Recovering from an eating disorder is a journey- one that takes time, support, and often an eating disorder dietitian. Eating disorders are complex mental health conditions that go far beyond food or body image.

They often serve as coping mechanisms for emotional distress, anxiety, or a need for control. That’s why recovery isn’t just about what you eat- it’s about rebuilding trust with your body and finding peace with food.

It’s also important to understand that you don’t need to have a diagnosed eating disorder to deserve help.

• Disordered eating refers to a range of irregular eating behaviors- such as chronic dieting, guilt after eating, or rigid food rules- that may not meet full diagnostic criteria but still negatively impact health and quality of life.
• Eating disorders, on the other hand, are diagnosed mental health conditions (like anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, and ARFID) that fit certain criteria.

Whether you’re navigating disordered eating patterns or an eating disorder diagnosis, treatment is encouraged, and recovery is possible. Working with a team of professionals, including a dietitian specializing in eating disorders, can help you restore physical health, repair your relationship with food, and reconnect with your body’s natural cues.

If you’re already working on recovery but haven’t yet worked with a dietitian, this blog is for you. You deserve to feel comfortable around food again- and that’s something we can help you achieve.

In this blog, we’ll cover:

• What eating disorder recovery and a recovery team can look like
• The unique role of an eating disorder dietitian
• How a dietitian can support your healing process step by step

Interested in working with an eating disorder dietitian at Kristie Tovar Nutrition? Use this link to get your insurance benefits checked today. 

Understanding Eating Disorder Recovery

As mentioned above, eating disorder recovery is not just about food. Because eating disorders are medical, psychological, and behavioral in nature, recovery requires a comprehensive, team-based approach. 

A therapist plays a key role in addressing the emotional and psychological side of recovery. They help you explore the underlying thoughts, emotions, and behaviors that contribute to your eating disorder. Through therapy, you can build coping skills, learn to manage anxiety or perfectionism, and begin developing a more compassionate relationship with yourself.

A doctor or primary care provider helps monitor your physical health and ensures your body is healing as you restore nourishment. They may track lab work, vitals, bone health, or other medical concerns that can arise from disordered eating. In some cases, a psychiatrist may also be involved to help manage co-occurring conditions such as anxiety, depression, or OCD.

All members of your recovery team share a common goal- to support your physical restoration, emotional healing, and overall well-being. Recovery is not linear, and there is no set timeline.

The process can take months or years depending on factors such as how long the eating disorder has been present, the level of support available, and your individual circumstances. Progress often involves both challenges and breakthroughs, and that’s completely normal.

Family members and loved ones can also play an important part in the recovery process. With guidance from your team, they can learn how to provide emotional support, foster a healing environment at home, and encourage balanced eating behaviors without judgment.

At Kristie Tovar Nutrition, we prioritize this collaborative approach. We work closely with your treatment team- or help you build one if you don’t yet have a full support network. Our dietitians regularly consult with therapists, doctors, and other specialists to ensure your care addresses all aspects of your health. 

The Role of an Eating Disorder Dietitian 

You may be wondering, what does an eating disorder dietitian actually do? Dietitians’ roles are often misunderstood, but in eating disorder recovery, their work is more than just creating meal plans or telling clients what to eat.

An eating disorder dietitian provides nutrition therapy and counseling for eating disorders tailored to each individual. This includes exploring the beliefs, emotions, and behaviors that influence eating patterns, as well as helping clients rebuild trust with their bodies and food. They use practical tools and real-life applications to make recovery realistic and meaningful.

Can a dietitian help with binge eating disorder?

Yes. A binge eating disorder dietitian can help identify emotional and physical triggers, break the binge cycle, and work to establish consistent, satisfying meals that support both physical and emotional well-being.

Can dietitians diagnose eating disorders?

No. Diagnoses must come from professionals such as psychologists or psychiatrists. However, dietitians are often among the first to recognize disordered patterns and can refer clients for appropriate evaluation and support.

Does insurance cover a registered dietitian?

Often, yes- though it depends on your specific insurance plan and medical diagnosis. At Kristie Tovar Nutrition, we make the process easier by verifying your insurance benefits for you.

If you are interested in learning more about insurance coverage, check out our recent blog: Are Dietitians Covered By Insurance?

In the next sections, we’ll review some of the key areas an eating disorder dietitian focuses on during recovery.

Restoring Nourishment and Energy

The first step in recovery often involves restoring nourishment and stabilizing your body’s energy levels. Malnutrition or inconsistent eating can have serious physical and emotional effects, so the initial focus is on helping your body heal.

Your dietitian will guide you in rebuilding structure around eating, supporting weight restoration or maintenance as needed, and monitoring vitals and labs in collaboration with your care team. During this process, it’s normal for emotions to surface- your dietitian will help you navigate those feelings as your body and mind begin to recover.

The goal during this phase is medical stability and consistency, creating a foundation that allows you to move toward deeper emotional and psychological healing.

Healing Your Relationship with Food

Once your body is nourished and stable, recovery expands to focus on your relationship with food and eating behaviors. This may include challenging fear foods, eating in different settings, and practicing meal and snack habits.

Your dietitian may provide hands-on support, such as grocery shopping, cooking sessions, or meal and snack support to make real-world eating experiences less overwhelming. Family sessions may also be included to strengthen communication and support at home.

At Kristie Tovar Nutrition, we believe that full recovery includes learning to nourish yourself without guilt. Healing your relationship with food takes time, but you don’t have to do it alone. Our team of experienced eating disorder dietitians provides individualized nutrition therapy for eating disorders. If you are looking specifically for Los Angeles eating disorder treatment, we are available for in-person as well as virtual appointments. 

Summary: How an Eating Disorder Dietitian Fits Into Your Recovery Team

Recovering from an eating disorder is an ongoing process- one that requires compassion, patience, and a strong support system. Each member of your recovery team plays an essential role: your therapist, your doctor, and your dietitian. 

An eating disorder dietitian bridges the gap between nourishment and emotional healing. They help you restore physical stability, challenge food fears, and rebuild trust with your body- so that eating can once again feel natural and freeing.

At Kristie Tovar Nutrition, we believe recovery is possible for everyone. Whether you’re just starting your journey or looking to strengthen your support system, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.

Book a free call with us to get started!