An eating disorder is a serious mental health condition that involves distorted eating behaviors, thoughts, and emotions related to food, body image, and weight. These disorders can affect physical health, emotional well-being, and daily life. Thoughts are not just about food but often stem from underlying issues like anxiety, trauma, low self-esteem, or societal pressure.
National Eating Disorders Awareness Week (NEDAW) is from February 24 to March 2, 2025
Guided meditation can be a powerful tool in healing an eating disorder. It helps retrain the mind, calm food-related anxiety, and rebuild a healthy relationship with the body.
3 Meditation Practices to Heal Eating Disorders
- Self-Compassion Meditation for Healing
(Best for moments of self-judgment and body shame.)
- Find a comfortable seated or lying position. Close your eyes take a deep breath in… and slowly exhale.
- Begin by placing one hand on your heart and the other on your belly.
- Feel your breath moving in and out, gently rising and falling beneath your hands.
Bring your attention to your heart area and begin to offer loving-kindness to yourself by repeating these phrases, allowing ample space between each one:
- May I be safe
- May I be healthy
- May I be happy
- May I be at ease
- If any negative thoughts arise, imagine wrapping them in a warm, soft light and letting them float away like clouds.
- With each inhale, invite love and self-acceptance. With each exhale, release guilt and fear.
- Stay here for a few minutes. When you’re ready, gently open your eyes.
- Releasing Fear of Food Meditation
(Perfect before meals to ease anxiety about eating.)
- Sit comfortably with your feet on the ground. Close your eyes and take a slow, deep breath in… and out.
- Picture yourself in a warm, safe space—perhaps a garden, a cozy room, or by the ocean.
- Imagine a table in front of you, filled with nourishing food.
- You feel no fear, only gratitude. Your body knows how to receive nourishment with ease.
Repeat these affirmations:
“Food is not my enemy; it is my healer.”
“My body knows how to use food for energy, strength, and balance.”
“I trust my hunger and fullness signals.”
- Imagine yourself taking a gentle, joyful bite of food. Feel it nourish your body and soul. There is no judgment here—only peace.
- When you’re ready, take one deep breath and return to the present moment.
- Body Acceptance Meditation
(Best for days when you feel disconnected from or critical of your body.)
- Close your eyes and take a deep breath. Feel the air move through your nose, filling your lungs, and slowly exhale.
- Now, bring your awareness to your feet. Thank them for carrying you through life.
- Move to your legs. Appreciate their strength, no matter their shape or size.
- Bring your focus to your belly. Instead of criticism, send it love and gratitude.
- Move to your arms, hands, and finally your heart—your heart that beats for you every second of every day.
Repeat silently or aloud:
“My body is my home, and I choose to love it.”
“I release the need for control and embrace trust.”
“Healing is possible, and I allow myself to receive it.”
Take one more deep inhale and exhale. Gently open your eyes and carry this sense of appreciation with you throughout your day.
Best Types of Guided Meditations for Eating Disorder Recovery
- Self-Compassion Meditation – Heals self-criticism and body shame.
- Mindful Eating Meditation – Helps eat without guilt and be present with food.
- Body Acceptance Meditation – Cultivates gratitude for your body beyond appearance.
- Breathing Meditation for Food Fear – Releases fear of eating or weight gain.
- Healing Inner Child Meditation – Addresses past trauma linked to food and body image.