Supporting Myself Through Difficult Mealtimes — How to Use
This worksheet can be completed before a difficult meal or at a calmer time to create a plan for future mealtimes.
Start by identifying what tends to make meals difficult for you. This could involve particular foods, thoughts, sensory experiences, uncertainty, other people, the environment or something else.
Then consider what helps before eating. Preparation can be part of support.
Think carefully about your environment. Where do you feel most comfortable eating? Would company help? Would quiet be better? Would distraction such as music, television or conversation make things easier?
Next, create a supportive sentence you can use during a difficult moment. It doesn't need to be overly positive — something as simple as “I can take this one moment at a time” may feel more believable.
Consider what helps after eating, too. Support doesn't necessarily end when the meal finishes.
Identify someone who can support you without pressure or judgement and think about what you would like them to do — or not do.
Finally, use your answers to create your gentle mealtime plan.
The aim isn't a perfect mealtime. It is a more supported and manageable one.
