Whether the issue is restricting, bingeing and purging, or fear of eating specific foods (Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder)  learning how to eat without fear and dread is the key to recovery. Dieting doesn’t work, restricting can lead to death and bingeing and purging does not control weight and may also cause serious medical complications, some of which are irreversible.

What works is a lifestyle that combines the appropriate physical activity with good nutrition. Once the patient is medically stable, a combination of strength, yoga, and pulse training, is my recommendation for fitness. Eating organic, 100% grass fed, wild caught and minimally processed foods are also key.

When regular exercise is combined with eating foods that have a low to moderate glycemic load, (//www.eatingdisorderpro.com/health-benefits-of-prunes/) a healthy relationship with food and eating can be established.

1. Food Intake Analysis – Food phobias are usually based upon misperceptions and/or mistaken beliefs about the way food or a particular food behaves. A critical component of treatment is debunking the myths and fears about foods and desensitizing the individual to the ingestion of healthy foods. When the client is ready, reaching an understanding about the impact of food related fears is the first step towards managing this component of the eating disorder.

2. Shopping and Cooking – Coaching is another critical component in helping the individual learn to purchase and prepare delicious food that is also nourishing. In other words, we want to nourish the body and the soul.

3. Supplementation Information – Many individuals suffering from eating disorders have damaged their organs, skin, teeth, hair etc. and therefore have some catching up to do. To that end, a complete physical is needed that identifies potential problems such as calcium deficits that can result in osteopenia (the precursor to osteoporosis) high blood pressure, heart arrhythmias, esophageal tears, and upper or lower GI problems resulting from starvation, purging or laxative abuse.

For more information see my refeeding and clean eating protocols.


Does someone you love suffer from an eating disorder?

Dr. Renae Norton specializes in the treatment of eating disorders. Located in Cincinnati, Ohio. Call 513-205-6543 to schedule an appointment or fill out our online contact form for someone to call you to discuss your concerns. Tele-therapy sessions available. Individual and family sessions also available.

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Materials contained on this site are made available solely for educational purposes and as part of an effort to raise general awareness of the psychological treatments available to individuals with health issues. These materials are not intended to be, and are not a substitute for, direct professional medical or psychological care based on your individual condition and circumstances.  Dr. J. Renae Norton does not diagnose or treat medical conditions. While this site may contain descriptions of pharmacological, psychiatric and psychological treatments, such descriptions and any related materials should not be used to diagnose or treat a mental health problem without consulting a qualified mental health care provider.  You are advised to consult your medical health provider about your personal questions or concerns.



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