Do YOU focus too much on food, calories and weight?

There are millions of people in the United States who struggle with disordered eating. Disordered eating is an irregular set of eating behaviors seen in people of any gender, race or age. Although some people might not have a formal eating disorder diagnosis, some disordered eating behaviors they exhibit can be problematic and detrimental to their health and quality of life. Signs of disordered eating (which can also be signs of a diagnosable eating disorder) can include:

  • Using food as a coping mechanism (for instance, to manage stress)

  • Avoidance of social situations because of food related concerns

  • Frequent dieting

  • An unhealthy obsession with healthy eating (orthorexia)

  • Anxiety / fear associated with specific foods or food groups

  • Avoidance of many foods that drastically limit food options

  • Chronic weight fluctuations

  • Chronic digestive issues

  • Abnormal nutrition related labs ( such as low potassium or iron)

  • Rigid rituals and routines surrounding food

  • Feelings of guilt and shame associated with eating

  • Preoccupation with food, weight and body image

  • A feeling of loss of control around food

  • Using exercise, food restriction, fasting or purging to compensate for consumed

DO YOU HAVE CONCERNS REGARDING DISORDERED EATING?

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DO YOU HAVE AN EATING DISORDER?

 

The main difference between disordered eating and an eating disorder is that eating disorders fit into a specific diagnostic criteria as defined by the American Psychiatric Association. Jen has been helping clients diagnosed with eating disorders for over 5 years. She is also familiar with the complex medical and mental health diagnoses that can accompany them. For this reasons, if you have an active eating disorder, she requires you to be connected with both a primary care provider as well as a licensed mental health professional prior to reaching out to begin working therapeutically with her. Jen is currently working towards her CEDRD which is a specialty certification in eating disorder treatment.