Dietitian for Bulimia Nervosa

Compassionate, evidence-based nutrition therapy to restore balance and heal your relationship with food.

Understanding Bulimia Nervosa

Bulimia nervosa is characterized by recurrent episodes of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors such as vomiting, laxative use, fasting, or excessive exercise. These episodes occur at least once per week for three months and are often accompanied by feelings of shame, secrecy, and loss of control. You may find that others don't recognize what you're going through because bulimia often isn't visible from the outside, as weight typically remains in a normal range. The binge-purge cycle can feel overwhelming and isolating, creating a pattern that becomes increasingly difficult to break without support. It's important to know that bulimia is a treatable condition, and seeking help early can prevent serious health complications while helping you regain control over your relationship with food and your body.

Signs & Symptoms

  • Recurrent binge eating episodes with feelings of loss of control

  • Compensatory behaviors: vomiting, laxatives, diuretics, fasting, excessive exercise

  • Normal or above-average body weight (often making the disorder "invisible")

  • Preoccupation with body weight and shape

  • Mood swings and emotional dysregulation

  • Social withdrawal and secrecy around eating

The Physical Impact

Bulimia affects your body in ways that may not be immediately visible:

Physical Complications:

  • Electrolyte Imbalances: Dangerous shifts in potassium, sodium, and CO2 levels

  • Gastrointestinal Issues: Acid reflux, constipation, gastroparesis

  • Dental Problems: Tooth erosion, cavities, gum disease

  • Cardiovascular Stress: Irregular heart rhythms due to electrolyte disturbances

  • Metabolic Disruption: Unpredictable blood sugar and hunger/fullness cues

How I Support Your Recovery as Your Registered Dietitian

What We Work On Together

Nutritional Stabilization

  • Regular Eating Patterns: Implementing structured meals and snacks to prevent the restrict-binge cycle

  • Adequate Fuel: Ensuring your body receives consistent energy to reduce biological urges to binge

  • Blood Sugar Balance: Learning how food timing and composition affect mood and cravings

  • Hydration and Electrolyte Recovery: Supporting your body's healing from purging effects

Food Relationship Healing

  • Reintroducing "Fear Foods": Safely incorporating previously avoided foods to reduce their binge potential

  • Hunger and Fullness Awareness: Rebuilding trust in your body's natural cues

  • Satisfaction Factor: Discovering how truly satisfying meals can prevent binge episodes

  • Emotional vs. Physical Hunger: Learning to distinguish between different types of eating urges

Shame Reduction and Empowerment

  • Creating a judgment-free space to discuss eating behaviors

  • Education about the biological and psychological factors driving bulimia

  • Developing coping strategies for emotional triggers

  • Building self-compassion throughout the recovery process

What you can expect

Recovery is a journey, and I'm here to support you every step of the way. Clients depending on where they are in the journey often experience:

Weeks 1-4:

  • Initial anxiety around eating regularly (this is completely normal)

  • Possible temporary digestive discomfort as your body adjusts

  • Beginning to notice triggers and patterns

  • Learning new coping strategies for urges to purge

Months 2-6:

  • Reduced Binge Episodes: As we establish consistent eating, the biological drive to binge decreases

  • Improved Mood Stability: Better blood sugar regulation leads to more stable emotions

  • Increased Energy: Your body begins to trust that food will be consistently available

  • Digestive Healing: GI symptoms improve as purging behaviors decrease

Long-term Recovery:

  • Food Freedom: Ability to eat all foods without fear of losing control

  • Emotional Regulation: Improved ability to cope with stress without using food behaviors

  • Social Confidence: Comfort eating in social situations and around others

  • Body Trust: Renewed faith in your body's hunger, fullness, and satisfaction cues

Take the Next Step

Recovery from bulimia 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.