so busy preparing theirs she could join in or not, as the mood took her. Also it is acceptable to only have one chunk of meat on your plate so as not to mix cooked and uncooked and she found this great.
Alternatives could be fajitas, cheese fondues or a party grill where you do your own as it's the same principle and nobody looks at you.

freda

In addition to the excellent suggestions so far, have loads of low calorie bits in your buffet. The eating difficulty may be associated with a perceived weight issue, i.e. not wanting others to see her 'pigging out' so a nice range of healthy nibbles may lessen that anxiety.

daisy_doughnut_2

hi there

i also suffer like this and agree with all the other posters mine also includes eating foods which ive never tried before so make it simple as possible and it all should be fine mine is as bad though that if invited out i need a valium to calm me

good luck

DD x

pinkshoes

Why don't you do something like wraps? Just a plate with a stack of plain wraps on, then lots of bows with grated cheese, salady bits, meat, mayo etc... so she can make her wrap as fat or as thin as she likes!!

Stay clear of anything that will make her subconscious when she's eating i.e foods that are messy or difficult to cut up (spaghetti, tough steak, tagliatelle).

Let everyone serve themselves! I don't mind eating in public and am over the paranoia that people are staring at me, but I hate going to people's houses where they serve you or bring out your food already on the plate!!

happysinglemum

All of the above advice is great, and I don't have anything to add really.

I just have to say though chalky, that your ds and his gf are really lucky to have such a special family who want everything to be relaxed and comfortable for her!

I hope it all goes well for you all.

xx

Clive_Woody

Serve up Spag bol then shut the curtains and turn off the lights. Problem solved. You may want to put down some plastic sheets to make cleaning up afterwards a little easier.

chalky_75

Clive_Woody wrote: »

Serve up Spag bol then shut the curtains and turn off the lights. Problem solved. You may want to put down some plastic sheets to make cleaning up afterwards a little easier.

Clive Woody I will invite you next weekend but to everyone else thanks for all your suggestions and comments it has definitely given me "enough food" for thought.

I am really laid back about it at the moment and am determined to stay that way. In the greater scheme of things it is such a little problem to me and I want her to feel that she will always be made to feel welcome cos she makes my DS happy

Clive_Woody

chalky_75 wrote: »

Clive Woody I will invite you next weekend but to everyone else thanks for all your suggestions and comments it has definitely given me "enough food" for thought.

I am really laid back about it at the moment and am determined to stay that way. In the greater scheme of things it is such a little problem to me and I want her to feel that she will always be made to feel welcome cos she makes my DS happy

Sounds like the best approach, last thing she will want is for you to make a big deal of it.

A movie and a lap dinner would be a good way of diverting attention away from one another and allow her to eat in peace.