How to eat on someone else's schedule

I admit that I have a very hard time eating on someone else's schedule. Once you've been anorexic, too, it can be hard to start eating regularly and healthy again without feeling guilty or stressed.

This weekend, my friends and I went to Las Vegas, which was an amazing amount of fun. It was also frustrating and stressful, however, trying to coordinate eating amongst a group of 12 people. I'm usually okay with smaller groups, but it was difficult not just because we often couldn't decide to go, but because everyone was on such different schedules. For instance, I'm an early riser, waking up at 8 in the morning at the latest, no matter when I go to bed. On the other hand, many of my friends would be happy to sleep in until noon or even 1 or 2 in the afternoon! They're okay with going to a buffet at 3 p.m., but what am I supposed to do after I exercise at 8:30 a.m.?

This might not seem like that big a deal to many people, but it can be tricky because you don't want to be the person not eating at the table because you've already eaten, but you don't want to starve yourself to the point where the only thing you can think about is food. That's not healthy on a number of levels.

Here are a few things you can consider when your eating schedule could potentially go out of whack:

1. Prioritize: Would you rather eat with old friends or do something else together? Is the food really that good, so much that it's worth waiting for? How much will it cost? How often are you with that group of people? If eating together will cause problems, maybe you should find something else to do together.
2. Compromise: Don't be afraid to suggest an alternate plan. If you're a late sleeper while your friend is an early bird, go out to brunch. Wake up a little early if possible while your friend waits a couple hours or so (see next step).

3. Snack: You can have something little to tide you over until you are supposed to go out to eat. Make sure it's something healthy so you won't spoil your appetite for later!

4. Pack: Maybe you're on a trip or you are somewhere unfamiliar and you don't have control over when you eat. Carry along some granola bars or a banana to eat just in case, if you can. This might also help save money in the long run, too, so you won't be forced to buy expensive food because it's the only stuff around.
5. Create alliances: In a big group of people, there has got to be other who eat on the same or a similar schedule as you. Seek them out and agree to go out to eat in groups rather than everyone go out at once. This can save a lot of grief.

6. Be considerate: Don't forget that there are a number of different people with various preferences and routines. Don't set a plan until you've taken into consideration the different types of people involved and what their needs and wants are. There may be medical issues involved, even.

Just remember to do what makes you comfortable. Don't force yourself to eat or to wait if you feel like you're going to be sick. Eating is a part of living, so don't forget that you need to eat for fuel, ultimately.