Eating disorder nutrition therapy is a unique niche of dietetics requiring specialized training. Here at Compleo, our experienced clinicians and pediatric nutritionists are ready to partner with you.
At Compleo, our nutrition philosophy for eating disorder treatment follows the framework of adequacy, balance, and choice, while winding in the principles of Intuitive Eating and Health At Every Size.
Adequacy– this is the foundation of wellness. When our bodies are simply given enough energy, it opens the door to endless possibilities- medications work better, therapy interventions are more effective, and the body can start healing physically.
Balance– After adequacy is achieved, balance can be considered. This is where a lot of nutrition education occurs and the patient learns how to incorporate an appropriate ratio of carbs, fats, and proteins according to the needs of their body.
Choice– People diagnosed with eating disorders by a pediatric nutritionist often operate within a very rigid list of limiting rules dictated by the disorder. When working on choice, the patient gets the opportunity to challenge these food rules, increase variety, and return choice to the individual.
The principles of Intuitive Eating are an important skill set to practice while working through the progression of goals in the framework of adequacy, balance, and choice. Intuitive Eating emphasizes the fact that the body can be trusted to do its job in using food for our benefit, that all foods can have their place in a healthy diet, and that people can learn to listen and respond to the needs of their bodies again.
While Intuitive Eating offers skills to practice, the ideas of Health At Every Size offers a helpful shift in beliefs about body size. Health At Every Size and the research that supports it, recommends that one’s health status should not be determined or assumed by the size of someone’s body. Rather, the inclusion of health-promoting behaviors should be the information used in making inferences about one’s health, regardless of body size/shape.
Written by: Courtney Anderson, MS, RD, LD, CLC
