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Achieve recovery. Heal your relationship with food and body.

Compassionate care for Binge Eating/Overeating (BED) and Depression  with a Medical Nutritionist Dietitian,  Get Help,  and Achieve Lasting Healing and Recovery

Embark on a transformative journey towards achieving holistic well-being and building trust with both food and your body, moving away from the challenges of binge eating and depression. Our certified Nutrition and Body Image Nutritionist Dietitians offer compassionate care to lead you on a path of lasting healing. They empower you to regain trust, freedom, and a positive relationship with food and your body, allowing you to embrace life with a renewed sense of wellness and vitality.

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What is the goal of medical nutrition therapy for binge eating (BED) and depression?

At Side By Side Nutrition, our team of Medical Nutrition Therapy Dietitians offers personalized, one-on-one nutrition counseling crafted specifically for individuals navigating various challenges, including binge eating (BED), depression, overeating, emotional eating, and body image distress. With locations in Colorado Springs and Fort Collins, Colorado, as well as Woodinville, Washington, our services extend across the state and country through both in-person and online nutrition counseling.

Our unique approach is grounded in a weight-inclusive, non-diet philosophy, prioritizing behaviors, whole-self well-being, trust with food and our bodies, and the nurturing of self-compassion over numerical metrics. We firmly believe that genuine wellness surpasses mere numbers on a scale. Our primary focus is guiding clients to cultivate a new, sustainable, compassionate, respectful, and trusting relationship with food, body image, and self, recognizing this as the foundation for lasting health.

 
 

What is binge eating, or overeating?

Binge eating refers to episodes of consuming large amounts of food within a discrete period, often accompanied by a sense of loss of control. During a binge eating episode, individuals may eat much more rapidly than usual, eat until uncomfortably full, eat large amounts of food when not physically hungry, and eat alone due to embarrassment about the quantity of food being consumed. 

Overeating, on the other hand, is a more general term that refers to the consumption of more food than the body needs at a given time. It doesn't necessarily imply a loss of control or occur within discrete episodes. Overeating can happen for various reasons, such as emotional eating, social situations, or simply enjoying a special occasion. While occasional overeating is a normal part of life, chronic and uncontrollable overeating can contribute to a lot of distress around food and body and may be associated with underlying emotional or psychological factors.

Both deserve support.

 
 

What is a Medical Nutrition Therapy Dietitian and how can they help with Binge eating and depression?

A Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) Dietitian is a registered dietitian (RD) or registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) who specializes in providing therapeutic nutrition interventions to manage and treat various medical conditions. MNT Dietitians use evidence-based nutrition strategies to address health concerns and optimize well-being. When it comes to binge eating and depression, MNT Dietitians play a crucial role in offering support and guidance. Here's how they can help:

  1. Assessment: Conducting a comprehensive assessment to understand the individual's emotional eating patterns, triggers, and the emotional factors contributing to their relationship with food.

  2. Individualized Nutrition Plans: Designing personalized nutrition plans tailored to the individual's specific needs, dietary preferences, and nutritional requirements. This may involve establishing regular and balanced eating patterns.

  3. Intuitive Eating Practices: Introducing and encouraging mindful eating practices to enhance awareness of hunger and fullness cues, promoting a healthier relationship with food and reducing impulsive or emotional eating.

  4. Behavioral Counseling: Providing behavioral counseling to address maladaptive eating behaviors associated with emotional eating. This may include exploring alternative coping strategies and stress management techniques.

  5. Nutrition Education: Offering education on the role of different nutrients in supporting emotional well-being and overall health. Providing information on how nutrition can influence mood and energy levels.

  6. Goal Setting: Collaborating with individuals to set realistic and achievable nutrition goals that align with their emotional well-being and foster a positive relationship with food.

  7. Emotional Resilience Building: Assisting individuals in developing emotional resilience and exploring alternative coping mechanisms for managing stress, anxiety, or other emotional triggers without relying solely on food.

  8. Long-Term Strategies: Working with individuals to develop sustainable, long-term strategies for managing emotional eating. This may involve ongoing support, periodic adjustments to the nutrition plan, and the incorporation of healthy lifestyle habits.

  9. Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Collaborating with other healthcare professionals, such as therapists or mental health providers, to ensure a comprehensive and coordinated approach to emotional well-being.

Our dedicated team of medical nutrition therapy dietitians is committed to guiding clients toward a path of healing that transcends fear and shame. By addressing food fears and dismantling negative body image, we empower clients to become the experts of their body and to shift their perspective towards love, respect, and acceptance. This helps, clients reach lasting recovery. Together, we work to eliminate food and body shame, identify triggers leading to self-doubt, and foster a trusting relationship with food and body image, allowing space for genuine values to emerge.

Recognizing that the answers lie within each individual, our multi-disciplinary team of medical nutrition specialists facilitates a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Food and Body Image recovery is not just about overcoming an eating disorder; it's about creating a full and empowered life through food and body image healing.

 

What does nutrition therapy include?

 

A Comprehensive Initial Assessment

Our holistic approach begins with an in-depth initial evaluation, delving into your individual needs by exploring your history with food, body image, and overall health. With your consent, we engage in a collaborative process to grasp your objectives and hopes for our collaboration and your journey toward full recovery.e holistic healing of the individual by fostering a positive relationship with food and body.

 

Build Trust in the Body’s Natural Cues

Our approach is centered on breaking free from the constant thoughts and behaviors associated with the eating disorder that keep individuals stuck in a cycle of distress. Together, we embark on a transformative journey to build trust in the body's natural cues and become intuitive and trusting eaters, allowing for a renewed sense of freedom and openness in life.

 

Go Beyond Symptom Management - Shift Body Image Perception

Our focus goes beyond merely managing symptoms; we aim to facilitate a profound transformation in how body image is perceived, fostering self-acceptance and a genuine appreciation for one's unique self. By breaking down the mental and emotional barriers imposed by the eating disorder, we empower our clients to embrace a life free from never-ending negative food and body image thoughts, nurturing a newfound sense of joy, purpose, and opportunity. Follow-up sessions are central to our collaborative efforts. We thoroughly explore your connection with food and body, addressing obstacles and co-creating personalized strategies. We delve into body image examination, dismantling external pressures of food and body negativity, and establishing supportive frameworks as necessary. Our objective is to assist you in broadening the spectrum and adaptability of your eating habits, learning to nuture and tend to your body's signals of hunger and satisfaction, and cultivating a joyful relationship with both food and body.

 

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

 

Does binge eating cause depression?

Binge eating can contribute to feelings of guilt, shame, and distress, which may negatively impact mental health. While binge eating itself may not directly cause depression, the emotional consequences and the cycle of distress can contribute to the development or exacerbation of depressive symptoms.

Does depression cause binge eating?

Depression can be a contributing factor to binge eating. Some individuals may turn to food as a coping mechanism to alleviate feelings of sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness associated with depression.

How to not binge eat when depressed:

You can reach full recovery from binge eating by working with a specialized team who can support you to help you to develop alternative coping mechanisms for emotional distress, establish a regular and balanced eating routine, a healthy and trusting relationship with food and more.

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.

What is Health At Every Size?

Health at Every Size™ is a compassionate care framework that recognizes and promotes body diversity and holistic health. We recognize a focus on intentional weight loss causes harm, does not improve health, and further invokes weight stigma and discrimination. We believe any person in any size body can pursue health and create positive behavior change that prioritizes their individual health desires.

What is Intuitive Eating?

Intuitive Eating is an approach to eating that incorporates building body trust, intuitive responses, emotional awareness, and listening to your body. It encourages self-compassion, curiosity, trust, and a gentle attitude towards food in order to cultivate and maintain a sustainable, healthy, and trusting relationship with food and body image.