This next Tuesday, I leave for Austria, Germany, and the 2010 International Conference on Eating Disorders in Salzburg. I've been to the UK twice (even lived there for a semester in college), but I've never been to mainland Europe or any country whose native language isn't English. It's exciting, and it's also a little nerve-wracking. My silly brain comes up with all sorts of scenarios to worry about, such as: what if the volcano in Iceland starts erupting again? What if I have to take a bath rather than a shower (it's a "thing" of mine, baths)? What if I don't know how to order decaf coffee or Diet Coke/Coke Light? What if our luggage gets lost?
There are those "what ifs" that I'm guessing many travelers with anxiety can relate to. Of course, my history of anorexia means I'm also worried about the food. My knee-jerk concern is that I'm going to gain heaps of weight while away. Granted, most German cooking isn't exactly low-calorie, but I also know that I basically have no real tendencies to overeat. Then I worry that the ED might decide to stow away in my luggage and ruin the trip and make me scared of all the food. I'm not sure how I can simultaneously worry about both weight gain and relapse at the same time, but let me assure you that it is possible!
Part of what I've learned in recovery is to always make sure I have food with me in case of emergencies. These so-called emergencies can be anything as minor as I get hungry at a rather inopportune time (high on the Alps, say), to being in a town and not finding anything I like. Most people probably wouldn't fret all that much about these scenarios, but I know I have to anticipate such things to maintain my recovery.
So here's a sampling of what I'm bringing: packets of Carnation Instant Breakfast (to add to milk or coffee to amp up any breakfasts that might be lacking or have at night), instant oatmeal, squeeze packs of almond butter to keep in my purse (no utensils necessary!), protein bars, and a water bottle. I'm very familiar with all of these options, so if I get spooked by massive portions of schnitzel or I find myself in any other bizarre situation, I have something safe and standard to fall back on.
Part of me, of course, wouldn't mind bringing all of my food, but a) I know that's pretty disordered thinking and b) how would I pack my shoes if I had all that food. I am looking forward to being able to try new food and such--it's one of the things I like about traveling--but it the prospect does bring a little uptick in anxiety. Like so many things in life, it's a mixed bag. I can't recover if I'm always hesitating and hanging back and staying perfectly "safe." I need to push the envelope just a bit, so I can have the experience of succeeding at another eating situation.
What are some tips that you use to stay in recovery while traveling?
There are those "what ifs" that I'm guessing many travelers with anxiety can relate to. Of course, my history of anorexia means I'm also worried about the food. My knee-jerk concern is that I'm going to gain heaps of weight while away. Granted, most German cooking isn't exactly low-calorie, but I also know that I basically have no real tendencies to overeat. Then I worry that the ED might decide to stow away in my luggage and ruin the trip and make me scared of all the food. I'm not sure how I can simultaneously worry about both weight gain and relapse at the same time, but let me assure you that it is possible!
Part of what I've learned in recovery is to always make sure I have food with me in case of emergencies. These so-called emergencies can be anything as minor as I get hungry at a rather inopportune time (high on the Alps, say), to being in a town and not finding anything I like. Most people probably wouldn't fret all that much about these scenarios, but I know I have to anticipate such things to maintain my recovery.
So here's a sampling of what I'm bringing: packets of Carnation Instant Breakfast (to add to milk or coffee to amp up any breakfasts that might be lacking or have at night), instant oatmeal, squeeze packs of almond butter to keep in my purse (no utensils necessary!), protein bars, and a water bottle. I'm very familiar with all of these options, so if I get spooked by massive portions of schnitzel or I find myself in any other bizarre situation, I have something safe and standard to fall back on.
Part of me, of course, wouldn't mind bringing all of my food, but a) I know that's pretty disordered thinking and b) how would I pack my shoes if I had all that food. I am looking forward to being able to try new food and such--it's one of the things I like about traveling--but it the prospect does bring a little uptick in anxiety. Like so many things in life, it's a mixed bag. I can't recover if I'm always hesitating and hanging back and staying perfectly "safe." I need to push the envelope just a bit, so I can have the experience of succeeding at another eating situation.
What are some tips that you use to stay in recovery while traveling?