The beginning steps of understanding and identifying eating disorder patterns is oftentimes a heavy and overwhelming experience. With the health risks at stake, it is always important to seek treatment and support in order to live in a state of balance, wellness, and food freedom. The Mindful Eating Dietitian is dedicated to helping individuals through the means of practicing mindfulness and equipping individuals with the knowledge and skills to recover and feel free of their eating disorder.
Frequently asked questions
There is commonly guilt, embarrassment, and/or pride associated with having an an eating disorder.
It can be difficult for us to admit that our patterns of eating and exercising are problematic because we want to believe that our behavior is helping us. For many of us, we know that our behavior is considered disordered eating but it is hard to make changes or even to admit that we need help! We didn’t get to this point of our eating disorder overnight, therefore we cannot fix it overnight.
Eating disorder behavior can oftentimes be accompanied by other conditions such as low self esteem, depression, anxiety, or OCD. In addition to this, eating disorder behaviors can arise in environmental situations such as sport and performance settings, toxic social settings, or unsupportive family or friends relationships. If one or more of these are true in addition to debate to whether there are signs of an eating disorder, it is always beneficial to seek support.
People such as family or friends may notice odd behaviors in you that could suggest disordered eating habits and may reach out with concern. However, ED patterns are not always obvious to the people around you. It is important to understand that the nature of ED is sometimes sneaky, so identifying the patterns within yourself first is often the first step to seeking help.
Anorexia Nervosa: food restriction and/or dissatisfaction around food. Can sometimes occur with purging. Learn more
Bulimia Nervosa: pattern of eating any quantity of food followed by purging, misusing laxatives, diuretics, or over exercising. Learn more
Binge Eating Disorder: cycle of frequently consuming a large quantity of food while feeling out of control and is no associated with restricting or purging. Learn more
Orthorexia: an obsessive focus of eating “healthy” to a point that disrupts daily life. Learn more
Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder: category of ED that does not fully meet the criteria of a specific ED but still shows signs of harmful eating patterns. Learn more
Avoidant Restricted Food Intake Disorder (ARFID): has similar qualities of anorexic behavior, however it is not ignited by the fear of fatness or appearance but rather extremely picky eating. Learn more
Dietitian
Having the help of a registered dietitian can be one of the most beneficial sources of support for someone with disordered eating patterns. While there are many different types of RDs, the most beneficial would be one who specializes in the treatment of eating disorders and works through the means of a private practice. Unlike therapy, a RD has the knowledge to be able to both discuss mindful eating, restore ease with eating as well as provide questions to specific nutrition advice.
Therapy
Paired with a dietitian, counseling can be an incredibly beneficial resource to use when seeking recovery from an eating disorder. Being that an eating disorder is a psychological phenomena, therapists can help provide insight to understand why disordered eating may be occurring. It is also common for disordered eating patterns to be seen in those who may also experience conditions such as depression or anxiety, which could further affect the status of someone’s recovery from disordered eating.
Outpatient ED center
With outpatient care, an individual can get a better understanding of how severe their condition is and whether they should seek further treatment. Outpatient care could include scheduling with a physician, psychologist, dietitian, or a combination of several types of treatment. This is beneficial for someone who has flexibility with scheduling appointments in order to fit treatment into their lives. Outpatient care for eating disorders typically entails meeting on a consistent basis.
Inpatient ED center
Inpatient care is much more regimented in order to help the individual instill a regulated and healthy routine. Depending on the circumstance, inpatient treatment options can include residential treatment which includes checking into a 24 hour facility that provides increased monitoring and support or hospitalization which requires admission to restore health. Inpatient treatment is the most intensive form of treatment.
How can The Mindful Eating Dietitian help me?
One of the most valued practices at here The Mindful Eating Dietitian is the practice of mindfulness and mindful eating. We believe one of the key components to recovering from disordered eating and achieving a healthier relationship with food is to honor your body and health through mindful eating.
Our dietitians have the training and knowledge to better understand the psychology and intricacies of disordered eating behaviors. We work with our clients to build a relationship and environment where they can facilitate meaningful, honest, and constructive conversations. With regular meetings, practical goal setting, thought pattern reframing, and continuous support, recovery can be achieved by anyone seeking treatment.
From this, we can ultimately help improve the mental and physical wellbeing of our clients. With a strong support system, we guide our clients through their journey towards recovery.
