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Compassionate OCD & Anorexia Dietitian Nutritionist in Colorado, Body Image Counseling for Lasting Wellbeing

Embark on a path towards a self-compassionate, trusting, and empowering connection with food, body, and overall well-being. Our certified dietitians, specializing in OCD & Anorexia, offer compassionate care and medical nutrition therapy to lead you to enduring well-being. They empower you to regain trust and freedom with food and body, allowing you to embrace life with a renewed sense of wellness and vitality.

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OCD & Anorexia Treatment with Dietitians in Colorado and Washington:

At Side By Side Nutrition, our certified dietitians offer personalized medical nutrition therapy and one-on-one nutrition counseling tailored specifically for individuals dealing with both OCD and Anorexia.

Getting outpatient treatment from dietitians who understand how to work with patients with co-occurring OCD and eating disorders is critical. The relationship between the two disorders is complex.

Our approach is grounded in a holistic philosophy that prioritizes behaviors, and overall well-being, fostering a positive relationship with food and our bodies, and practicing self-compassion rather than fixating on numbers. This philosophy forms the foundation of values-aligned, intuitive, sustainable health and well-being. Our focus lies in assisting clients in cultivating a sustainable, empathetic, respectful, and trusting connection with food, body image, and self.

Operating from locations 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.

 
 

Similarities Between OCD and Anorexia, Treatment Challenges

The intersection of OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder) and an eating disorder can present a complex set of challenges that significantly impact someone's relationship with food, nutrition, body image, and the recovery process. Here are some key similarities between the two disorders and their challenges:

  • Obsessive Thoughts and Rituals: People with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) frequently encounter intrusive thoughts that are irrational or distressing. When these thoughts pertain to food, body image, or eating habits, they may worsen or trigger the onset of an eating disorder. This could lead to the adoption of rigid dietary restrictions or compulsive exercising, similar to what people experience with anorexia, which can add complexity to their relationship with food.

  • Perfectionism: Perfectionism is commonly linked to both Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and eating disorders. When OCD symptoms manifest, the drive for perfection regarding body weight, shape, or eating habits can become even more pronounced. This pursuit of perfectionism might impede progress toward recovery by establishing unattainable and inflexible expectations.

  • Compulsions Related to Eating: Compulsions associated with OCD might involve rituals or behaviors related to eating. These could encompass excessively detailed meal preparation, a focus on cleanliness concerning food, or specific routines regarding meal times. Such compulsive actions may disrupt the capacity for flexible and natural eating habits.

  • Fear of Contamination: Certain individuals living with OCD may encounter fears related to contamination. When these fears intersect with an eating disorder, they may appear as avoidance of specific foods, concern about cross-contamination, or reluctance to participate in social eating occasions. These anxieties can potentially restrict dietary options and lead to nutritional gaps.

  • Rumination and Overthinking: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) frequently entails rumination and excessive contemplation, which may extend to thoughts regarding food, body image, and eating habits. People may obsessively analyze and scrutinize their food choices or bodies, impeding the adoption of a more flexible and adaptable approach to nutrition.

  • Impact on Social Functioning: Both Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and anorexia have the potential to influence social interactions. Situations involving food might evoke anxiety, resulting in social withdrawal. The intersection of these disorders can exacerbate these difficulties, hindering individuals from participating in usual social gatherings revolving around meals.

  • Co-occurring Anxiety and Depression: People grappling with both OCD and eating disorders might encounter concurrent anxiety and depression, which can complicate the road to recovery. These mental health issues may foster emotional instability, creating obstacles in developing a healthy connection with food and body image.

  • Dual Diagnosis Stigma: Limited awareness or understanding regarding the overlap between OCD and eating disorders might result in stigma or challenges in accessing suitable support, even within the healthcare system. This is a barrier to someone receiving specialized care and can exacerbate feelings of isolation.

 
 
 

Overcoming these obstacles demands a holistic treatment strategy that combines evidence-backed approaches for both OCD and eating disorders. Collaboration among mental health experts, dietitians, and healthcare professionals is vital to deliver personalized and comprehensive assistance to individuals navigating the intricate intersection of these disorders.

 

Are OCD and anorexia linked?

Yes, there is evidence to suggest a correlation between OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder) and the development or co-occurrence of eating disorders. Individuals with OCD may experience intrusive and distressing thoughts (obsessions) and engage in repetitive behaviors or mental rituals (compulsions) to alleviate anxiety.

The intersection between OCD and eating disorders may manifest in various ways, including:

  • Obsessive Thoughts about Food: Individuals with OCD may have obsessive thoughts related to food, nutrition, or body image, contributing to the development of disordered eating patterns.

  • Compulsive Behaviors Related to Eating: Compulsions in OCD can extend to eating behaviors, leading to rituals or strict rules around food intake, mealtimes, or specific dietary choices.

  • Perfectionism: The perfectionistic tendencies common in OCD may contribute to rigid standards regarding body image and eating, fostering the development of eating disorders.

  • Anxiety and Control: Both OCD and eating disorders are associated with heightened anxiety and a desire for control. This shared characteristic can contribute to the co-occurrence of these conditions.

  • Overlap in Symptoms: Some symptoms of OCD, such as intrusive thoughts and ritualistic behaviors, may overlap with symptoms of certain eating disorders, creating a complex interplay between the two.

It's important to note that not everyone with OCD will experience or develop an eating disorder, and the relationship between the two conditions can vary. Genetics, environmental triggers, and individual vulnerabilities may influence the co-occurrence of these conditions.

The treatment of individuals with both OCD and an eating disorder often requires a comprehensive and integrated approach. Mental health professionals, including psychologists, psychiatrists, dietitians, and therapists, may collaborate to address the unique challenges presented by the co-occurrence of these conditions and work toward holistic recovery.

 

What does a dietitian do for someone with both Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and an eating disorder?

Our devoted team of nutrition experts specializing in eating disorders is dedicated to guiding clients toward a journey of healing that transcends fear and shame. By addressing concerns around food and dismantling negative body image perceptions and behaviors, we empower clients to reclaim ownership of their relationships with food and body and to shift their outlook, beliefs, and behaviors towards love, respect, and acceptance. This transformation paves the way for sustainable recovery and lasting wellbeing. Together, we strive to eradicate feelings of shame related to food and body image, identify triggers that fuel self-doubt, and nurture a trusting relationship with both food and body, creating space for our authentic selves and true values to emerge and thrive.

Recognizing that each individual holds the key to their own healing journey, our diverse team of medical nutrition specialists facilitates a process of self-exploration and empowerment. Recovery from an eating disorder and disorder eating extends beyond overcoming the eating disorder; it involves cultivating a rich and empowered life through healing around food and body image.

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What does nutrition therapy 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 OCD, EDs, 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 OCD and ED-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 OCD and ED 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 OCD and ED-related challenges. By dismantling the mental and emotional barriers imposed by OCD and ED, 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 OCD and ED 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 OCD and ED 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

 

What percentage of people with eating disorders have OCD?

The co-occurrence of OCD in individuals with eating disorders varies, but studies suggest that a notable percentage of people with eating disorders may also have comorbid OCD.

Is body dysmorphia a form of OCD?

Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a distinct disorder, but it shares similarities with OCD, particularly in obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors related to appearance. However, they are categorized as separate conditions.

Is anorexia a form of OCD?

Anorexia nervosa and OCD are distinct disorders, but they can co-occur. Anorexia involves restrictive eating and body image concerns, while OCD is characterized by intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviors.

Can OCD cause anorexia?

While OCD and anorexia can coexist, it's important to recognize that one doesn't directly cause the other. Both disorders have complex and multifactorial origins.

Are OCD and anorexia linked?

OCD and anorexia can be linked through comorbidity, where individuals may experience both disorders simultaneously. Shared genetic, neurological, and environmental factors may contribute to their co-occurrence.

Can anorexia cause OCD?

Anorexia itself does not cause OCD. However, the presence of anorexia and OCD together may result from shared risk factors or vulnerabilities.

How are anorexia and OCD similar?

Anorexia and OCD share similarities in terms of obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors. However, the specific focus of these thoughts and behaviors differs between the two disorders.

It's important to consult with healthcare professionals for accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans for these complex mental health conditions.

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.