If you’ve been struggling with food and your relationship with eating, you might have been told to see a dietitian. But what exactly does an eating disorder dietitian do? And how are they different from a general dietitian?
What Makes an Eating Disorder Dietitian Different?
A dietitian trained in eating disorders doesn’t just tell you what to eat. They help you navigate the emotional, physical, and psychological aspects of eating. This includes:
Supporting you in restoring regular, adequate eating
Helping you work through food fears and anxiety
Addressing rigid food rules that might be keeping you stuck
Challenging diet culture and weight stigma
Working with your thoughts and feelings around food
Helping you tune back into your hunger and fullness cues
What an Eating Disorder Dietitian Doesn’t Do
Prescribe restrictive meal plans
Focus on weight loss
Shame you for your eating patterns
Expect you to “just eat” or “just stop” a behaviour
If you're unsure whether a dietitian could help you, know that you don’t need to have a formal diagnosis to reach out. Anyone struggling with food deserves support.
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