Hey there! If you’re reading this, chances are you’re considering working with an eating disorder dietitian to get treatment for an eating disorder or even just feel like your relationship with food is just hard. OR maybe you’re just curious about what these magical unicorns of the nutrition world actually do. Either way, grab a comfy seat and let’s chat about why partnering with an ED dietitian could be the best decision you make for your recovery journey (besides finally unfollowing that Instagram “fitness guru” who makes you feel like garbage).
As someone who’s been through the wringer with an eating disorder, I get it. The thought of talking to yet another person about food and body image might make you want to crawl under a rock. But hear me out – working with an eating disorder dietitian is a whole different ball game, and here’s why:
Unlike your well-meaning, but clueless, Aunt who keeps suggesting you “just eat a salad,” ED dietitians understand the complexities that come with an eating disorder. We won’t bat an eye when you talk about the hard things out loud-Trust me, we’ve heard it all.
If you’re worried about being handed a low-cal meal plan and a sad-looking food pyramid, fear not! A good ED dietitian, especially one who’s all about that Health at Every Size (HAES) life, is more interested in supporting what you want your version of recovery to look like rather than making you count almonds (ew). Enjoying a meal with friends? Body respect? Nervous system attunement? Yes, please!
Picture this: You’ve got someone in your corner who can not only debunk diet culture bullshit but also speak fluent “I’m afraid of pasta,” “I can’t stand that texture,” and/or “Why do I feel guilty about eating cake?” It’s like having a translator for all your food feels. These dietitians are part nutritionist, part emotional support human, and part mind-reader (okay, not really, but sometimes it feels that way).
We’ll help you navigate the murky waters of diet culture while also being a sounding board for those moments when you’re convinced a slice of pizza will somehow morph you into a different person overnight. (Spoiler alert: It won’t.) We’re equipped to handle your practical questions and your existential food crises (“What if I never enjoy eating again?”) with equal parts compassion and empathy.
Gone are the days of one-size-fits-all nutritional advice. Your ED dietitian has extensive training and will work with you to create a plan that honors your unique needs, preferences, and cultural background. Not to mention just having a dedicated 50 minutes to have the space to be so for real about your relationship with food. Texture limitations? No worries. Not a fan of veggies? Non-issue. Celebrate Taco Tuesday like it’s a religious holiday? Can we join?
Prepare to have your mind blown as your dietitian can help you unpack years of internalized diet culture nonsense and misconceptions. We’re like your personal BS detector for all things food and body-related. Warning: Side effects may include suddenly finding diet ads hilarious and rolling your eyes at “detox” teas.
Recovery isn’t a sprint; it’s more like a marathon where someone occasionally throws obstacles in your path (thanks, society). Your ED dietitian is there to help you navigate those tricky spots, celebrate your wins (no matter how small), and remind you why you started this journey in the first place.
Whether you’re grappling with gender identity, navigating life as a person of color, or just feeling like you don’t fit the typical ED mold (hint: there isn’t one), eating disorder dietitians work to meet you where you’re at. We understand that your relationship with food doesn’t exist in a vacuum and will help you explore how all parts of your identity intersect with your recovery. Your lived experience is more important than any “evidence based practice.”
Your ED dietitian is there to celebrate every victory, no matter how small. Tried a fear food? We’re more excited than a kid on Christmas morning. Tough day? We’re here with compassion, no judgment attached. Continuing to show up to sessions? We’ve hit the lottery!
Perhaps the coolest part of working with an eating disorder dietitian is rediscovering trust in yourself and your body and gaining a better relationship with food. It’s like finding a long-lost superpower you forgot you had. All of that to say, there may be some grief that pops up. That’s normal AND we’re here for all of it.
So, if you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, it’s super important to reach out for help. Our team of registered dietitians and nutritionists specialize in eating disorder treatment. We’re here to assess your unique situation and help create a personalized treatment plan that fits your needs. We’re specialized professionals who understand the mental health aspects tied to food and eating, and they can help you develop healthier eating habits through nutrition counseling and nutrition education.
Our dietitians often collaborate with a whole treatment team, including therapists and psychiatrists, to give you the best support possible. We know that eating disorder recovery isn’t just about food—it’s about coping with behaviors, feelings, and thoughts, too. Dietitians help patients develop a relationship with food that makes sense for you, dispelling the myths around disordered eating behaviors and guiding you through the recovery process.
Working with an eating disorder dietitian might just be the secret ingredient to kickstarting your recovery and finally making peace with food.
It won’t always be easy, but I promise it’ll be worth it. And hey, at the very least, you’ll have someone to share your terrible food puns with. (Did you hear about the cheese factory that exploded? There was nothing left but de-brie.)
Remember, recovery is possible, and you don’t have to do it alone. So why not give it a shot? Your future self (and your poor, diet-culture-weary brain) will thank you.
Megan is a weight inclusive registered dietitian and Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor. She is the founder and director of A Soft Place to Land, a multidisciplinary group practice based in Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania that specializes in eating disorders, chronic dieting, and body image care. She is fiercely on a mission to be a loud advocate for ethical care of every BODY. Megan’s goal is to provide a weight inclusive and trauma informed safe space with an emphasis on social justice, fat liberation, self-exploration, and compassion. When she’s not taking down the patriarchy, you can find her spending time with her dogs outside, gardening, and painting plant pots!
Hi, I'm Megan and I'm the owner and founder of A Soft Place to Land.
We provide a weight-inclusive and trauma-informed safe space with an emphasis on social justice, non-diet nutrition, fat liberation, intuitive eating, self-exploration, and a Health at Every Size® philosophy.
Through nutrition therapy and mental health therapy, we work with you as a whole person to provide highly individualized care, as you are the expert of your own body.
Copyright © 2024. A Soft Place to Land. All rights reserved.