Eating Rituals

The following list was complied from the observations of a health care professional working with individuals in treatment for eating disorders. This is not generated from formal research but rather is a collection of commonalities found over time in numerous individuals with an eating disorder. This list is not a criteria for diagnosis.

1. cutting crusts off of breads
2. pulling sandwiches apart for consumption
3. eating sandwiches with silverware
4. eating inappropriately with fingers
5. cutting fruit such as apples or pears into small pieces
6. slicing bananas (except for cereal)
7. peeling grapes
8. putting sugar on fruit except for strawberries or grapefruit
9. cutting food into very small pieces
10. mixing foods together inappropriately
11. excessive use of condiments
12. excessive intake of fluids during a meal
13. organizing food on the plate before beginning to eat
14. taking food apart from the way it was served
15. not allowing foods on the plate to touch each other
16. eating one item at a time
17. eating one food group at a time
18. always eating the same food groups in the same order
19. spreading out fats, sauces, cheeses, to appear as if they have been eaten
20. putting ice in milk
21. eating very slowly or procrastinating and then bingeing the meal in the last few minutes
22. comparing plate with the plate of others at the table
23. excessive talking or not talking/eye contact at meals
24. making noises, grunts, or groans while eating
25. not letting lips touch the food or silverware
26. letting food "slip" onto the floor
27. excessive gum chewing (chewing a piece for a short amount of time then getting a fresh piece until the entire pack is gone)
28. eating hard candies