Testimonials
Achieve recovery. Heal your relationship with food and body.

Compassionate Eating Disorders Treatment for Male Athletes in Colorado, Medical Nutrition Therapy and Counseling for Men and Teens Involved in Sports

Embark on a transformative journey with our customized outpatient treatment program, tailored specifically for male athletes, that addresses the intricate relationship between eating disorders and athletic performance. Our specialized approach is meticulously crafted to support your overall well-being and athletic goals, promoting holistic health and fostering a positive connection with food and body.

In our nutrition program designed for male athletes grappling with anorexia, bulimia, OSFED, BED, and disordered eating, our dedicated team of medical nutrition therapists places a paramount focus on enhancing both your performance and overall health. We strive to minimize any adverse effects on body image or the challenges commonly experienced by male athletes dealing with disordered eating.

Experience the guidance of experts who empower you to prioritize recovery while maximizing your athletic potential. Our goal is to assist you in embracing a balanced, nourished body that ensures sustained vitality, allowing you to excel in your sport while maintaining a healthy mind and body.

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Outpatient Eating Disorder Treatment Programs for Male Athletes :

At Side By Side Nutrition, our certified dietitians specialize in delivering personalized, individualized nutrition therapy for men who are both athletes and grappling with anorexia, bulimia, OSFED, BED, and disordered eating.

Our approach is firmly grounded in a weight-inclusive philosophy, giving importance to behaviors, holistic well-being, fostering trust with food and our bodies, and prioritizing self-compassion. We advocate that enduring health is constructed upon these principles and goes beyond mere scale measurements. Our primary focus is on guiding clients to develop a sustainable, compassionate, respectful, and trusting relationship with food, body image, and self.

With offices in Colorado Springs and Fort Collins, Colorado, and Woodinville, Washington, we provide in-person and online nutrition counseling services for patients across the state and country.

 

 

What are treatment approaches for eating disorders in male athletes?

For male athletes navigating eating disorders, our approach in medical nutrition therapy is to tailor nutritional interventions to enhance overall health, optimize performance, and promote recovery. This specialized therapy considers the unique dietary needs of male athletes, including factors like training intensity, sport-specific requirements, and individual health goals.

Our primary objectives center around ensuring adequate fueling to meet energy demands, supporting efficient recovery, and preventing nutrient deficiencies. Additionally, we address any specific challenges or conditions that may impact an athlete's well-being and performance.

Signs of eating disorders in male athletes:

As dietitian nutritionists, we work with male athletes who struggle with anorexia, bulimia, OSFED, disordered eating, and more. Athletes are vulnerable to disordered eating and exercise behaviors due to the significant impact these behaviors can have on their athletic performance. We understand the complex relationship between sport and nutrition. Early identification and diagnosis of disordered eating behaviors or an eating disorder can lead to getting help earlier. Coaches, parents, and the healthcare professionals on the athlete’s team need to be aware of these symptoms.

  • Significant weight loss

  • Binge eating and compensatory behaviors

  • Concentration problems

  • Distress around eating and situations where eating is involved (family meals, team meals etc.)

  • Weight fluctuations

  • Obsessions regarding weight

  • Injuries (stress fractures, overuse injuries)

Ultimately, our goal is to assist male athletes in achieving and maintaining peak physical condition while prioritizing their long-term health and well-being. We aim to minimize the risk of injuries and address any nutritional imbalances, fostering sustained vitality and enabling athletes to thrive in their sport. Recovery is possible.

 
 

We want to work with you.

 

What does a dietitian do to support eating disorder recovery?

Our devoted team of eating disorder sports dietitian nutritionists, embracing a holistic and weight-inclusive approach, is wholeheartedly devoted to supporting and empowering athletes facing eating disorders. Our goal is to help them become authorities on their bodies, encouraging a transformative shift towards love, respect, and acceptance. Through this integrated approach, we aim to cultivate enduring wellness. Collaboratively, we strive to eliminate feelings of shame related to food and body, pinpoint triggers that contribute to self-doubt, and establish a trusting relationship with both food and body. This creates a space for genuine values to emerge, fostering a positive and sustainable journey towards well-being.

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What does nutrition therapy include?

 

A Comprehensive Initial Assessment

Our holistic approach begins with a comprehensive initial assessment, where we delve into your unique needs, exploring your past and present relationship with food, body image, and health history. With your permission, we work collaboratively to understand your goals and aspirations for our partnership. In our specialized work with sports nutrition from a weight inclusive and holistic lens, we prioritize the 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 disordered eating 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, allowing for a renewed sense of freedom and openness in life.

 

Go Beyond Symptom Management - Shift Body Image Perception

Our focus extends beyond mere symptom management; we strive to instill a profound shift in body image perception, promoting self-acceptance and a genuine appreciation for one's unique identity. By dismantling the mental and emotional barriers imposed by the eating disorder, we empower our clients to embrace a life unburdened by constant thoughts, fostering a newfound sense of joy, purpose, and possibility. Follow-up sessions form the core of our work together. We thoroughly examine your relationship with food and body, addressing challenges and co-creating individualized tools. We delve into body image exploration, dismantling external influences of food and body shame, and establish supportive structures as needed. Our goal is to help you increase variety and flexibility with eating, learning to respond to your body's hunger and satiety cues, and developing a joyful relationship with 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

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

 

Which eating disorder is found almost exclusively in men?

Muscle dysmorphia, also known as "bigorexia" or "reverse anorexia," is an eating disorder that is more commonly found in men. It involves an obsessive desire to become more muscular and a distorted perception of one's body size and shape.


How are male eating disorders different from female eating disorders?

While both male and female eating disorders share similar features, such as disordered eating behaviors and body image concerns, male eating disorders may manifest differently in terms of body dissatisfaction and societal pressures. For example, males may focus more on achieving a muscular physique rather than being thin.


Are eating disorders more common in males or females?

Eating disorders are traditionally more common in females; however, research suggests that the prevalence of eating disorders in males is increasing, although it may still be underreported due to stigma and societal perceptions.


Can males have eating disorders?

Yes, males can develop eating disorders. While eating disorders are more commonly associated with females, males are also susceptible, and they may experience similar symptoms and challenges in recovery.


What causes eating disorders in males?

The causes of eating disorders in males are multifactorial and may include genetic predisposition, psychological factors, sociocultural influences, and environmental stressors. Similar to females, males may develop eating disorders as a result of a complex interplay of these factors.


How many individuals with eating disorders are male?

The exact number of individuals with eating disorders who are male is difficult to determine due to underreporting and stigma surrounding male eating disorders. However, research suggests that males account for a smaller percentage of diagnosed cases compared to females.


What percent (%) of boys have an eating disorder?

The percentage of boys with eating disorders varies depending on factors such as age, geographic location, and diagnostic criteria. While exact figures may vary, studies suggest that males make up a smaller percentage of diagnosed cases compared to females.


Can men be diagnosed with anorexia nervosa?

Yes, men can be diagnosed with anorexia nervosa. Although it is more commonly associated with females, anorexia nervosa can affect individuals of any gender. The diagnostic criteria for anorexia nervosa apply to both males and females.


In what sport is a male most likely to develop an eating disorder?

Male athletes in sports that emphasize leanness, weight control, or aesthetic ideals, such as bodybuilding, wrestling, gymnastics, and distance running, may be at higher risk of developing eating disorders.


How many men will develop an eating disorder in their lifetime?

The lifetime prevalence of eating disorders in men varies depending on factors such as age, geographic location, and cultural influences. While specific figures may vary, research suggests that a significant number of men will experience an eating disorder at some point in their lifetime.


Is it rare for a male to have an eating disorder?

While eating disorders are more commonly associated with females, it is not rare for males to have eating disorders. However, due to stigma and societal perceptions, male eating disorders may be underreported and underdiagnosed.


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?

Sessions are highly individualized and change from week to week. Our dietitians are constantly assessing the needs, progress, safety, and next steps with their client’s end goals in mind. 

We work at an outpatient level of care for the treatment of eating disorders. An outpatient team consists of a dietitian, therapist, primary care physician and psychiatrist at minimum.

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.