Are you struggling with your relationship with food? Do you find yourself constantly preoccupied with what you eat, how much you eat, or how you look? If these thoughts and behaviors are interfering with your daily life and well-being, it may be time to consider nutrition therapy from a registered dietitian. Nutrition therapists can be instrumental in changing how you see food and its role in your life. We’ll walk through eight indicators that it may be time to seek the individualized support of a nutrition therapist who you trust.
Obsessive Food Thoughts and Preoccupation
If your thoughts about food take up a significant part of your day, this is a sign that it may be a good idea to seek help. A registered dietitian can guide you towards a healthier perspective around food and help you move away from obsessive food thoughts.
Emotional Eating and Binge Eating
Turning to food to cope with emotions is another sign that you may want to pursue nutrition therapy. Frequent emotional eating or binge eating may be signs that your relationship with food is in distress – not because it’s ‘bad’ to eat for emotional reasons (we all do this at times!) but because like any coping mechanism, we want more than one option. Understanding the emotional triggers behind your eating habits can be a way to better understand yourself, your needs and how to take care of yourself without shame. A registered dietitian like myself can offer strategies for exploring your relationship with food and binge or emotional eating.
Restrictive Dieting
Hopping around from one fad diet to another or restricting your food intake can be harmful for both your physical and emotional well-being. A non-diet registered dietitian can help you adopt a different approach to nutrition, specifically one that moves away from restrictive habits, food rules or the binge-restrict cycle.
Guilt and Shame Around Food Choices
Experiencing guilt or shame after eating may be a sign that your relationship with food could use a little help. Dietitian nutritionists understand the nuances of food shame and guilt. We’ll work with you to establish an attitude of compassion and acceptance around your food choices.
Social Isolation Due to Food Concerns
If you find yourself avoiding social events or saying “no” to plans because of food-related anxiety, this is a real indicator that you could benefit from working with a registered dietitian. As a professional in the nutrition space, my goal is to help you build a life that’s full and fulfilling. I want you to say “yes” or “no” because you want to, not because you feel limited by food rules, food guilt or strict eating patterns.
Body Image Dissatisfaction
Constant dissatisfaction with your body and attempts to change your appearance through extreme measures can be addressed with the help of a nutrition therapist. My role is to use nutrition science and a compassionate, therapeutic approach and guide you towards a more neutral outlook as it relates to your body image and how your relationship with food can support you living aligned with your values and spending time doing the things that are important to you.
Chronic Digestive Issues
Chronic digestive problems may be linked to your relationship with food. Have you ever wondered which came first: the digestive issues or your food restriction – a registered dietitian can help you identify underlying issues and create a personalized nutrition plan for better digestive health, and prioritizes your relationship with food and your body.
You’re Not Yet Where You Want To Be
Whether you’ve worked with a therapist before, have never worked with someone one-on-one, or have done a lot of work on your own, a registered dietitian like myself can offer the customized approach you need to address your relationship with food and put you on a path to feeling better.
Connect with The Wellful: Your Path to Healing
If these signs resonate with you, it could be time to reach out for help. The Wellful offers a welcoming, non-diet approach to living life without restriction or food obsession. We work with people from all walks of life to help them reevaluate their relationship with food. Contact us at (925) 725-2761 or email brenna@thewellful.com to start your journey toward healing. Remember, you’re not alone; support and help are available.
