Healing Your Relationship with Food: Insights from an Expert Dietitian

Welcome back to the blog! I am thrilled to share some incredible insights from the podcast guest, Holly Paulsen, a certified eating disorder specialist and registered dietitian. Holly's approach to nutrition therapy is truly transformative, especially for those struggling with disordered eating and emotional eating. In this post, we'll delve into the differences between dietitians and nutritionists, the principles of intuitive eating, and how to navigate eating with chronic illnesses. Let's dive in!

You can listen to the full podcast episode with Holly here.


Holly Paulsen: A True Advocate for Food Peace

Holly Paulsen is not just any dietitian; she's a certified Intuitive Eating counselor who uses a Health at Every Size (HAES) approach. Her journey began with her own struggles with food and body image, which ultimately led her to help others find peace with food. Holly’s practice is focused on providing nutrition therapy for clients with eating disorders and disordered eating, and she also offers professional case consultation and training for healthcare providers in the field.


Understanding the Difference: Dietitian vs. Nutritionist

A common question that arises is, What's the difference between a dietitian and a nutritionist? Holly explains that while all dietitians are nutritionists, not all nutritionists are dietitians. A registered dietitian (RD) has completed a master’s degree in nutrition and dietetics, passed a board exam, and holds a license to practice. This rigorous training ensures they can provide medical nutrition therapy for conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and eating disorders. On the other hand, the term nutritionist is not regulated, meaning anyone can call themselves a nutritionist without formal credentials.


The Emotional Eating Journey: Holly’s Personal Story

Holly’s personal experience with emotional eating began in her childhood, where she found comfort and joy in food. However, as a teenager, she faced societal pressures to diet, leading to a cycle of restrictive eating and binge eating. This struggle continued for years until she discovered intuitive eating and the importance of listening to her body’s needs. Holly’s story is a testament to the fact that healing your relationship with food is possible, no matter how long you've been struggling.


Navigating Food and Chronic Illness

One of the most enlightening parts of our conversation was Holly’s perspective on eating with chronic illnesses like diabetes. Contrary to popular belief, people with diabetes can eat sugar and carbohydrates. Holly emphasizes that managing diabetes is not about restrictive diets but about regular, balanced eating that includes all food groups. She highlights that restrictive eating can lead to binge eating, which is more harmful than simply enjoying a variety of foods in moderation.


Starting Your Intuitive Eating Journey

Transitioning to intuitive eating can be challenging, especially if you've been stuck in a diet cycle. Holly suggests starting with structured eating to reconnect with your hunger and fullness cues. This means eating regular meals and snacks without going more than five hours without nourishment. Once you feel more stable, you can begin to explore what foods you truly enjoy and how they make you feel. Remember, the goal is to reduce the chaos around eating and bring back the pleasure and satisfaction.


Finding the Right Dietitian

If you're considering working with a dietitian, it’s essential to find someone who aligns with your goals and values. Holly recommends having a preliminary phone call to discuss your needs and see if it feels like a good fit. Remember, you deserve to work with someone who makes you feel comfortable and supported.


Conclusion

Healing your relationship with food is a journey, and it’s one that doesn’t have to be traveled alone. Whether you’re dealing with disordered eating, managing a chronic illness, or simply looking to improve your relationship with food, there are resources and professionals like Holly who can help guide you. Remember, food is meant to be enjoyed and can be a source of comfort and joy.

Here’s to finding peace with food and embracing health at every size!


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Comparison, Compassion, and Shame

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Nourish, Don’t Punish: Transforming Your Relationship with Food and Body