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People hear “dietitian” and picture rules, judgment, and a perfect plate. We want to replace that stereotype with something more honest: nutrition counseling that feels human, collaborative, and actually useful. We’re joined by Mia Bailey, RD, who works with eating disorders and body image using a HAES aligned, weight-inclusive, evidence-based approach. Together, we unpack why some clients have real “horror story” experiences with nutrition care and what it looks like to try again without forcing instant trust. Mia shares how she starts by asking what didn’t work before, explains her philosophy clearly, and lets the relationship build through actions rather than pressure. If you’ve ever felt nervous to be honest about what you eat, this conversation names that vulnerability and makes space for it. We also get practical about what dietitians really do. Yes, we talk meal timing, planning, groceries, and real life situations like holidays or big transitions. But we also talk about the deeper work: food neutrality, body image, triggers, societal pressure, and why recommendations are not the same thing as judgment. We dig into a common turning point in eating disorder recovery, when someone says, “I don’t think I need a dietitian anymore,” and how to tell the difference between true readiness and eating disorder avoidance. If you’re considering nutrition counseling, we break down what a first session typically includes and the question we love asking: where do you want your relationship with food to be in six months? Listen, then subscribe, share with someone who needs a steadier relationship with food, and leave a rating or review so more people can find the support they deserve.
Show notes:
Trigger warning: this show is not medical, nutrition, or mental health treatment and is not a replacement for meeting with a Registered Dietitian, Licensed Mental Health Provider, or any other medical provider. You can find resources for how to find a provider, as well as crisis resources, in the show notes. Listener discretion is advised.
Resource links:
Hilltop Behavioral Health: https://hilltopbehavioralhealth.com/
Alliance for Eating Disorders: https://www.allianceforeatingdisorders.com/
ANAD: https://anad.org/
NEDA: https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/
NAMI: https://nami.org/home
Action Alliance: https://theactionalliance.org/
NIH: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/
How to find a provider:
https://map.nationaleatingdisorders.org/
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us
https://www.healthprofs.com/us/nutritionists-dietitians?tr=Hdr_Brand
Suicide & crisis awareness hotline: call 988 (available 24/7)
Eating Disorder hotline: call or text 800-931-2237 (Phone line is available Monday-Thursday 11 am-9 pm ET and Friday 11 am-5 pm ET; text line is available Monday-Thursday 3-6 pm ET and Friday 1-5 pm ET)
If you are experiencing a psychiatric or medical emergency, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.
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