Recovery from an eating disorder is a complex process that multifacetedly requires holistic care. Nutrition is a crucial element of the relationship between recovery with food and recovering physically. Professional help can be accessed with a dietitian that has expertise in NDIS or specialises in eating disorder nutrition based on specific recovery plans. Here are some key nutrition recommendations for this process.
Work with a Professional
Professional counselling is key. A nutritionist specialising in an eating disorder has time to work individually with patients to create a diet that tends to reunite the physical and psychological aspects of recovery. In the case of disability, there is also special support through the National Disability Insurance Scheme with a dietitian-National Disability Insurance Scheme.
Benefits of Professional Help
- Gradual structured readmission into a healthy diet
- Test for nutritional deficiencies and stabilisation of weight
- Emotional support and encouragement throughout
Concentration on Balanced Meals
In the process of recovery, you will relearn to feed your body’s requirements again.
Components of a Balanced Meal
- Carbohydrates as Energy
- Proteins repair the muscles and also the immune function.
- Healthy fats for brain functions and hormonal balance
- Vegetables and fruits that contain essential vitamins and fibre
A registered dietitian can help you create meal plans that can balance these, making them attainable and sustainable.
Re-establish Patterns of Regular Eating
Recovery typically challenges the return of regular eating patterns. Skipping meals or avoiding certain foods/ingredients can often cause one to revert to old patterns and undermine recovery.
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Strategies to Help with Regular Eating:
Meal times: Establish controlled daily eating patterns: three meals and two snacks a day to stabilise energy levels.
Preparation of Meal: Plan meals in advance to avoid the stress of decision making.
Flexible Portions: Be prepared to begin with a small portion and increase it as your body accepts.
Eat Mindfully
Get rid of all distractions during a meal, such as phones and television.
Take little bites and chew them well.
Notice the flavours, textures, and aromas of your food.
It can also reduce anxiety related to food, a common problem many face in recovery.
Correct Nutritional Imbalances
Disorders of eating have nutritional deficiencies towards iron, calcium, vitamin D, and B vitamins, respectively. The right proportion of these nutrients will ensure a good energy level, bone strength, and cognitive function.
Role of NDIS Dietitian
An NDIS dietitian can get you diagnosed about your current nutritional status and get you recommended supplements or dietary changes that can correct deficiencies in a safe manner.
Set Realistic Goals
Recovery is a slow process. If you are not setting realistic, achievable goals, keeping yourself on the path to recovery may be difficult. Examples include trying a new food, gradually adding more to your portion sizes, and eating in social settings.
Examples of Goals
Eating one new food per week.
Gradually introduce foods previously avoided.
Positive self-talk with meals.
Prepare for Emotional Triggers
Stress, anxiety, or self-perceptions may provoke your disruption. You need to learn to cope with such threats.
Techniques in managing Triggers:
- Journaling: Reflect on the emotions and experiences related to eating.
- Support Structures: Friends, family, or support groups.
- Professional Therapy: Nutritional counselling alongside therapeutic assistance.
An eating disorder nutritionist is likely to work collaboratively with therapists in providing a comprehensive treatment approach.
Gradual Exposure to Avoided Foods
Fear foods are those that are likely to cause apprehension or feelings of guilt at meal times. A component of recovery is gradually introducing these foods into your diet in a controlled and supportive manner.
How to Work with Fear Foods:
Start with small amounts in a safe environment.
Review experience with the dietitian.
Utilise positive affirmations that counter negative thoughts.
Ultimately, this process decreases the fear and normalises relationship with these foods.
Be Gentle with Yourself
You will need support over time to help with the dealings with some things.
Support Networks.
Meet your dietitian once in the week or month.
Attend support groups
Keep in touch with all the family members concerned regarding your progress and difficulties
Final thoughts
Nutrition plays a big role in the recovery journey from an eating disorder. Having help from specialists, such as an NDIS dietitian or an eating disorder nutritionist, will ensure that all your nutritional needs are met safely and without judgment. Concentrating on healthful meals, regular eating patterns, and emotional self-worth sets you up to rebuild a life in which food is enjoyed, not feared, and makes all the difference for long-term recovery.
