Binge Eating Disorder Dietitian

Compassionate, evidence-based nutrition therapy for recovery and healing

Understanding Binge Eating Disorder

Binge Eating Disorder (BED) is characterized by recurrent episodes of consuming large amounts of food in a short period of time, accompanied by a sense of loss of control. Unlike bulimia, binge episodes are not followed by purging or compensatory behaviors. Individuals with BED often experience deep shame, guilt, and distress around eating. Many struggle with years of chronic dieting, weight cycling, and internalized blame for not having “more willpower.”

Because weight is often normal or higher, BED is frequently misunderstood, minimized, or dismissed altogether. Yet BED is the most common eating disorder, affecting people of all genders, sizes, and backgrounds. It carries serious emotional and physical consequences but is absolutely treatable. With proper support, you can break the restrict-binge cycle, restore balance to your eating, and reclaim a peaceful, trusting relationship with food.

Signs & Symptoms

  • Recurring episodes of eating unusually large amounts of food in a short period

  • Feeling unable to stop or control how much you eat

  • Eating even when not physically hungry

  • Eating rapidly, until uncomfortably full

  • Eating in secret due to embarrassment or shame

  • Intense guilt, disgust, or depression after eating

  • History of chronic dieting and weight fluctuations

The Physical Impact

Binge eating can affect your body in ways that go far beyond weight:

Physical Complications:

  • Gastrointestinal Issues: Bloating, reflux, constipation, and delayed digestion

  • Metabolic Changes: Elevated triglycerides, blood sugar dysregulation, insulin resistance

  • Hormonal Disruptions: PCOS, cortisol imbalances, disrupted hunger/satiety signals

  • Weight Cycling: Repeated periods of weight loss and regain, increasing metabolic strain

  • Sleep Disturbances: Insomnia, fatigue, or disrupted sleep patterns

How I Support Your Recovery as Your Registered Dietitian

My Approach

As a registered dietitian specializing in eating disorder recovery, I provide comprehensive nutrition therapy that goes far beyond meal planning. My approach is:

  • Individualized: Every nutrition roadmap is tailored to your unique needs, medical status, and recovery goals

  • Collaborative: I work closely with your medical doctor, therapist, and psychiatrist as part of your integrated care team

  • Evidence-Based: Treatment follows established protocols while honoring your personal recovery journey

  • Compassionate: Creating a safe, non-judgmental space for healing and growth

What We Work On Together

Nutritional Rehabilitation

  • Consistent Eating Patterns: Establishing regular meals and snacks to stabilize blood sugar and reduce biological drive to binge

  • Adequate Nourishment: Ensuring you are eating enough during the day to prevent the extreme hunger that often precedes binges

  • Blood Sugar Balance: Teaching how food composition and timing influence cravings and mood swings

  • Gentle Nutrition: Incorporating nutrient-dense foods for heart health, digestion, and long-term well-being — without restriction

Food Relationship Healing

    • Legalizing All Foods: Gradually allowing previously forbidden or “binge foods” into your daily eating in safe, supported ways

    • Mindful Eating Practices: Learning to slow down, savor food, and tune into satisfaction to prevent episodes of overeating

    • Physical vs. Emotional Hunger: Developing skills to identify and respond to true hunger versus emotional triggers

    • Coping with Triggers: Building non-food coping strategies for stress, boredom, anxiety, and loneliness

Shame Reduction and Empowerment

    • Judgment-Free Space: Creating a safe environment to openly discuss eating patterns and underlying emotions

    • Psychoeducation: Understanding the biological and psychological drivers of binge eating (it’s not about willpower)

    • Compassionate Cognitive Work: Challenging rigid food rules and black-and-white thinking

    • Body Respect: Shifting focus toward internal health markers and body trust rather than external appearance

What you can expect

Recovery is not linear — but with steady, consistent work, many clients experience profound relief:

Weeks 1-4:

  • Initial adjustment to regular eating patterns

  • Heightened awareness of binge triggers

  • Beginning gentle reintroduction of feared or restricted foods

  • Development of individualized coping strategies for emotional urges

Months 2-6:

  • Decrease in binge frequency and intensity as consistent eating stabilizes biological cues

  • Improved emotional regulation as blood sugar and hormones normalize

  • Enhanced energy, focus, and mood stability

  • Growing confidence in handling situations that previously triggered binge urges

Long-term Recovery:

  • Food Neutrality: All foods lose their emotional charge and binge potential

  • Emotional Coping: Ability to handle stress and difficult emotions without turning to food

  • Consistent Energy: Predictable hunger and fullness signals return

  • Body Trust: Renewed confidence in your body's ability to guide eating decisions

  • Lasting Peace: Freedom from food guilt, shame, and obsessive thoughts

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does recovery take?

While every individual is different, many clients experience a significant reduction in binge episodes within 3-6 months of consistent nutrition therapy. Full recovery—including rebuilding intuitive eating, emotional resilience, and body trust—often occurs over 6-18 months.

Will I have to give up certain foods to stop binge eating?

No. In fact, restricting certain foods often fuels the binge cycle. Part of recovery involves learning to reintroduce all foods — even those you've previously binged on — in safe, supported ways. Over time, these foods lose their power and become just food.

What if I binge during recovery?

Bingeing lessens over time, but occasional setbacks are normal. Every binge episode provides valuable information to help us refine your coping skills and adjust your plan. Recovery isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress.

Will this approach focus on weight loss?

No. In BED treatment, the focus is on healing your relationship with food, stabilizing eating patterns, and improving physical health markers. Weight may change over time, but it’s not the primary goal of treatment. Focusing on weight tends to worsen binge eating, not resolve it.

Do you work with clients who have multiple eating disorder symptoms?

Yes. BED often overlaps with other disordered eating behaviors or past histories of restriction, dieting, or purging. My approach adapts to your unique experience and supports you as your needs evolve throughout recovery.Yes, family involvement can be crucial for recovery, especially for adolescents. I provide family nutrition education and support to create a recovery-oriented home environment.

Take the Next Step

Recovery from anorexia nervosa is possible, and you don't have to do it alone. If you're ready to begin or continue your journey , I'm here to help.

Natalie is a registered dietitian with a background in psychology and a deep commitment to supporting individuals through eating disorder recovery. She holds an honors degree in Psychology from UC Berkeley and a Master’s in Clinical Dietetics from NYU, with training in eating disorder care. Her approach is rooted in intuitive eating and weight inclusive care, blending clinical expertise with warmth and compassion. Natalie believes in helping clients build a peaceful relationship with food and body while supporting lasting, meaningful recovery.