This may be horrid advice, but usually when my church had potlucks I'd either not eat anything, or I'd go down the whole line and pick bits of stuff here and there. Might be easier if was self-serve or something like that. My mom still brings her own food and just says she's on a special food plan--which she is. She has to stay away from too many carbs or else the extra carbs turn into an almost suicidal depression, which is not fun for anyone in the family. Hope this doesn't trigger, but that's how it is for us.

I remember how frustrating and nerve-wracking this was. This too shall pass, Ann. I'll be thinking of you. Maybe just small portions? Not sure how much you restrict.

it is self serve, you go to one of the many food trucks and get what you want. I have had many a meal out with friends where I had nothing. it is all food that I am not familiar with or to afraid to eat. I am hoping there is a salad vendor. picking up small things is a good idea, doesn't mean I have to eat them all. I restrict in the sence that I only eat certain foods, the same things day in andc day out which I guess is a way to keep my weight where it is, fear is strong. everyday is a new day and I continue to fight, I have had some breakfast every morning this week. thanks and hugss

Its a little difficult to imagine the set-up with food trucks and self service. Sometimes at social situations its fine to have a glass in your hand and do a bit of small talk - the eating is secondary. Even if youre seated I hope youll be able to put the socialising first. It shouldt matter if you just nibble on something small.

And theres no harm in having a glass of wine or whatever if that helps you relax and chat. At the breakfast, enjoy the coffee or tea and concentrate again more on the social aspect if you can. I hope you can find some foods that suit you and dont let anyone bully you into eating anything that makes you feel bad.

Well done on eating breakfast this week:)

In these situations, when I feel myself getting terribly anxious for weeks before such an event, I take a step back and remind myself to take it one day and one meal at a time. The goal of course being that I will be able to eat anything in a carefree manner one day, but realizing I am not there, and I have to take things step by step.

Do you feel pressure to eat "normally" because you are surrounded by family? I would try not to worry about what they think and just eat what feels safe to you. I like Kathy's suggestion to focus on socializing, though that causes me more anxiety than the food. Grab a coffee, a drink, and food that you can tolerate. There should be something healthy if its self serve? If not, eat whatever feels safest and know that it is your ED telling you its not ok. My doctor always tells me to remember that I don't have a problem losing weight, so what am I worried about. I know you're also leaning towards unhealthy low weight. Try to think of food second, family first. I know its hard. I'll be sending you strength and love. Let us know how it goes.

the wedding went very good, I did actually try something new, orzo salad. it was the tiny pasta with sauted vegetables and balsamic vinaigrette. It was goo, I didn't eat it all and no one cared. I did have some wine and tried socializing but unfortunately played it safe with people I know. I did get out there and DANCED for over 2 hours, I let it all go and that felt so good, haven't done it in decades. my kids were so happy to see me let go and have fun. they had a greek yogurt at the breakfast so that was good. I know I didn't eat nearly enough this weekend and had a few comments on that I looked thinner then a month ago. have to weigh myself when my sister gets home and check. all in all it was a fun time and the wedding was beautiful, so happy for them!

Glad you enjoyed the wedding and had fun dancing:)