Out of all the Jewish holidays, Pesach is the hardest one for those who struggle with an eating disorder. The obvious reason is because all of your foods become messed up, what is safe and reliable is being replaced with the unknown. Our minds become even noisier guessing our calories, our body dysmorphia seems to have gone into a higher gear.

However, there is also an obvious reason. Pesach is the BIG REVEAL holiday. It is the first holiday of the year where the seasons are changing, new outfits are bought, families go to various programs. Gone are the days where a baggy sweater or sweatshirt can hide what we call our imperfections. Our compare and despair is out of control and the level of judgement we place on ourselves and our self-perceived inadequacies has beyond doubled.

So how can we help? You ready for it? Mindfulness, no not for ourselves but of others. What Dalia? I don’t get it- well how’s this.

Saleswomen be aware that ALL the women in the store hear what your saying- so when you loudly tell one girl that is way to big on you let me get you a size 4, know there may be someone struggling to fit into a size 14 in the other dressing room.

Moms- be mindful of what you are saying to your girls when they come out of the dressing rooms, words scar. Instead of saying no- I don’t like that it makes you look wide, soften it and say not loving that one let me see the blue one instead?

Relatives- when you haven’t seen each other for a long time- Do Not comment about anyone’s body regardless if it got skinnier or larger. No one has the right to draw that kind of attention without ever having received an invitation to do so.

Friends- Do Not tolerate negative body talk around you. Take a stance so that your friends are forced too as well. Nothing positive comes out of allowing someone to be negative around you.

Chag Sameach and enjoy what is most important! Family, Friends and Health!!

Xoxo

Dalia