I can totally see how that can be soooooo scary! I would say to take it slow. This may be costly, but I would try to buy and eat your own food while slowy integrating in the other meals to avoid relapse. Or see if you can somewhat modify these meals at all? I would have freaked out too and ate my own food before. But you can make it a goal to be able to eat these meals... think of it as an opportunity that has come to you!
And welcome to the group.

Thank you so much for the advice. I will definitely try to take it slow. There is just one thing that makes me uncomfortable. I have been doing ok and I saw this exchange program as a way for me to discover the new me and approach people that way. I am planning on meeting a lot of new people and I just know 'eating together' is going to be a part of that. I don't want to come across as the weird new girl who doesn't want to eat with the rest of the crowd.

Definitely, i'd try a meal plan if you can stick to it, it must be easy and suited for your time. I can't really stick to my meal plan but if you are able to then brilliant, another option is to speak with the chef, i know it may seem drastic but i would do that and say i have alergies so need to know what they use etc, but if it helps you eat then go for it you know, but try really getting in what you need to cos otherwise it may trigger skipping again. There are loads of brilliant ready meals as well these days without all the crap they used to put into it and of course if you can't manage just get a wee fridge and do it yourself. *hug* Don't let it get you down there are a zillion people on earth and every one of us is different and that is what makes us unique so don't think you can't do what you need to to be ok.

Well try not to worry too much what others think. I used to always make jokes or make fun of myself when I couldn't eat what everyone else was eating. Just bring it out into the open, say I was really trying to eat healthier or do a fast or allergies...there were a million excuses. Keep trying to make it a goal to eat a meal with everyone else though, but do take it slow to avoid a relapse. You are not alone!

I will definitely try. Talking to the chef might be a good idea! That's actually a great idea. From what I hear the people are really nice. Thanks for the advice.

hey there....

wow what a good question.. I know how hard it is to be stuck like this. but you have everyright to ask what you are being served and forced to eat. PPL without ED have the right to research and make healthy decisions, so try not to feel self conscious (its hard I know)

I also thin kyou know how to choose healthy foods, and avoid junk... I hope you do well, good luck !!!!!

Hey guys, I have been here (University of New Hampshire)for over two weeks now and it's going pretty well. All meals are accompanied by little cards stating all the info I need! calories, fat etc.

Even though I'm eating the meals, I really hate people watching me eat and I've gone back to b/p-ing a couple of times. But...I'm not going to lose hope and I'm just going to make the best of it =)

Good to hear! Stay positive and don't give up. xxJ

well sweetie heres what i think...i think that u can eye a meal and kind of tell if its healthy or not...i mean u can tell if a veggie is drenched in butter or not...and i think schools offer various choices for u..so u can pick fruit or a salad...