Weight Loss - Recovery.com Resource Library

May 13, 2025May 13, 2025

Saad’s 7 Steps to Starting Your Mental Health and Wellness Recovery Journey

Saad’s powerful story of overcoming significant health challenges and transforming his life offers a beacon of hope for anyone facing similar struggles. His journey, marked by weight gain, injury, mental health issues, and job loss, led him to a profound realization: recovery is possible through a combination of inner faith, practical action, and a shift in perspective.

Saad vividly recalls his lowest point: “I completely hit the rock bottom…I started hating my body the way I looked. I hid behind those baggy clothes, always trying to cover your area of your, you know, belly avoiding mirrors. Fear of confrontation of your to yourself had very low self-esteem.” This feeling of despair and self-loathing is a common experience for many who find themselves struggling with their physical and mental well-being. However, Saad’s story underscores that this “rock bottom” can also be the catalyst for profound change.

1. Shift Your Mindset and Perspective

Saad emphasizes the crucial role of changing his mentality. He realized that his previous approach of self-punishment through extreme diets was unsustainable. Instead, he focused on understanding his body’s needs and cues. This shift in perspective is fundamental to long-term recovery. Instead of viewing lifestyle changes as restrictive punishments, consider them acts of self-care and investment in your well-being. Recognize that recovery isn’t about perfection, but about progress with self-compassion.

2. Take Practical, Sustainable Actions

Saad didn’t just rely on a change in mindset; he took concrete steps to improve various aspects of his life. He focused on nutrition, sleep, emotional health, exercise, movement, and mobility – all factors that contribute to functional metabolism and long-term health. This holistic approach is vital. Recovery isn’t just about addressing one symptom; it’s about nurturing your overall well-being through consistent, sustainable habits. Consider incorporating small, manageable changes into your daily routine, such as a short walk, a healthier meal, or a few minutes of mindfulness.

3. Listen to Your Body’s Cues

One of Saad’s key learnings was the importance of listening to his body. He moved away from rigid rules about “good” and “bad” foods and instead focused on mindful eating and understanding his body’s signals of hunger and fullness. Developing this awareness is crucial for sustainable health and well-being. Pay attention to how different foods make you feel, notice when you feel truly rested, and acknowledge any discomfort or pain signals your body might be sending.

4. Find Your “Why” and Cultivate Purpose

Saad found motivation in wanting to help his family and others. Helping his mother reverse her type 2 diabetes fueled his passion and provided a strong sense of purpose. Having a clear “why” can be a powerful driving force in your recovery journey. What motivates you to change? Is it your health, your relationships, your aspirations? Connecting with this purpose can provide the resilience needed to navigate challenges.

5. Embrace Learning and Seek Knowledge

Saad’s journey involved extensive learning about functional metabolism, clinical research, and health and wellness coaching. While you don’t need to become a certified expert, actively seeking knowledge about mental health, nutrition, and well-being can empower you to make informed decisions about your recovery. Explore Recovery.com’s Resource Library to gain a better understanding of your challenges and potential solutions.

6. Understand That Shame and Isolation Are Harmful

Saad’s powerful statement, “shame and isolation are more harmful than food,” highlights the detrimental impact of negative self-talk and social withdrawal. Shame can erode self-esteem and hinder progress, while isolation deprives you of crucial social support. Be kind to yourself, practice self-compassion, and actively seek connection with supportive individuals. Consider exploring support groups or therapy as avenues for reducing isolation and processing difficult emotions. Recovery.com can help you find treatment centers and support networks.

7. Ask for Help and Break Free from Ego

Saad emphasizes the importance of asking for help when needed. “No matter how far gone you feel, there is always a solution out there. You just have to ask for help when you need to ask. Do ask. Don’t get that ego in the middle. Don’t hold yourself back.” Overcoming the fear of vulnerability and reaching out to trusted individuals, professionals, or support systems is a sign of strength, not weakness. Just as Saad sought guidance, allow yourself to lean on others during your journey.

Saad’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience and the possibility of profound transformation. He reminds us that “you are not broken, just a bit overwhelmed by the situation and the circumstances.” By starting small, taking practical steps, listening to your body, finding your purpose, seeking knowledge, combating shame and isolation, and asking for help, you too can embark on a meaningful and sustainable recovery journey. Remember, as Saad wisely advises, “just start. You’ll be amazed by the capacities your body’s built in. You’ll be amazed on how your mind is capable of what extent it can go to achieve something.”

May 2, 2025May 2, 2025

Maureen’s Journey in Eating Disorder Recovery and Self-Love

The Giving Voice to Mental Health Podcast recently shared a deeply personal story of resilience with Maureen, who recounted her journey through an eating disorder that began during her time as a ballet dancer in the 1980s. Her powerful narrative offers crucial understanding and hope for individuals facing similar challenges and those who support them. Hosts Terry McGuire and Caroline Beidler guided a conversation that illuminated the isolation of struggling with an eating disorder when awareness was limited, contrasting it with the growing resources available today.

More Than Just Food: Understanding the Core of Recovery

Maureen thoughtfully described her experience not as a “battle,” but as “working through” an eating disorder. This highlights the ongoing and internal nature of recovery, extending beyond just physical health to encompass self-image, self-esteem, and, most importantly, self-love.

“I feel that I am recovering from a combination of… not understanding how to take care of myself. It’s beyond the amount of food that you put in your body, for example, it’s really about self-image and self-esteem and self-love…”

Her words emphasize that true recovery involves a fundamental shift in how one perceives and values themselves.

The Weight of External Expectations: Body Image and Triggers

As a ballet dancer in the 1980s, Maureen faced immense pressure regarding her body image. This environment became a significant trigger, highlighting how external expectations can contribute to the development of eating disorders.

“As a young person in college, I was a dancer, a ballet dancer in the 1980s and at that time, body image was a huge thing and you had to look a certain way and be a certain way in order to perform…”

This experience underscores the importance of recognizing and addressing societal and environmental factors that can fuel disordered eating.

A Long and Winding Road: The Reality of Ongoing Recovery

Maureen’s journey to self-acceptance has spanned decades, illustrating that recovery is rarely a straight path. It involves continuous effort, with challenges and negative thoughts potentially resurfacing.

“It’s taken me this much of my life to arrive at being okay with myself, you know? And even that gets challenged all the time… I’m always in recovery. I’m always working on recovery.”

Her strength lies in her ability to identify unhealthy patterns and consciously choose a healthier direction, affirming, “You’re okay. You’re good just the way you are.”

Explore eating disorder treatment options.

The Harmful Words: What Not to Say to Someone Struggling

Well-intentioned but misguided advice, such as “just eat more,” can be detrimental to someone with an eating disorder. Maureen emphasized the importance of avoiding comments about food altogether.

“Teachers didn’t really know what to do with me. They didn’t know what to say. They just kept saying, well, you have to eat more. You have to eat more. It’s not what, it’s not the right thing to say… Don’t say anything about food. Leave it alone and let me figure it out.”

Instead, she suggests expressing non-judgmental support and focusing on aspects of their life unrelated to food or body image. Suggesting alternative activities, like “Let’s go for a walk,” can be far more helpful.

Finding Support: The Power of Connection

While formal therapy wasn’t consistently available to Maureen in the early stages, she found crucial support in friends, particularly within the modern dance community, which offered a more accepting environment. This highlights the significance of supportive relationships in recovery.

“I found support in friends and interestingly in among dancer friends… I found a really wonderful, supportive community there.”

The lack of readily available professional help in the 1980s underscores the progress made in providing resources today.

A World of Options: Hope for Today and Tomorrow

Maureen reflected on the lack of treatment options available when she was struggling, a stark contrast to the resources that exist now. Today, individuals have access to information, various therapies, peer support groups, and treatment facilities.

“If it happened to me now, I wouldn’t hesitate to look around for a place to go, you know, somebody to talk to or a situation to take care of myself…”

Caroline emphasized the wealth of information available on https://recovery.com/resources/ and the importance of educating ourselves and others about eating disorders and available support.

Embracing Life: Finding Joy in Self-Acceptance

Maureen’s journey ultimately led her to a powerful realization: life is truly good when you treat yourself with kindness and embrace self-acceptance.

“Oh. ’cause life is so good when you’re, when you’re able to treat yourself well. When you’re able to love yourself and accept yourself, life is really, really great.”

This message of hope and the possibility of a more positive and vibrant life serves as an encouragement for anyone currently struggling to believe in their own potential for recovery and self-love.

April 29, 2025April 30, 2025

Katlyn’s 9 Steps Towards Healing from Trauma, Abuse, and an Eating Disorder

In a deeply candid and moving conversation, Katlyn, a survivor in recovery from narcissistic abuse, Complex PTSD, and anorexia, shared invaluable insights into her journey. Her words offer a beacon of hope and practical guidance for anyone grappling with the aftermath of trauma and the challenging path of recovery.

Katlyn’s experience highlights the tumultuous nature of healing, emphasizing that it’s not a linear ascent but rather a complex dance of progress and setbacks. Yet, through vulnerability and the development of crucial coping mechanisms, a more grounded and present life is possible.

1. Recognizing the Need and Finding Inner Strength

Before recovery, Katlyn described emotional instability and chaos, feeling disconnected from the present. The turning point came when she recognized her strength in escaping a harmful situation. “Once I got myself out of that situation, it was a wake up call for me that I had the strength and resilience to remove myself from the situation to even identify the abuse as it is.” This acknowledgment of inner resilience is the crucial first step towards healing.

2. Seeking Support and Building a Foundation

A cornerstone of Katlyn’s recovery was actively seeking support from trusted individuals and professionals. “To help set myself on a path to recovery, I reached out for help, first of all, to people that I trusted with my vulnerable state. Um, I then got myself into some therapy specifically for what I am going through in recovering from.” Therapy, support groups, and even nutritional guidance create a vital network for navigating the complexities of trauma recovery.

Explore treatment options for trauma and eating disorders.

3. Establishing Structure and Self-Care Rituals

Creating daily routines provided Katlyn with stability and fostered self-care. “Just kind of establishing daily rituals for myself, kind of a container and structure for my day…made me feel healthy, clean, loved, and taken care of by myself.” Consistent rituals, even small ones, offer comfort and reinforce self-compassion.

4. Processing Emotions Through Expression

Katlyn found significant benefit in expressing her emotions, whether through journaling or talking. “I think journaling was something else that I started doing daily…my main advice would be to get it out, vomit out the emotion, however you need to do that.” Externalizing feelings prevents them from becoming internalized and allows for greater self-awareness and emotional regulation.

5. Rebuilding the Self with Compassion and Connection

Recovery involves redefining one’s relationship with oneself, moving away from being defined by trauma. “Seeing me for the first time with all of the things that I’ve experienced as a beautiful, strong person versus feeling like those things are me, are defining me.” Connecting with others who have similar experiences breaks isolation and reinforces that healing is possible. Group and family therapy can provide a safe place to foster meaningful connections. Cultivating self-compassion is also key.

6. Allowing Time and Embracing the Nonlinear Journey

Katlyn emphasized the importance of patience in the healing process. “That’s something else that I learned that helped me stay in recovery is that I need time. Time changes things. It gives us new perspectives.” Trauma processing is not linear; it involves ups and downs. Accepting this reality and allowing time for healing is crucial.

7. Cultivating Present Moment Awareness and Reclaiming Joy

Finding grounding in the present and rediscovering joy are vital aspects of recovery. “Having started my recovery journey, my life now is definitely a lot more present…my life is filled with…just a lot of good freaking food.” Engaging with the present and allowing oneself to experience pleasure, even in small ways, counteracts the negative impacts of trauma.

8. Setting Boundaries and Communicating Needs

Learning to identify fear, set boundaries, and communicate needs empowers survivors. “I have had to retrain myself to defend myself and recognize when I’m having, um, an intuition of fear…I have the tools and, um, capacity to communicate that versus being stuck.” Developing these skills is essential for self-protection and building healthy relationships.

9. Embracing Change and Recognizing Inner Strength

Katlyn offered a powerful message of hope and resilience. “The advice that I would give someone who is a survivor of anything traumatic is that things will change and that you deserve to see out the change…remind yourself how strong you are, how worthy you are.” Recognizing one’s inherent strength and the impermanence of difficult times fuels the ongoing journey of recovery. Even acknowledging the desire for change is a significant and brave first step.

Katlyn’s journey underscores that healing from trauma is a multifaceted process that requires courage, support, and self-compassion. By embracing these essential steps, individuals can begin to find their footing and move towards a more grounded and hopeful future.

February 6, 2025February 17, 2025

Top 10 Weight Loss Spas in the World

Luxury weight loss spas offer a unique and holistic approach to managing weight while prioritizing overall wellness. These retreats combine personalized fitness programs, expert nutritional guidance, and cutting-edge therapies in luxurious settings, helping guests achieve sustainable weight loss.

Beyond the physical benefits, luxury weight loss spas support mental and emotional well-being by incorporating mindfulness practices like yoga, meditation, and stress relief techniques. The serene, high-end environments can provide a peaceful escape from daily life, allowing guests to focus entirely on their health and transformation in comfort and luxury.

Here are some of the best weight loss spas around the world.

Euphoria Retreat

Greece

Euphoria Retreat, located in the heart of the Peloponnese in Greece, offers a unique wellness experience that blends ancient Greek and Chinese healing philosophies within a luxurious and tranquil setting. Nestled in Mystras, a UNESCO-listed town, the retreat is renowned for its state-of-the-art spa facilities, which include a 4-story wellness center featuring saunas, a cold plunge pool, and hydrotherapy options. Guests can indulge in an array of treatments that prioritize holistic well-being, such as Kneipp water therapy, aromatherapy, and hot stone massages.

Euphoria Retreats’ approach integrates physical fitness and mindfulness with activities like yoga, pilates, hiking, and meditation. These are complemented by tailored wellness programs, including detox services, weight management, and emotional balance retreats. The on-site restaurant serves nutritious Mediterranean cuisine that detoxes and boosts energy.

Chiva-Som

Thailand

Set on the beautiful beaches of Hua Hin, Thailand, Chiva-Som is a luxury wellness retreat that offers a holistic and integrative approach to health and well-being. The program combines Eastern and Western therapies with customized wellness programs designed to meet individual health goals, including detox, weight management, fitness, and stress relief. The retreat offers over 200 treatment options, including traditional Thai therapies, advanced physiotherapy, acupuncture, and spa treatments. Chiva-Som focuses on mind-body balance through various activities, such as yoga, meditation, Tai Chi, and fitness training.

Chiva-Som crafts personalized wellness journeys, where guests undergo consultations with health professionals to develop tailored plans based on their specific needs. The serene surroundings, luxurious accommodations, and wellness offerings all create a transformative experience for guests.

Golden Door

USA

Golden Door is a luxury wellness retreat in San Marcos, California that offers a truly personalized and immersive experience aimed at rejuvenating the body, mind, and spirit. Set on over 600 acres of private land, it includes 30 miles of exclusive hiking trails, biodynamic gardens, and serene natural surroundings. Each guest enjoys a custom wellness plan tailored to their goals, including daily spa treatments, fitness classes, and nutritious farm-to-table meals sourced from their own organic farms. The intimate setting, accommodating only 40 guests at a time, provides a highly personalized experience with a 4:1 staff-to-guest ratio.

The wellness journey at Golden Door is deeply holistic, focusing on physical fitness, mental clarity, and spiritual healing. Offerings range from yoga, pilates, and meditation to more adventurous activities like archery. The retreat also integrates mindfulness practices and personal empowerment workshops, making it a transformative experience for those seeking a fresh start, relaxation, or recovery from life’s challenges.

SHA Wellness Clinic

Spain

Tucked away in serene Alicante, Spain with stunning ocean views, SHA Wellness Clinic is a unique wellness retreat that combines modern medicine with natural therapies, drawing from both Eastern and Western practices. The SHA Method is a holistic approach focused on improving long-term well-being through personalized health programs that are tailored to address a wide array of needs, such as weight management, fitness, stress relief, and anti-aging.

The clinic utilizes cutting-edge medical treatments alongside holistic therapies like genetic testing, hydrotherapy, and acupuncture. Its Integrative Health Programs are designed to help guests achieve optimal health by blending medical expertise, nutrition, physical activity, and relaxation techniques.

Clinique La Prairie

Switzerland

Clinique La Prairie, located on the shores of Lake Geneva in Montreux, Switzerland, is a world-renowned luxury retreat known for its innovative approach to health and longevity. Established in 1931, it combines cutting-edge medical science with holistic therapies, offering a unique and personalized approach to wellness.

The retreat’s Revitalization Program is based on a unique cell therapy that is integrated into a broader philosophy that blends preventive medicine, longevity research, and natural wellness practices. The clinic emphasizes personalized care, offering tailor-made health programs that address various needs such as detox, stress management, weight loss, and anti-aging. Guests benefit from access to leading specialists, advanced diagnostic technologies, and a luxurious spa experience.

In addition to its health programs, Clinique La Prairie is renowned for its tranquil location with views of the Alps and Lake Geneva, luxurious accommodations, and Michelin-starred dining focused on balanced, nutritious meals.

VIVAMAYR

Austria

VIVAMAYR is known for its unique fusion of modern medicine and traditional healing practices based on the Mayr Cure, a detoxification method developed by Dr. Franz Xaver Mayr. Located in Austria, VIVAMAYR’s programs focus on improving gut health and overall well-being through personalized medical diagnostics, nutrition plans, and holistic therapies.

The retreat offers various health programs tailored to individual needs, such as weight and stress management. They believe that gut health is key to overall health, so VIVAMAYR integrates cutting-edge medical treatments with lifestyle coaching, therapeutic fasting, and mindful eating practices. The retreat combines advanced diagnostic tools with therapies like hydrotherapy, massage, and tailored fitness programs, all set in a tranquil environment, offering a holistic path to lifelong wellness.

Preidlhof

Italy

Preidlhof, located in South Tyrol, Italy, is a luxurious retreat renowned for its comprehensive approach to well-being, combining relaxation, medical spa treatments, and holistic healing. With the serene backdrop of the Italian Alps, Preidlhof’s attention to personalized care, innovative treatments, and unique location combine to create a wellness retreat that offers both luxury and rejuvenation .

Preidlhof’s 6-floor spa includes saunas, steam rooms, pools, and panoramic relaxation areas, providing a unique experience. Guests can indulge in treatments ranging from massages to advanced medical therapies like anti-aging and detox treatments. Preidlhof also offers various holistic wellness programs that integrate mindfulness, nutrition, and fitness, making it a destination for those seeking a transformative health experience.

Absolute Sanctuary

Thailand

Absolute Sanctuary is a standout wellness retreat located on the island of Koh Samui in Thailand that specializes in fitness, detox, and overall well-being. The facility combines holistic health programs with a luxury resort experience, and it’s particularly renowned for its comprehensive detox programs, yoga retreats, and fitness boot camps, all designed to help guests rejuvenate their body and mind.

The retreat offers an extensive range of wellness facilities, including a top-notch fitness center, yoga studio, detox center, and spa with treatments ranging from massages to specialized therapies like colon hydrotherapy. Its programs are customizable to address specific health goals. Absolute Sanctuary strives to provide healthy cuisine with nutritious, plant-based meals that complement guests’ wellness journeys.

Rancho La Puerta

Mexico

Rancho La Puerta is a pioneering wellness retreat known for its holistic approach to well-being, blending fitness, mindfulness, and nature. Established in 1940 in Baja California, Mexico, it has a rich legacy of promoting health through connection with nature and personal empowerment. The retreat offers an all-inclusive wellness program that provides 80+ fitness classes, therapeutic spa treatments, and workshops aimed at enhancing physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.

Rancho La Puerta’s mission and legacy focus on creating personal transformation and community through an environment where guests can unplug from daily life and focus on lasting well-being. The retreat features an organic farm-to-table dining experience, where meals are sourced from the center’s own gardens to incorporate nutrition as a key part of the wellness journey. Mindfulness is a core value and is utilized through activities such as meditation, yoga, and nature hikes across the 4,000-acre property.

Canyon Ranch

USA

Canyon Ranch in Tucson, Arizona, has an integrative approach to health and well-being, focusing on whole-person wellness and offering customized programs that address physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health. The resort provides an extensive range of services and experiences, including fitness classes, spa treatments, nutritional guidance, and specialized wellness consultations with medical experts, life coaches, and spiritual advisers.
Set in the Sonoran Desert, Canyon Ranch integrates nature into its wellness offerings with outdoor activities like hiking and biking to take advantage of the desert landscape. The retreat also provides mind-body practices such as yoga, meditation, and mindfulness to complement cutting-edge treatments in their spa and health centers. Canyon Ranch’s holistic wellness approach, personalized care, and immersive desert environment makes it a standout destination for those seeking transformation and renewal.

July 19, 2018November 13, 2024

Understanding Eating Disorders and What to Look For in Treatment

black and white image; woman measure waistline

Many misperceive eating disorders as a lifestyle choice. You might even believe some of these stereotypes yourself—that you’re vain, self-absorbed, weak, or lazy because of the way you think about food. This simply isn’t true.

We all have an emotional reaction to eating food; specific dishes can elicit feelings or memories. We describe certain cuisines as “comfort food.” For some people, food can turn into a “drug” of choice—one they turn to cope with depression, anxiety, or a desire to escape. But the belief that people who struggle with these conditions chose to live this way is dangerous. In reality, research continues to show that conditions like anorexia and bulimia are serious mental health conditions¹ that require professional care from experienced counselors.

No matter where you’re at in the recovery journey, it’s important to recognize that your emotional response to eating and your experience with food will be entirely different from anyone else’s. No two stories will ever be completely identical. Eating disorders aren’t a choice; they’re a mental illness often linked with biological disorders outside of your control.

tabula rasa retreat eating disorder treatment — Holistic treatments at Tabula Rasa Retreat in Portugal include mindfulness meditation, bodywork, breathwork, kundalini yoga, healing sound therapy, and light therapy.

Types of Eating Disorders

You might have obsessive thoughts about food or reach for a certain type of meal when you’re feeling sad or unsure of something. For some, unhealthy eating behaviors are focused more on weight and body image than the feelings associated with eating. People most often seek treatment for three types of eating disorders: bulimia, anorexia and binge-eating disorder.

Signs of Bulimia

If you suffer from bulimia, you likely experience recurrent, uncontrollable episodes wherein you eat large amounts of food without being able to stop. As a response to those feelings, you might react by trying to “purge” your body of the food. Whether by vomiting, laxatives, obsessive exercise or fasting, these reactions can be extremely harmful or even deadly.

Signs of Anorexia

Control is often central to anorexia; you might be withholding food from yourself, or only eating in very small portions. Intense feelings of self-consciousness or poor body image could be convincing you that you shouldn’t be eating. Anorexia has one of highest mortality rates among mental illnesses.² By withholding nutrients from your body, your bones and muscles may start to break down, leading to multiorgan failure. That’s why sufferers of this disorder need the highest quality treatment and care possible.

Signs of Binge-Eating Disorder

Everyone has a different trigger, but if something inside you forces you to eat uncontrollably without stopping, you may be experiencing a binge-eating disorder. Hallmark signs of binge-eating disorder include eating alone due to feeling embarrassed by the amount of food you’re eating, and feeling disgusted with yourself or very guilty after a binge-eating episode. Unlike bulimia, you do not counter the binge with purging.

dara thailand eating disorder treatment — DARA Thailand offers recovery-friendly, balanced meals prepared by trained chefs who utilize the vibrancy of Thailand’s bountiful, fresh, local produce.

What to Look For in an Eating Disorder Treatment Center

Mapping out a successful treatment plan starts with getting to know you, unpacking the feelings you experience around food and creating healthy habits in place of your current eating regimen. While there’s no single correct approach to eating disorder treatment, full recovery is possible and within reach. Because there are so many different ways to treat eating disorders and the co-occurring mental illnesses associated with anorexia, binge-eating or bulimia, it’s important to find a program that resonates with you.

Options for Care

Psychotherapy
Nutritional counseling
Lifestyle coaching
Talk therapy
Biochemical restoration
Reflexology
Fitness training
On-site nutritionist
Family therapy
Meal preparation education
Support group meetings
Acupuncture

There are several other factors to consider when seeking treatment, which we’ll look at below.

A Treatment Center Specializing in Eating Disorder Treatment

Although drug and alcohol addiction and other mental health disorders often share the same treatment approach, it’s important to find a treatment facility that specializes in eating disorder treatment. This seems obvious, but some treatment centers will say they treat eating disorders when you may actually be a better fit elsewhere. Because unlike drugs or alcohol, which you can abstain from, you need to eat. Your recovery looks different and you need support in that, rather than being one of the few who struggle with eating disorders at a particular center (though this applies less so to treatment providers who only take a few clients at a time).

An On-Site Dietician

Nutrition is an important intervention in eating disorder treatment.³ According to the American Dietetic Association, “Medical Nutrition Therapy provided by a registered dietitian trained in the area of eating disorders plays a significant role in the treatment and management of eating disorders.”

Accredited dieticians can assess your nutritional deficiencies, create a customized meal plan for your stay and equip you with maintenance skills like grocery shopping, cooking and meal planning for a successful recovery. Beyond considerations for your physical health, eating disorder-specialized dietitians also understand the roles of emotions, psychological conditions and family dynamics in your eating behaviors.

paracelsus recovery eating disorder treatment — Paracelsus Recovery Switzerland staffs nutritional experts, spiritual counselors, psychologists and psychiatrists, tailoring care to one client at a time.

Family Programming

Newer treatment methods recognize the importance of the family system in eating disorders⁴—both as a cause and as part of the solution. And as research shows, this approach is having a positive impact on treatment. According to Thomas Insel, an American psychiatrist, neuroscientist and former director of the National Institute of Mental Health,

“Outcomes appear much better if parents are empowered and included, rather than excluded, from the treatment. In fact, a carefully controlled trial evaluating the effectiveness of a family-based treatment approach found 50 percent of participants continued to experience full remission one year after the end of therapy.”

Family plays a role in all mental health and addiction cases, and eating disorders are no exception. For the best chances of success, look for a center that involves family members in your treatment.

Holistic Treatment Approach

Many luxury rehabs offer a wide variety of wellness modalities that encourage all-encompassing spiritual, mental and physical healing. For example, Tabula Rasa Retreat’s holistic program options include mindfulness meditation, bodywork, breathwork, kundalini yoga, healing sound therapy, and light therapy—all of which is available on an extended aftercare basis for those who choose to stay on at the resort after completing their treatment program.

Program Options at Luxury Eating Disorder Rehabs

With an incredible staff-to-client ratio to ensure you get the individualized treatment you deserve and high-end activities like yoga, animal therapy and outdoor excursions, luxury eating disorder recovery centers provide unparalleled, comprehensive healing.

Here are some examples of the program options you’ll find at top-tier rehabs, and how they can make a difference in your recovery:

Professionally Prepared Meals

At many luxury treatment centers, your diet is well attended to by chefs who consult with your clinical team to create a meal plan that meets your nutritional needs and personal preferences. If food is typically a problem for you, thoughtfully planned, delicious, nourishing meals make eating healthily that much easier. DARA Rehab in Thailand ensures this by staffing trained chefs who utilize the vibrancy of Thailand’s bountiful, fresh, local produce to create excellent food for all their guests. Carefully prepared meals will help you find a healthy balance again.

Tailored Treatment

Most luxury care programs offer completely personalized and tailored treatment designed specifically to help guide you towards recovery. Paracelcus Recovery is an outstanding example of this, with programming fully customized to serve one client at a time. With dedicated therapists, nutritional experts, spiritual counselors, psychologists and psychiatrists on staff, you’ll have peace of mind that each of your exact needs can be met with an expert level of care.

Overcoming an Eating Disorder Starts With Finding the Right Rehab

Admitting you or someone you love is suffering from a dangerous eating disorder can be one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make. But recognizing the outward signs doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be equipped to recover on your own. Finding the right treatment facilities and care programs is an integral part of the fight against eating disorders.

To learn more about available programs from top centers worldwide, discover rehab centers specializing in eating disorders here.

Frequently Asked Questions About Eating Disorder Treatment

What should I look for in a rehab center for eating disorder treatment?

When looking for an eating disorder treatment center, consider factors like the expertise of the treatment team, the availability of evidence-based therapies, the focus on holistic healing, and the comfort and quality of accommodations.

What types of treatment are available for eating disorders?

Treatment for eating disorders may include a combination of individual and group therapy, CBT, family therapy, nutritional counseling, and medication. Additionally, some luxury rehab centers may offer holistic treatments like art therapy, yoga, and meditation to promote overall wellness. Treatment plans are typically customized to meet the individual’s unique needs and may change as progress is made.

How long does eating disorder treatment typically last?

The length of eating disorder treatment varies depending on your individual needs and the severity of the disorder. Programs can last for several months to a year or more.