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Compassionate Picky Eating Disorder Treatment, Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) Dietitian Nutritionist in Colorado

Embark on a transformative journey from extreme picky eating or picky eating recovery to full recovery and holistic well-being. Our certified medical nutrition therapy dietitians provide compassionate care to guide you toward lasting healing and a more balanced and varied diet, expanding your palate, and fostering a positive relationship with food for improved nutritional well-being and overall health.

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Can a nutritionist help with picky eaters?

At Side By Side Nutrition, our certified medical nutrition therapy dietitians provide personalized, one-on-one nutrition counseling specifically tailored for Picky Eating, Extreme Picky Eating, and Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID).  

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.

Our dietitians are based in Colorado Springs and Fort Collins, Colorado, as well as Woodinville, Washington, and we work with patients from all over the state and country providing in-person and online nutrition counseling.

 

Is there therapy for picky eaters?

The objective of medical nutrition therapy and interventions for children (adolescents, and adults) with selective eating behaviors is to encourage a more diverse and balanced diet while tackling the root causes contributing to their picky eating habits. This specialized nutritional approach aims to achieve the following:

  • Expand Food Variety: Encourage children to explore and incorporate a wider array of foods into their diet gradually, broadening their food preferences and enhancing nutritional variety.

  • Address Nutritional Deficiencies: Identify nutritional deficiencies resulting from limited food selections, making adjustments to the diet to ensure the adequate intake of essential nutrients crucial for optimal health.

  • Improve the Quality of the Diet: Improve the overall quality of the diet by including a diverse range of nutrient-rich foods. This helps with your child’s physical and cognitive development and overall well-being.

  • Establish Healthy Eating Behaviors: As dietitian nutritionists who specialize in picky eating and ARFID, we work with our patients to implement positive and sustainable eating habits. This can decrease or eliminate food-related anxieties, improve family mealtime, and help the picky eater establish a healthy relationship with food.

  • Manage Sensory Sensitivities: Develop strategies to cope with sensory issues that may contribute to picky eating, making the eating experience more enjoyable and less stressful.

  • Encourage Independence: Empower your child to take charge of their dietary decisions, enabling them to make informed choices regarding food preferences and consumption.

  • Cultivate Supportive Environment: Create a nurturing and understanding atmosphere that encourages experimentation with new foods, respecting everyone’s pace and preferences.

  • Collaborate with Healthcare Professionals: Engage in collaborative efforts with other healthcare providers, therapists, and support systems to ensure a holistic approach to addressing selective eating patterns.

Medical nutrition therapy for picky eaters aims to promote overall health, well-being, and nutritional sufficiency. We want to work with you and your family to foster a positive and adaptable approach to food choices. We can support you while you guide your child or loved one toward sustainable changes in their eating behaviors, and food choices. We want to help you and your loved ones enjoy meals again, developing a healthy relationship with food.

Is picky eating an eating disorder?

There is no “picky eater eating disorder.” That said picky eating can lead to ARFID, which is classified in the DSM-5 as an eating disorder. It’s important to note not every picky eater will go down this road. Some kids simply are fussy when they eat. There are key distinctions, though, and it’s important to be aware of them.

Technically speaking, "picky eating" and "extreme picky eating" refer to behavioral patterns concerning food preferences and aversions. These are often observed in children but applicable to individuals of all ages. These descriptions may fluctuate in their severity and influence on an individual's dietary habits and general well-being.

 

Picky Eating:

Picky eating involves a restricted scope of food preferences and an unwillingness to sample new or unfamiliar foods. Those who exhibit picky eating behaviors typically possess distinct preferences and dislikes, resulting in a diet limited to a narrow array of familiar and favored foods.

Typical Traits Include:

  • Preference for specific textures, colors, flavors, or tastes.

  • Intense or strong aversions to certain food groups or categories.

  • Hesitancy or unwillingness to experiment with new foods, resulting in a diet that is limited and repetitive.

Extreme Picky Eating:

Extreme picky eating, also known as Selective Eating Disorder (SED) or Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID), denotes a heightened and enduring manifestation of selective eating, profoundly affecting an individual's dietary intake and general well-being.

Typical Traits Include:

  • Extremely restricted food preferences, frequently excluding entire food groups.

  • Strong aversions to specific textures, odors, or appearances of foods.

  • Limited variety in the diet, resulting in nutritional deficiencies.

  • Anxiety or discomfort associated with eating or trying new foods.

While selective eating is a typical phase during childhood development, severe selective eating may demand extra attention, particularly if it interferes with your child’s growth, development, or overall wellness. Again, though it’s common in childhood, this condition can manifest in people of any age and might be linked to sensory sensitivities, anxiety, or other underlying factors.

Whether you, someone you love, or your child is experiencing picky eating or ARFID, it’s crucial to handle these behaviors delicately to try and prevent unnecessary tension during meal times. Promoting a positive and nurturing atmosphere, gradually introducing new foods, and consulting specialized dietitians can help you address selective eating habits. If severe selective eating is suspected and affects your child’s health and development, we recommend you seek guidance from your pediatrician and a pediatric dietitian nutritionist. Your child may need support from a speech or occupational therapist to explore suitable interventions and assistance.

Parenting is hard. Parenting picky eaters can be overwhelming. Recovery is attainable, and support is available. You are not alone. Our team of specialized eating disorder dietitians can help you, collaborating with your treatment team, to provide guidance, support, and strategies to help your child achieve recovery.

When is picky eating most common?

 

"Fussy eating” or “Picky eating" is a common phase observed in early childhood development and is typically viewed as a natural part of a child's exploration of food, flavors, and textures. It's particularly prevalent among toddlers and preschool-aged children. Nevertheless, several factors may contribute to the emergence of picky eating tendencies in this demographic:

  1. Developmental Phase: Picky eating tends to be most pronounced in toddlers and young children who are in the process of discovering new foods and asserting their independence. It's often a routine part of development and tends to decrease as children grow older.

  2. Sensory Sensitivities: Children with heightened sensitivities to sensory stimuli may be more selective with their eating. Sensory challenges associated with taste, texture, or aroma can influence food preferences and dislikes.

  3. Limited Exposure: Children who have restricted or limited exposure to a variety of foods may develop fussy eating habits. Introducing a variety of foods from an early age can help cultivate a more diverse palate.

  4. Parental Feeding Practices: The attitudes and behaviors of parents concerning food can shape a child's eating patterns. For instance, excessively restrictive or coercive feeding practices may contribute to fussy eating tendencies.

 

What age is ARFID most common?

"Extreme picky eating," often associated with Selective Eating Disorder (SED) or Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID), can manifest across a broader age spectrum, including adolescents and adults. Children, adolescents, and adults susceptible to severe selective eating may include those with:

  1. Sensory Sensitivities or Food Aversions: Those with heightened sensitivity to sensory stimuli or aversions towards specific textures, smells, or appearances of food may exhibit an increased vulnerability to severe selective eating.

  2. Anxiety or Mental Health Disorders: Anxiety or other mental health conditions can exacerbate severe selective eating. Fear or anxiety around eating or trying new foods can lead to a highly restricted diet.

  3. Developmental Conditions: Those with developmental disorders, such as autism spectrum disorder, might be predisposed to severe selective eating due to sensory sensitivities and rigid behavioral patterns.

  4. Gastrointestinal Issues: Individuals with gastrointestinal issues (like GERD, IBS, Chron's, among others) or conditions that cause discomfort or pain during eating may develop extreme picky eating habits as a way to avoid discomfort.

  5. Traumatic Experiences: Experiences of trauma linked to food, such as choking incidents or negative associations, can contribute to the development of severe selective eating behaviors.

 
 

It's crucial to acknowledge that selective eating, including its severe manifestations, is a multifaceted behavior shaped by numerous factors. If selective eating causes considerable distress, affects nutritional intake, or raises concerns regarding overall well-being, seeking guidance from healthcare professionals like pediatricians, pediatric dietitians, occupational health, or mental health specialists is advised for appropriate evaluation and support.

Our role is to gently lead you or your loved ones towards recovery, and ultimately, open up their lives to food freedom.

We want to work with you.

 

What does a dietitian do for ED?

Our specialized team of registered dietitians specializing in eating disorders (ED) is dedicated to assisting clients on their journey to recovery. Dietitians play a vital role in the comprehensive treatment of Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID). Commencing with a thorough evaluation, we customize personalized meal plans to accommodate specific food aversions, nutritional requirements, and preferences, gradually broadening the range of foods incorporated into the diet. By utilizing exposure therapy, we systematically reintroduce avoided foods in a supportive manner, addressing sensory sensitivities and texture aversions commonly associated with ARFID. We prioritize education on nutrition, alongside psychoeducation concerning the psychological aspects of eating challenges, as essential components of our approach. Incorporating behavioral strategies such as managing food-related anxiety and establishing regular meal schedules is integral to the treatment regimen. Emphasizing family involvement, especially in cases involving children or adolescents, helps foster a positive mealtime atmosphere. Regular monitoring enables us to adjust plans accordingly, working closely with mental health professionals and a multidisciplinary team to ensure a comprehensive and patient-centric approach. Our objective is to expand the individual's dietary options, alleviate anxiety surrounding eating, and enhance overall health and well-being.

 

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.

Recognizing that the answers lie within each individual, our multi-disciplinary team of medical nutrition specialists facilitates a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. ARFID 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.

 

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

 

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.

What is the DSM-5?

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th edition), commonly referred to as the "DSM," serves as a comprehensive guide on mental health and conditions related to the brain. The American Psychiatric Association (APA) is tasked with the creation, editing, review, and publication of this manual.

Patients may also hear the term ICD-10. This is the International Classification of Diseases (10th revision), a system used by doctors to classify and code all diagnoses, symptoms and procedures for claims processing.

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 much do sessions cost?

Side By Side Nutrition session rates for private pay clients are:

  • $225 for the initial session and $170 for follow up sessions.

Insurance rates may vary from private pay rates depending on the insurance provider and your individual plan. We accept credit cards, debit cards, HSA, and FSA cards. 

We offer sliding scale spots open for those who qualify and are experiencing financial hardship.

Do you work with children and adolescents?

Dietitians at Side By Side Nutrition work with teens and adolescents ages around 9+ and up. With treating adolescents for an eating disorder, we typically use a modified family based treatment approach which involves treating the entire family. You can learn more about Family Based Treatment for eating disorders here.

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 states do you work in?

We have offices in Colorado and WA but we see clients all over the United States! We can see clients virtually in Nevada, Kentucky, Minnesota, New York, Arizona, Wisconsin, Kansas, Missouri, Alabama, Illinois, Connecticut, California, Florida, Washington DC, Maryland, Oregon, Texas, New Hampshire, Utah, Virginia, Wyoming, Georgia, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Ohio.

We are moving more virtual because our goal is to make nutrition counseling as accessible, affordable, and stress-free as possible. Appointments with your dietitian are rooted in conversation. We have found that exchanging information during nutrition counseling sessions is far more effective and less stressful when you aren’t rushing to get to our office or worried about getting stuck in traffic. Want to talk to your dietitian in your pjs? Feel free! We use HIPAA-compliant Zoom for all of our appointments so you can easily and comfortably connect from home, work or wherever you are, on any device you choose.

Do you have a cancellation policy?

Because many patients wait several weeks for an appointment and to protect our providers time, we must strictly adhere to a 48 hour cancellation/late change policy. This policy states that you must cancel your appointment at least 48 hours ahead if you need to make any changes to your appointment. Failing to respect this policy will incur the full session fee. We appreciate your understanding as all clients who wish to be seen sooner benefit from this policy. 

Why do you keep a credit card on file?

The main reason we do this is to encourage our clients to communicate promptly with us about changing or canceling an appointment (see “Do you have a cancellation policy?” above).  

What is body dysmorphia?

Body dysmorphic disorder, also known as BDD, is a mental health condition characterized by excessive preoccupation with perceived flaws in one's appearance. This condition can affect individuals of any gender identity, including male, female, transgender, or non-binary. While it often emerges during adolescence, BDD can persist into adulthood and can affect individuals at any stage of life.

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.

What is the difference between a nutritionist and a Registered Dietitian?

In summary, all Registered Dietitians (RD or RDN) are qualified nutritionists, but not all nutritionists hold the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist credential. The term "nutritionist" is not regulated, allowing anyone to use it, which complicates distinguishing individuals with comprehensive nutrition education (e.g., CN or CNS) from those with minimal training such as weekend courses or self-study.

The Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RD or RDN) designation is nationally recognized and provides certain assurances. It indicates that the individual has met specific criteria, including obtaining at least a bachelor's degree in nutrition science, completing a supervised practice program of over 1200 hours, passing a national registration exam, and fulfilling extensive continuing education requirements for license renewal. Our dietitian nutritionists are also licensed in states where licensure is mandatory.

Other practitioners who may identify as nutritionists, such as health coaches, holistic nutritionists, nutrition therapy practitioners, and personal trainers with "nutrition certifications," may lack formal nutrition training. Consequently, their services are ineligible for insurance reimbursement nationwide because they are not recognized as nutrition experts.