Smith-Oswald Daryl RD LD LLC

Nutritional Therapy

Honest understanding of current food intake and emotional associations with food is the first step in working with a nutritionist. Often, food records are requested to assist in the process. This is for evaluation of current eating habits, but also to improve food choice to meet the minimal needs of the body. Communication between a client and the dietitian is a first and necessary step in developing a trusting counseling relationship. This is nutrition therapy, where honesty and caring communication about eating develop into a safe environment for recovery from eating disorders.

Nutrition Therapy for the eating disordered patient is often challenging. This is largely due to a common symptom: fear of weight gain. For many patients, however, a great deal of progress can be made in nutrition therapy without dramatic weight gain. Nutrition Therapy improves the eating disordered patient's relationship with food. It requires the knowledge of a nutritionist and certified dietician to execute the diplomacy, tact, trust building, patience, and appropriate education that is necessary to rebuild the client's relationship with food. The patient will be assisted in the development of healthy coping skills through the use of education and cognitive behavior therapy. The patient can then form strategies to work toward recovery.

3 Phases of Nutrition Recovery

1. 1. Beginning to Eat
   Re-feeding has to proceed at a safe rate in order to avoid re-feeding syndrome, which could potentially cause illness. Patients are gently guided toward regular intake and are informed about all of the effects on the body that occur during early re-feeding.
2. 2. Getting Enough Calories
   Metabolism increases, so calorie needs increase. Patients are guided through body image changes during this phase.
3. 3. Maintenance and Relapse Prevention
   Patients learn how to deal with stressors without relapse and learn how to avoid relapse by strategizing after any lapses. To assist clients with the process of recovery, Daryl offers individual in-person counseling, group nutrition therapy, meal therapy, classes, and telephone and email check-ins.