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Disordered Eating

What is Disordered Eating?

Disordered eating refers to a range of irregular and unhealthy eating behaviors that may not meet the clinical criteria for a specific eating disorder like anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, or binge eating disorder, but still negatively impact an individual’s physical, emotional, and mental health. These behaviors often involve a preoccupation with:

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  • Food

  • Weight

  • Body shape

  • Frequent dieting

  • Skipping meals

  • Rigid food rituals

  • Excessive focus on "healthy" eating

 

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Unlike diagnosed eating disorders, disordered eating is not defined by specific diagnostic criteria in the DSM-5. Despite that, it is a critical concern as it can lead to serious health consequences and often progresses into a full-blown eating disorder if left untreated (National Alliance for Disordered Eating).

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Individuals engaging in disordered eating may experience chronic weight fluctuations, guilt, or shame around food choices. They also may struggle with the compulsion to compensate for eating through behaviors such as over-exercising or restricting food intake. These behaviors are typically driven by a complex interaction of genetic, psychological, and societal factors, including cultural pressures around body image, past trauma, or a desire for control. Recognizing the signs early and seeking help from a registered dietitian or therapist is crucial to preventing the progression of an eating disorder. With the right support, individuals can restore a healthier relationship with food and their body.

* Disclosure - this video is not intended to diagnose or treat any illness nor is this a substitute for therapy.

Common Symptoms of Disordered Eating

Disordered eating symptoms vary from person to person, and it’s essential to understand that everyone’s experience is unique. It’s important to listen to your body and pay attention to any discomfort or distress related to eating food or body image.

 If you recognize any of the following symptoms in yourself or someone you know, it may be time to seek support. 

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  • Frequent dieting or constantly trying new diets, even when not medically necessary.

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  • Obsessing over food, calories, and weight, which impacts quality of life and daily activities.

 

  • Rigid rituals around food and exercise, such as always eating at specific times or avoiding certain food groups.​

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  • Compulsive behaviors like binge eating, purging, or exercising excessively to "make up" for eating.

 

  • Feelings of guilt, shame, or anxiety after eating certain foods.

 

  • Preoccupation with body image, including checking the mirror often or comparing oneself to others.

 

  • Avoiding social situations where food is present, such as family meals or outings with friends.

If these symptoms resonate with you or your child, please reach out for support. At Recovered and Restored Eating Disorder Therapy Center, we offer comprehensive treatment for disordered eating and eating disorders through our team of compassionate professionals. You are not alone, and recovery is possible.

Treatment Options for Disordered Eating

If you're struggling with disordered eating, we have several treatment options available, all tailored to meet your specific needs. Our team, including our dedicated nutritionist Rachel Dodson, is here to support you throughout your recovery journey. Below are some of the most common approaches we use:

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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Focuses on identifying and challenging distorted thoughts and behaviors related to food and body image, helping you develop healthier habits.

 

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Teaches coping skills to manage emotions and stress, especially when food or body image becomes overwhelming.

 

Nutritional Counseling: Our nutritionist, Rachel Dodson, works closely with clients to develop individualized meal plans, educate them on balanced nutrition, and help rebuild a healthy relationship with food.

 

Family Therapy: Involves family members in the recovery process, ensuring they provide support and understand their role in the healing journey.

 

Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP): This approach is used to gradually expose clients to feared foods or situations while providing tools to manage anxiety and prevent disordered eating behaviors.

 

Health at Every Size (HAES): Focuses on promoting body acceptance, self-care, and compassionate nutrition, without emphasis on weight as a determinant of health.

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Finding Support Beyond Traditional Diagnoses

Remember that even if you don't fit neatly into the most well-known eating disorder categories like anorexia, bulimia, or orthorexia, your struggles are valid and deserve attention.

 

Disordered eating encompasses a wide range of behaviors and thoughts around food that may not align with these specific diagnoses but still cause distress and impact your life. Feeling overwhelmed by food choices, experiencing anxiety around meals, or constantly worrying about body image are all signs that support may be needed.

 

You are not alone, and seeking help is a brave and necessary step.

Embrace Recovery: Overcome Food Fears and Find Peace with Your Body

Imagine a life where food no longer feels like a battle, but rather a source of nourishment and enjoyment. A life where you can eat freely, without fear, and engage in social events or meals with loved ones without anxiety or guilt. It's possible to rebuild your relationship with food and find peace in your body - no matter your size or shape. At Recovered and Restored, we believe in helping you rediscover a life that is free from food rules and full of joy. You deserve the freedom to engage in experiences that matter to you.

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Taking the first step towards recovery means allowing yourself the opportunity to live a fuller, more peaceful life. Achieving balance in your nutrition and reconnecting with your body's natural signals is a transformative process that opens doors to new possibilities. Our team of experts is here to guide you in finding your own path to recovery. Reach out today to begin this transformative journey.

Comprehensive Disordered Eating Therapy Across Multiple States

At Recovered and Restored, we provide tailored support for disordered eating therapy across Delaware, New Jersey, Florida, Maryland, South Carolina, Connecticut, Vermont, and Pennsylvania. Our services include weekly support groups, specialized nutrition services led by our expert nutritionist Rachel Dodson, and family and parent coaching sessions. All our services are designed to meet the individual needs of each client. We offer therapy for a range of eating disorders, including anorexia, bulimia, orthorexia, and binge eating disorder, as well as maternal mental health support and athlete-focused therapy.

Immediate Openings and Virtual Therapy Options

We currently have immediate openings for virtual eating disorder therapy in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Newark, Jersey City, Wilmington, Dover, Charleston, Columbia, Baltimore, Frederick, Bridgeport, Hartford, Miami, and Orlando. In addition, we offer recovery coaching services worldwide, ensuring that no matter where you are, you have access to compassionate and expert care in a non-judgmental, safe environment.

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Ready to take the first step toward recovery?

 

Start therapy today and begin your journey toward healing and food freedom with us!

  • 1. Can you have anorexia at any body size?
    Yes! Anorexia can affect individuals of all body sizes. The term “atypical anorexia” is sometimes used for individuals who meet all the criteria for anorexia but are in a larger body. However, this term is stigmatizing and unnecessary—all individuals with anorexia, regardless of size, deserve treatment and support.
  • How can I support someone struggling with anorexia?
    If you know someone struggling with anorexia: Listen without judgment Avoid making comments about weight, food, or appearance Encourage them to seek professional help Educate yourself about eating disorders Remind them they are worthy of help and healing At Recovered & Restored Eating Disorder Therapy Center, we believe everyone deserves compassionate care. If you or a loved one is struggling with anorexia, reach out to us today to learn more about our online eating disorder therapy services.
  • 2. What are the warning signs of anorexia?
    Some common warning signs include: Drastic weight loss or refusal to maintain a healthy weight Avoiding meals or making excuses not to eat Extreme fear of gaining weight Obsession with calorie counting, dieting, or exercise Distorted body image and seeing themselves as “too big” despite being underweight Fainting, fatigue, dizziness, or irregular menstrual cycles
  • 3. How is anorexia treated?
    Anorexia treatment involves a multidisciplinary approach, including: - Therapy (CBT, DBT, ACT, EMDR, exposure therapy, trauma-informed care, etc.) - Nutritional counseling to restore a balanced relationship with food - Medical monitoring to ensure physical health stability - Support groups and family involvement
  • 4. Does online therapy work for anorexia?
    Yes! Online therapy for anorexia can be highly effective, especially for individuals who prefer the comfort and privacy of their home. At Recovered & Restored Eating Disorder Therapy Center, we offer evidence-based, trauma-informed care through virtual sessions in multiple states, allowing more accessibility for treatment.
  • 5. Can anorexia be fully cured?
    There is no “quick fix” for anorexia, but full recovery is possible with the right treatment, support, and time. Many individuals go on to live full, healthy lives once they receive proper care and develop a better relationship with food and their bodies.
  • 6. Do you take insurance for anorexia treatment?
    At Recovered & Restored, we prioritize providing comprehensive, compassionate care without restrictions from insurance companies. Because of this, we do not accept insurance directly. However, if you have out-of-network benefits, we can provide documentation for potential reimbursement. We encourage you to check with your insurance provider about your out-of-network coverage. While we are not responsible for verifying benefits, we are happy to help guide you through the process if needed. All payments are due at the time of service.
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