But the good news is, it's a condition that we can help treat, and dietitians are at the forefront of this battle. They are the ones who help individuals understand the true power of food and how to use it to promote recovery.
Think about it, the relationship between food and our body is powerful, and dietitians help individuals harness that power to achieve their desired outcome - recovery. They teach individuals how to recognize hunger and fullness cues, how to listen to their body's needs, and how to make conscious, healthy choices when it comes to food. This is especially important for those who have distorted perceptions of hunger and fullness.
But it's not just about understanding the power of food, it's also about taking action. Dietitians help individuals create meal plans that are tailored to their specific needs, provide education on how to cook and prepare foods in a healthy way, and even teach individuals how to navigate social situations where food is present.
All these actions will empower individuals to make conscious, healthy choices even when they're not in control of the food being served.
In addition to the the physical aspect of eating disorder, it's also about the emotional and psychological factors. Dietitians work with individuals to identify and address the underlying emotional issues that may be driving their disordered eating patterns. They provide support and coping mechanisms to help them manage stress and negative emotions in a healthy way. Dietitians also collaborate with therapist or counselor to support the individual in this way.