How are therapy and dietitian care related?
One of our biggest referrals are from therapists
Why is that? Because mental health plays a big part in your relationship with food and body image. It’s not a matter of will power that makes someone neglect their body and their food relationship. It’s often emotional and practical barriers that hold people back. Everyone struggles with their eating habits and body image at one point or another. Everyone is different, and every life stage has an impact on what/when we eat. Again, It isn’t just about will-power and organization (No matter what that judgy friend or relative might imply)! You need a routine that works for you, and when that routine doesn’t work anymore, you need another one.
You can’t separate your heart from your body
In order for those habits to stick, you need to do some heart work too. Even if you aren’t struggling with an eating disorder and never have, you may have some subtle ideas, intrusive thoughts, insecurities, and coping mechanisms that get in the way of a healthy lifestyle. That’s why it’s important that when you seek nutrition therapy you look for someone that asks the personal questions, not just the accountability ones. You don’t need another person in your life who is going to judge or shame you for your lifestyle! You need someone who will listen more than they talk and can help you make lasting change from the inside-out.
We offer therapy-informed Registered Dietitian Care
Mental health and nutrition are related more than you might realize!
A well balanced diet and healthy thoughts about your body and food can help you thrive and feel energized. Poor nutrition, on the other hand, can contribute to more than just physical health issues, but can also play a part in mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. Eating well can boost your confidence, make you more focussed and just all-around improve your quality of life. For real. It’s that important and wonderful, and deserves a little special attention sometimes.
While we aren’t the same thing as a licensed therapist, our Registered Dietitians offer therapy informed care which means that we will help you with the emotional component too, and can collaborate with your therapist when needed. We operate in three buckets, the emotional part, practical (like how to actually make habits and goals that are realistic) and lastly the science-backed nutrition part.
What to do if you have an eating disorder or disordered eating?
If you believe you might have an eating disorder, please take it seriously. You are worth it, and you owe it to yourself to seek help. Schedule an appointment with your doctor, and schedule a dietitian appointment. Believe it or not, insurance usually covers nutrition care!
Let us know in the comments how dietitian counseling or eating disorder counseling has improved your quality of life. We’d love to hear your experiences!
This is not medical advice, if you are concerned that you have an eating disorder or a serious health problem related to your diet, please schedule an appointment with your primary care provider or another qualified medical professional.
Book your therapy-informed dietitian appointment
To learn more about eating disorders check out this blog post, or book a nutrition therapy appointment or eating disorder counseling session at Vita Nutrition Services in Collingswood, NJ. We also offer dietitian care in many states, check this list to see if we can work with you.