How to Overcome a Restrictive Eating Disorder with Outpatient Nutrition Therapy
Restrictive eating disorders aren’t always as obvious as people think. They’re not just about weight or appearance. At their core, they involve not getting enough nutrition, and that can happen for many reasons. A restrictive eating disorder can be about body image, but the root cause can also be about anxiety, sensory issues, a fixation on clean eating, and a disinterest in food. Even if someone looks okay, that doesn’t mean they aren’t struggling.
Outpatient nutrition therapy with expert dietitians in Washington and Colorado offers a safe, supportive space to work on eating patterns and get the body the fuel it needs
What is a Restrictive Eating Disorder?
There are several eating disorders that fall under the umbrella of restrictive eating disorders. They include ARFID, orthorexia, and anorexia nervosa.
Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder.
ARFID is not about weight loss or body image. People with ARFID might avoid food because of how it feels or tastes. Some have had a scary experience, like choking or getting sick, and now they’re afraid it’ll happen again. Sometimes people are just not all that interested in food, which can also make eating tough. ARFID is much more serious than picky eating, though people often mistake the two.
Orthorexia
This is when someone becomes extremely focused on eating “clean” or “healthy” foods. This fixation can become debilitating, as the person struggling with orthorexia might cut out entire food groups, become undernourished, and spiral into unhealthy disordered eating patterns. As NEDA writes, “Although being aware of and concerned with the nutritional quality of the food you eat isn’t a problem in and of itself, people with orthorexia become so fixated on so-called ‘healthy eating’ that they actually damage their own well-being and experience health consequences such as malnutrition and/or impairment of psychosocial functioning.”
Anorexia Nervosa
Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder where someone becomes intensely focused on their weight, body size, and food intake. It’s often driven by a deep fear of gaining weight and a distorted view of their own body, even when they’re underweight.
This disorder isn’t just about food — it’s often a way of coping with stress, anxiety, or a need for control. And while it can look different from person to person (any size, any gender), anorexia is always serious and deserves compassionate, professional support.
Anybody struggling with a restrictive eating disorder is at risk of being malnourished, not having enough food or nutrients to keep their bodies healthy.
Here’s the tricky part — a lot of people don’t realize their eating is disordered. They might think they’re just “picky” or “not a big eater.” And unfortunately, even some healthcare providers might overlook the signs, especially if someone doesn’t appear “underweight.” But restrictive eating disorders can affect people of any body size, and the seriousness isn't measured by weight.
Signs and Symptoms of Restrictive Eating Disorder
Limited variety in food intake (picky eating that interferes with health)
Avoidance of entire food groups or textures
Noticeable weight loss or nutritional deficiencies
Social isolation around food
Gastrointestinal issues with no clear medical cause
Fatigue, dizziness, cold sensitivity, irregular periods (in menstruating individuals)
Symptoms show up in so many ways, and often people aren’t aware of their disordered eating patterns. Maybe you are just overwhelmed with meal planning and cooking, so it’s easier to skip a meal than prepare it. Or, maybe you or someone you love starts avoiding social situations where food is involved because eating around others feels overwhelming. You might feel distressed when “safe” foods aren’t available and experience sensitivity to certain situations. All of these are signs you want to pay attention to.
Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) for Restrictive Eating Disorder in Washington and Colorado?
MNT for a restrictive eating disorder is an individualized and collaborative approach between the client, dietitian, client’s support system (family and friends), and medical team. You will work with a dietitian to create a plan that feels doable and safe. If someone is medically stable and open to making changes, outpatient nutrition therapy can be a great place to start.
A dietitian on our team will develop a unique plan tailored to you or your loved one’s nutrition needs.. We provide comprehensive care, working with other providers during treatment, like a therapist, doctor, psychiatrist, or speech-language pathologist.
The main goals of Outpatient MNT are:
Restore adequate nutrition
This can be done through meal plans, setting reminders, adding convenient, safe foods, or using supplementation (like Boost or Ensure shakes).
Increase food variety
This can be done through gentle exposure to fear foods while supporting your autonomy and goals.
Reduce fear/avoidance
Addressing food beliefs, fear hierarchies, and empowering autonomy can assist in reducing food fear and avoidance.
Support body trust
Mindfulness, interoceptive awareness, and embodiment work can help facilitate body awareness and trust.
Together, we can work to help you understand your eating disorder and implement different tools and skills to nutritionally rehabilitate in a caring, supportive environment. This may include restoring weight, managing symptoms, and improving quality of life.
If food feels scary or overwhelming right now, please know you're not alone. Whether it's ARFID, another restrictive eating pattern, or just something that “doesn’t feel right” with your eating, support is out there.
Outpatient nutrition therapy can be a flexible, supportive starting point for recovery in ARFID, orthorexia, and anorexia nervosa. If you or a loved one is struggling with a restrictive eating disorder, reach out to Side by Side Nutrition or explore more on our website to learn about how we can support you on your journey.