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Achieve recovery. Heal your relationship with food and body.

Compassionate Treatment for ADHD and Anorexia in Colorado, Nutrition and Body Image Counseling with a Dietitian Nutritionist for Lasting Wellbeing

Embark on a transformative path towards fostering a self-compassionate, trusting, and empowering connection with food, body, and holistic well-being. Our certified dietitians, specializing in ADHD & Anorexia, offer compassionate care and medical nutrition therapy to lead you toward enduring well-being. They empower you to reclaim trust and freedom with food and body, understand the link between ADHD and disordered eating patterns, enhance meal planning and meal prep skills, and ultimately embrace life with a renewed sense of wellness.

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ADHD and Anorexia: Outpatient Treatment and Nutrition Therapy

At Side By Side Nutrition, our certified dietitians are dedicated to providing medical nutrition therapy and personalized, one-on-one nutrition counseling tailored specifically for individuals navigating the challenges of ADHD and anorexia.

Our goal in medical nutrition therapy for individuals with ADHD and Anorexia is to foster a holistic approach rooted in a weight-inclusive philosophy. We emphasize positive behaviors, whole-self well-being, and the importance of building trust with food and our bodies. Our approach prioritizes self-compassion over numerical metrics, recognizing it as the cornerstone of lasting health.

We firmly believe that genuine wellness extends beyond the scale, and our focus is on guiding clients to cultivate a new, sustainable, compassionate, respectful, and trusting relationship with food, body image, and self. Through personalized counseling, we aim to empower individuals to overcome the challenges associated with ADHD and Anorexia, ultimately promoting lasting well-being and a renewed sense of self.

Based in Colorado Springs and Fort Collins, Colorado, as well as Woodinville, Washington, our services extend to patients from across the state and country through in-person and online nutrition counseling. Get eating disorder treatment and begin healing today.

 
 

Why do people with ADHD struggle with eating?

Sensory sensitivities, impulsivity, medication side effects, executive functioning challenges, hyperfocus and forgetfulness, and more can all affect the relationship someone with ADHD has with food and body. Studies show that people with ADHD are at a higher risk for developing an eating disorder than those who don’t have ADHD. Here, we discuss, in depth, each of these struggles with the co-occurrance of ADHD and anorexia.

What challenges can the intersection of ADHD and an eating disorder present to one’s relationship with food, nutrition, and body image and to recovery?

Individuals with ADHD may face specific challenges related to food and body image. Some of these challenges include:

  • Impulsivity: ADHD is often associated with impulsivity, which can extend to eating behaviors. Individuals with ADHD may struggle with impulsive eating, making it difficult to maintain consistent and balanced nutrition.

  • Inattentiveness: Difficulty sustaining attention and focus may affect meal planning and preparation. Individuals with ADHD might find it challenging to organize and execute structured meal routines.

  • Emotional Dysregulation: Emotional dysregulation is common in ADHD, and it can impact the relationship with food. Emotional eating or using food as a coping mechanism may be more prevalent.

  • Hyperfocus on Specific Diets: Some individuals with ADHD may hyperfocus on specific diets or food trends, leading to restrictive eating patterns. This hyperfocus can contribute to disordered eating behaviors.

  • Forgetfulness: Forgetfulness is a common symptom of ADHD, which may affect consistent meal timing and planning. Forgetting to eat or irregular eating patterns can impact nutritional intake.

  • Body Image Concerns: Individuals with ADHD may experience challenges in self-perception and body image. Co-occurring conditions like Anorexia can exacerbate these concerns, leading to distorted body image and unhealthy eating habits.

  • Medication Effects: Medications commonly prescribed for ADHD may affect appetite, eating patterns, or weight. Individuals on medication may need additional support to ensure a balanced and nutritious diet.

  • Routine Disruptions: ADHD can disrupt routine and consistency. Changes in routine may impact meal planning, making it challenging to maintain a regular and healthy eating schedule.

  • Executive Function Challenges: Executive function deficits in ADHD can affect the ability to plan, organize, and initiate tasks. This can extend to planning and preparing nutritious meals.

 
 

Understanding these challenges is crucial for developing tailored interventions and support for individuals with ADHD. A holistic approach that addresses ADHD symptoms and their impact on food and body image is essential for promoting a healthy relationship with food and overall well-being. Collaborating with healthcare professionals, including dietitians and therapists, can provide comprehensive support for individuals navigating these challenges.

 

What does a dietitian do for someone with both Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Anorexia?

Our dedicated team of dietitian nutritionists is committed to guiding clients on a path of healing that transcends fear and shame. By addressing food fears, dismantling negative body image, and empowering clients to shift their perspective towards love, respect, and acceptance, we facilitate lasting recovery. Together, we eliminate food and body shame, identify triggers leading to self-doubt, and foster a trusting relationship with food and body, creating space for genuine values to emerge.

Recognizing that answers lie within each individual. Our multi-disciplinary team of medical nutrition specialists facilitates a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Eating disorder recovery extends beyond overcoming the disorder; it's about creating a full and empowered life through healing in food and body image. Our holistic approach, combined with collaborative care, ensures comprehensive support for individuals with ADHD and anorexia.

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What does nutrition therapy for ADHD and Anorexia include?

 

A Comprehensive Initial Assessment

Our comprehensive approach starts with an in-depth assessment focused on your unique needs, examining your past and present relationship with food, body image, and health history. With your consent, we collaborate to understand your goals for our partnership. In our specialized work with ADHD and nutrition, we prioritize holistic well-being by addressing the challenges associated with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. We aim to support a positive relationship with food and enhance overall health through personalized strategies tailored to your specific needs and aspirations.

 

Build Trust in the Body’s Natural Cues

Our focus is on breaking free from the persistent thoughts and behaviors linked to ADHD-related challenges that may keep individuals trapped in a cycle of distress. Together, we initiate a transformative journey to cultivate trust in the body's natural cues, fostering a renewed sense of freedom and openness in life. Utilizing targeted interventions, we address the underlying factors contributing to disordered eating patterns, aiming to liberate individuals from the constraints associated with ADHD and its impact on nutrition and well-being.

 

Go Beyond Symptom Management - Shift Body Image Perception

Our focus goes beyond mere symptom management; we aim to bring about a profound shift in body image perception, fostering self-acceptance and a genuine appreciation for one's unique identity in the context of ADHD-related challenges. By dismantling the mental and emotional barriers imposed by ADHD, we empower our clients to embrace a life free from constant mental strain, cultivating a newfound sense of joy, purpose, and possibility. Follow-up sessions are integral to our collaborative work. We thoroughly explore your relationship with food and body, addressing challenges and co-creating personalized tools. We delve into body image exploration, dismantling external influences related to ADHD and promoting a supportive environment. Our goal is to assist you in expanding variety and flexibility with eating, learning to respond to your body's cues, and cultivating a positive and joyful relationship with food and body in the context of ADHD and its unique challenges.

 

Continued Support

Throughout your journey, we offer unwavering support, navigating the inevitable ups and downs. We celebrate your progress and stand by you as you cross the finish line. Our mission is not only eating disorder recovery but also the cultivation of a life that is rich, meaningful, and fully aligned with your values. We believe in the importance of this journey and the therapeutic relationship, and our dedicated dietitians are here to guide you every step of the way.

 

TESTIMONIALS

Testimonials List

Recent “graduate” from Side by Side Nutrition. I started working with SBSN to figure out how food worked after having an eating disorder for years. And I’m so happy I got so much more than that! SBSN introduced me to Self-Compassion and met me with an approach that never included shaming me. I looked forward to our sessions every week, even if I hadn’t done any of my work, because I knew she’d be understanding and work with me to figure out what I needed to make it happen. And none of that compassion and presence was lost when we had to switch to telehealth. When I started, I didn’t think healing from an eating disorder was possible. And I never in my wildest dreams imagined that I’d come out of it with an unshakable love for my body (certainly not a plus size body with chronic illness)! I’m so glad circumstances sent me here because I know I wouldn’t have gotten to this place with my previous dietician! I am STRONG, I am CONFIDENT, and I am in LOVE with myself! Thank you so much for helping me on my journey here! It wasn’t easy, but it was so worth it!

— Michaela Myers

I worked with SBSN at Side by Side after an eating disorder diagnosis, and it changed my life for the better. The entire team is incredibly supportive, patient, and full of resources. There's a lot of confusion out there about dieticians and nutritionists, and I'm lucky to have found a place that helped me the way no one ever had. I thought recovery was impossible for me, but it's not! You just have to find the right people, and that can take some digging. Side by Side is the real deal.

— Melanie Smith

As the director of an eating disorder outpatient clinic, licensed psychologist, and certified eating disorders specialist, I am extremely picky about the dietitians my team and I will collaborate with. I can say with full confidence that my team completely trusts Jamie Magdic and her entire team of dietitians. Jamie is incredibly compassionate and dedicated to her patients, in addition to being extremely knowledgeable . Side By Side Nutrition is one of our clinic's top picks for nutrition therapy. They are excellent, know eating disorders, and are actually weight-inclusive and HAES-informed. I would trust Side By Side Nutrition with any patient with any diagnosis in any stage of recovery.

— Dr. Janean Anderson

I started working with SBSN after 20 years of disordered eating and 3 years of eating disorder treatment. My RDs were always focused on my weight restoration and how I felt food, but never really got how I felt about my body. I have made bigger strides in recovery working with SBSN than I ever did with any other RD. SBSN is kind, compassionate, non-judgemental, and easy to relate to. I felt comfortable with SBSN starting from day 1. To quote my therapist, SBSN is a unicorn and you won't find anyone like them!

— Alexandria McCombs

When I started working with SBSN, I had been struggling with my eating disorder for over six years. I had worked with RDs and therapists before, but they solely focused on weight restoration and not the mental aspect of recovery, so I stayed stuck in my disorder while in a "recovered" body. SBSN's approach was unlike any other RD or eating disorder specialist I had worked with before in that she treats her clients as whole, multifaceted people and addresses so much more than just the food piece of recovery. They helped me to constantly challenge my eating disorder and tackle food fears while also teaching me about the importance of self care and self compassion in recovery and how I could incorporate these into my life. I truly feel that my work with SBSN not only helped me win my battle against my eating disorder but helped me to be a stronger, happier, healthier person in general now that I have those self care tools. It was so refreshing to work with someone with a holistic approach to eating disorders and body image issues and I cannot recommend working with her enough! Thank you so much SBSN for your support!

— Kacey

SBSN gave me peace and restoration in my mind, body, and life. I had deeply rooted issues surrounding food and my body, and I thought I would never recover from my concerns. I had my reservations about meeting a dietician on my first appointment, but the therapy is never diet-focused, and focused more on client-centered care and recovery. They tailor therapy sessions around your goals and comfort. They provide many resources for her clients to guide them through each phase of recovery. I will never forget SBSN, they were an essential factor in my recovery.

— Lauren

I am so thankful to this organization, they are helping me out so much in so many different areas. My dietitian is an outstanding registered dietitian to work with and Jamie has jumped hoops to make sure that I could get into this program and I am so humbled by their partnering care! I love the inviting and accepting feel of the staff and overall office feel, from when I walk in the doors through when I walk out after my appointment every time I come. I truly don’t know where I’d be if I didn’t have Side by Side guiding me through my healing journey. My eyes well with gratitude for this practice as I write this review! Thank you!!!

— Mary Sanders

Our team of Expert Dietitian Nutritionists Have Been Featured In:

 

Our Team of Dietitian Nutritionists, Expert ED and Medical Nutrition Counselors

 

The Side by Side Nutrition team has a team of 12+ outpatient registered dietitians. We provide online nutrition counseling to patients in Colorado and around the country. We offer one-on-one and family nutrition counseling for patients either online or in person, with offices located in Colorado Springs and Fort Collins. We specialize in eating disorder recovery and body image healing.

RD - Registered Dietitian
RDN - Registered Dietitian Nutritionist
MS - Masters of Science

As specialists in ED nutrition counseling our mission is rooted in compassion. We:  

  • Strive to create a safe and nurturing space for individuals on their journey to wellness. 

  • Understand the profound impact that eating disorders can have on one's life.

  • Are committed to fostering a supportive community where every client feels seen, heard, and understood. 

  • Work from an intuitive eating, HAES (Health at Every Size) Informed Approach.

  • Believe everyone has the right to high-quality care – accessibility and inclusivity are at the core of our values.

  • Stand firm in our belief in the possibility of full recovery. 

  • Continually invest in our education to stay at the forefront of the field.

  • Are committed to ongoing learning.

  • Channel all our resources into becoming the best eating disorder nutritionist counselors.

  • Are dedicated to guiding our clients toward a life of lasting health and empowerment.

 

We Accept Insurance:

We are committed to ensuring that our clients have access to healthcare, and we make every effort to facilitate this. We accept insurance plans such as BlueCross Blue Shield (Anthem/Regence), United HealthCare (Optum), Aetna, and Cigna.

 
 

Dietitian for ED and Medical Nutrition Therapy FAQ

 

Do people with ADHD have appetite issues?

Appetite issues can be experienced by some individuals with ADHD, but it varies among individuals. Both overeating and undereating can be observed, and factors such as impulsivity or medication side effects may contribute.

Why do people with ADHD forget to eat?

Forgetfulness about eating in individuals with ADHD can be attributed to cognitive challenges, time management difficulties, or hyperfocus on other activities, leading to neglect of basic needs.

What is the link between ADHD and eating?

The link between ADHD and eating involves various factors, including impulsivity, executive function challenges, and potential emotional connections to food. Individuals with ADHD may exhibit diverse eating patterns.

Can ADHD cause anorexia?

ADHD itself does not cause anorexia, but individuals with ADHD may be at a higher risk for developing disordered eating patterns due to impulsivity, executive function challenges, or other related factors.

Can ADHD meds cause anorexia?

ADHD medications can have side effects, including changes in appetite. Some individuals may experience appetite suppression, but it's crucial to monitor and discuss any concerns with a healthcare professional.

Is ADHD linked to anorexia?

There is a potential link between ADHD and anorexia, with some individuals with ADHD being more susceptible to developing anorexia due to impulsivity, executive function difficulties, and other overlapping factors.

What insurance plans do you accept?

Side By Side Nutrition is in network with Cigna, Cigna Localplus, Aetna, BlueCross Blue Shield (Anthem/Regence), UMR, and United Healthcare. Prior to your visit, please call your insurance company to check your benefits. We can not guarantee coverage. For other insurance companies, we are out-of-network providers. This means we can provide you a superbill to submit to insurance for possible reimbursement. SBS can not submit superbills without a medical diagnosis. Payment is due at time of service for folxs using out of network benefits.

How does treatment work? What does a typical session look like?

An outpatient team consists of a dietitian, therapist, and primary care physician at minimum. Sessions are highly individualized and change from week to week depending on the needs, goals, behaviors, and journey of each client. Our dietitians are constantly assessing the needs, progress, safety, and next steps with their client’s short and long term goals in mind. 

An outpatient team works collaboratively to ensure clients get the best care for their recovery while staying in their day to day life. Clients in eating disorder recovery being treated on the outpatient level will typically visit with their dietitians 1-2x/week, therapist 1-2x/week, PCP monthly, and psychiatrist as needed.

I don’t live in Colorado, can we still work together?

Absolutely! We are passionate about making care accessible for you and offer telehealth services and online nutrition therapy when appropriate. We will meet via a HIPAA-compliant video conference platform and communicate between sessions using email. 

We provide nutrition counseling to clients from around the county.

How do I get started?

You can schedule directly online here!

You can also contact us to help you schedule via our contact form here.

If you have any questions about working with us or scheduling, feel free to contact us via email or phone: contact@sidebysidenutrition.com or call us at 708-717-7394.