Healthy Meal Rituals and Containment
Containing a meal means eating according to a plan which involves healthy eating habits. It is called containment because many people with eating problems fear loosing control of their eating. These habits will increase your ability to contain a meal and increase trust in yourself.
Meal Containment involves several rituals. Rituals are ways to recognize important things that happen and to honor them. The three categories of healthy meal rituals are:
I. OPENING RITUALS
A. Meal Planning.
C. Self-statements regarding chosen food with the focus of increasing self honesty.
II. EATING RITUALS
A. Eating slowly, relaxing and putting your fork down between bites.
B. Using all five senses.
C. Avoiding other distractions.
III. CLOSING RITUALS
A. Making self-statements about food eaten with a focus on increasing self awareness.
B. Engaging in a meal-closing activity.
Meal Containment involves several rituals. Rituals are ways to recognize important things that happen and to honor them. The three categories of healthy meal rituals are:
I. OPENING RITUALS
A. Meal Planning.
- What to eat.
- Where to eat.
- Meal closing activity.
C. Self-statements regarding chosen food with the focus of increasing self honesty.
- “I have chosen satisfying foods.”
- “I am not depriving myself.”
- “This looks like enough food to take me to my next meal.”
II. EATING RITUALS
A. Eating slowly, relaxing and putting your fork down between bites.
B. Using all five senses.
C. Avoiding other distractions.
III. CLOSING RITUALS
A. Making self-statements about food eaten with a focus on increasing self awareness.
B. Engaging in a meal-closing activity.
- Brushing teeth.
- Chewing gum.
- Going for a walk.
- Calling a friend.
