How a dietitian can support you in eating disorder recovery

Food can become a challenge in many people's lives - getting tangled with emotions, control, fear, shame, and identity. If you feel like you have a complicated relationship with food or have been diagnosed with an eating disorder you are not alone. It is estimated around 1 million Australians are living with an eating disorder.

If you feel nervous or scared about seeing a dietitian for support for eating disorder recovery you are also definitely not alone.

It's ok to feel hesitant about seeking dietetics support especially if food helps you feel safe and in control.

Many people I see describe feeling “stuck” between wanting to get better and feeling

terrified of what that might mean.

It takes tremendous courage to reach out for help.

But I want you to comfort you that working with an eating disorder trained dietitian who understands your experience can help you feel supported in your recovery. I'm not here to force you to change or take away your control, but to walk alongside you, at your pace.

You also don't have to feel "sick enough" or ready to seek support - but sharing the load with someone who can help, might just make the recovery journey a bit easier.

What it is like living with an eating disorder?

Eating disorders aren't just about food. They are rooted in complex feelings, control, self-

worth and often fear and distrust.

You might be experiencing:

• Constant thoughts about food - planning out your meals, including what you might have and when, or counting calories.

• Food rules - including a list of foods that you avoid or rules around when you eat, how much you eat, or the structure of your meals (e.g. no carbs at dinner).

• Anxiety in social situations - experiencing incredible stress and overwhelm at mealtimes or social events. Worrying if you will overeat or if there will be any foods you feel comfortable eating in social situations.

• Restriction or overeating - spending all day trying to "be good" only to eat all your "forbidden" foods later that day and then feeling guilty.

• Compensatory behaviours - making up or trying to "undo" the impact of food and calories through exercise or other methods.

• Body checking or weight monitoring - weighing yourself often, or keeping a record of your weight or BMI. Focusing on or pinching parts of your body. Or avoiding looking at your body altogether.

• Emotional exhaustion/ decision fatigue - feeling drained by food decisions, trying to choose the "right" meal or feeling tired by the fear, guilt or shame around eating.

You might experience these so often that they just become normal, or the hope of it

changing might seem impossible - but it can get better, especially with someone to help you

through it.

How can a dietitian help you find peace and freedom around food?

Dietitians are trained professionals who specialise in nutrition science and behaviour. In the

context of eating disorder recovery, our role isn’t just to tell you what to eat or write meal

plans (although this can be part of the support we provide). Dietitians work as educators,

advocates, and cheer leaders (I think this one can often be overlooked). We provide practical, compassionate and non-judgemental support to help you nourish and heal your body, take back control and rebuild a trusting and positive relationship with food and yourself.

Here's what that might look like in practice: 

1. Restoring nutrition and energy balance

• Many eating disorders lead to malnutrition/ nutrient deficiencies, which can affect all your body systems. A dietitian will help you safely re-nourish your body. We will:

  • assess your current nutrition status,

  • identify any deficiencies and

  • develop a plan with you to get the energy and nutrients you need.

2. Providing individualised care:

• No two people experience an eating disorder the same way. Dietitians tailor nutrition plans to meet your specific medical needs, cultural preferences, lifestyle requirements, and psychological readiness - always respecting your goals and pace.

3. Building a healthy relationship with food

• Food can become a source of fear, guilt, shame and confusion for many people and a dietitian can help by:

  • Providing accurate and evidence-based information about food and how it affects your body and mood

  • Support you to listen and respond to your hunger and fullness cues

  • Challenge any food fears and increase variety of foods you feel comfortable having

  • Find enjoyment eating all types of foods, especially those that you previously loved.

4. Providing support and encouragement

• Fighting against the thoughts, feelings and habits of an eating disorder can be really hard. A dietitian provides empathy, compassion and will act as a cheerleader to help you stay motivated and hopefully. A dietitian will support you by:

  • Helping provide clarity, truth and context to any negative and unhelpful thoughts about food and your body.

  • Highlight and celebrate every little win.

  • Help you learn from and understand set backs.

  • Build your confidence in yourself and your abilities to nourish your body and heal.

5. Collaborating with other healthcare providers supporting you.

• Recovery is most effective when dietitians work with other members of your healthcare team (e.g. counsellors, psychologists, GP and family). Together, we ensure you are supported psychologically, medically, and nutritionally needs and ensure our goals are aligned and complimentary.

Next Steps

Recovery from an eating disorder is possible. Research shows that dietitians can significantly improve the physical and mental health outcomes of people experiencing eating disorders. They also are able to help you find peace, freedom and joy with food again (something that might feel completely out of reach or a distant memory).

If food has become hard for you, or someone you know, I want to gently encourage you to reach out for help. We are here not to judge, but to offer motivation and hope with practical and compassionate support.

If you'd like to hear more about how I might be able to help please feel free to email me at SundayDietetics@gmail.com or book a free 15-20 minute discovery call.