Challenging Food Rules
A CBT-E informed worksheet listing food rules, feared consequences and costs, followed by small behavioural experiments to test and loosen rules.
1-page fillable PDF · US Letter (prints on A4) · CBT-E informed
- Approach / concern
- Body Image & Eating
- Technique
- CBT-E informed
- Format
- Fillable PDF, 1 page (US Letter / A4)
- Access
- Pro and Advanced plans (3-day free trial)
- For
- Licensed clinicians to use with clients
- Updated
- October 2026
Key facts
What is the Challenging Food Rules?
Rigid dietary rules are a core feature of eating disorders and disordered eating. In CBT-E, identifying and gradually breaking these rules, through planned behavioural experiments, reduces dietary restraint and preoccupation.
Why it works
Strict dietary rules maintain binge eating and over-evaluation of shape and weight in the CBT-E model (Fairburn, 2008). Addressing restraint is a key step in CBT for binge eating (Fairburn, 2013).
When to use it
- Eating disorders and disordered eating
- Chronic dieting
- Orthorexic tendencies
- Alongside regular eating
How to use it in session
- Identify rules and feared consequences.
- Explore the costs of each rule.
- Choose one rule to test with a small experiment.
- Record predictions and outcomes.
- Build on successes gradually.
Clinician tips
- Coordinate with a dietitian and medical team.
- Start with less frightening rules.
- Expect anxiety; it usually decreases with repetition.
Worked example
Sharing with clients
Members can download the PDF to print or email, or copy a private client link from the download box. Your client opens the link and downloads the worksheet on any device. No client account is needed, and nothing your client writes is stored on TherapyAid.
Frequently asked questions
Are all food rules harmful?
Flexible preferences are fine. The concern is rigid rules that cause anxiety, preoccupation or bingeing when broken.
Should I do this alone?
It’s best done with support from a therapist and dietitian, especially in active eating disorder treatment.
References
Fairburn, C. G. (2008). Cognitive behavior therapy and eating disorders. Guilford Press.
Fairburn, C. G. (2013). Overcoming binge eating (2nd ed.). Guilford Press.
This worksheet is an educational tool for use by, or under the guidance of, a licensed or registered mental-health professional. It is not a diagnostic instrument or a substitute for clinical judgement. If a client is in crisis in Canada, call or text 9-8-8 or call 9-1-1.
