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Achieve recovery. Heal your relationship with food and body.

Compassionate care with a Non-Diet Dietitian Nutritionist in Colorado for Disordered Eating, Body Image Counseling, and other medical nutrition therapy needs for Lasting Healing and Recovery

Embark on a transformative journey from Disordered Eating and Diets (Restrictive Eating disorder, Chronic Dieting) to holistic well-being and trust with food and your body. Our certified non-diet dietitian nutritionists provide compassionate care to guide you toward lasting healing and empower you to reclaim food and body trust and freedom,  embracing life with a renewed sense of wellness and vitality.

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Non-Diet Dietitian and Medical Nutrition Therapy:

At Side By Side Nutrition, our certified non-diet dietitians provide personalized, one-on-one nutrition therapy specifically tailored for individuals facing a variety of conditions and struggles including chronic dieting, disordered eating, restrictive eating, and other health conditions including PCOS and diabetes.  

Our approach is grounded in a holistic philosophy that prioritizes behaviors, and overall well-being, fostering a positive relationship with food and our bodies, and practicing self-compassion rather than fixating on numbers. This philosophy forms the foundation of values-aligned, intuitive, sustainable health and well-being. Our focus lies in assisting clients in cultivating a sustainable, empathetic, respectful, and trusting connection with food, body image, and self.

Our dietitians are based in Colorado Springs and Fort Collins, Colorado, as well as Woodinville, Washington, and we work with patients from all over the state and country providing in-person and online nutrition counseling.

 
 

What does a non-diet dietitian do?

A non-diet dietitian is a health professional who approaches nutrition and well-being from a perspective that prioritizes health over weight and emphasizes intuitive eating, body acceptance, and a balanced relationship with food. Unlike traditional dietitians who may focus on weight management or prescribe specific diets, non-diet dietitians advocate for a more holistic and individualized approach to health and nutrition.

Here's how a non-diet dietitian can help:

  • Intuitive Eating Guidance: Non-diet dietitians promote intuitive eating, helping you reconnect with your body's natural hunger and fullness cues. This approach emphasizes mindful and intuitive food choices.

  • Body Positivity and Acceptance: They foster body positivity and acceptance, encouraging you to appreciate and respect bodies at any size. This can contribute to improved self-esteem and mental well-being.

  • Ditching Diet Culture: Non-diet dietitians challenge and help you overcome the influence of diet culture. This involves rejecting restrictive diets, promoting a more flexible approach to eating, and dismantling harmful societal norms.

  • Behavioral Changes Over Weight Loss: Rather than focusing on weight loss, non-diet dietitians prioritize behavioral changes that support overall health. This includes adopting sustainable lifestyle habits, improving nutrition, and promoting movement and physical activity.

  • Individualized Nutrition Plans: They create personalized nutrition plans that cater to your unique preferences, cultural background, and health goals. This approach is more flexible and adaptable to your lifestyle.

  • Mindful Eating Practices: Non-diet dietitians teach mindful eating practices, helping you develop a healthier relationship with food. This involves being present during meals, savoring the flavors, and understanding the emotional aspects of eating.

  • Support for Eating Disorders and Disordered Eating: They provide support for dealing with eating disorders or disordered eating patterns. The focus is on addressing the underlying psychological and emotional aspects of these challenges.

  • Education on Nutrition and Health: Non-diet dietitians offer evidence-based education on nutrition and health without a primary emphasis on weight. This includes providing information on balanced eating, nutrient-dense foods, and the benefits of regular physical activity.

  • Empowerment and Self-Compassion: They empower you to make choices that align with your values and well-being. Non-diet dietitians encourage self-compassion and a positive mindset toward food and body.

  • Long-Term Well-Being: The focus is on promoting long-term well-being rather than short-term weight loss. This approach contributes to sustained health improvements and a more positive relationship with food.

Overall, non-diet dietitians support a holistic and inclusive approach to health that goes beyond the scale, aiming for overall well-being and a positive relationship with food and body.

What is a non-diet approach to health?

Our dedicated team of non-diet dietitian nutritionists is committed to guiding clients toward a path of healing that transcends fear and shame. By addressing food fears and dismantling negative body image, we empower clients to become the experts of their bodies and to shift their perspective toward love, respect, and acceptance. This helps clients reach lasting recovery. Together, we work to eliminate food and body shame, identify triggers leading to self-doubt, and foster a trusting relationship with food and body, allowing space for genuine values to emerge.

Recognizing that the answers lie within each individual, our multi-disciplinary team of medical nutrition specialists facilitates a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Food and Body Image recovery is not just about overcoming an eating disorder, chronic dieting, or restrictive and disordered eating; it's about creating a full and empowered life through food and body image healing.

 

What is Disordered Eating?

Disordered eating refers to a wide range of irregular eating behaviors and attitudes toward food, weight, and body image. It's important to distinguish disordered eating from clinically diagnosed eating disorders, although both can have detrimental effects on physical and mental health and both deserve support, care, and full recovery. Two examples of disordered eating patterns include restrictive eating and chronic dieting:

Restrictive Eating:

  • Definition: It involves limiting food quantity or variety, typically aimed at controlling body weight.

  • Characteristics: People may completely remove specific food groups from their diet, significantly reduce their calorie intake, or strictly adhere to dietary restrictions.

  • Motivation: The primary motivation often revolves around weight management/weight loss, body image, or a perceived need for dietary “purity.”

Chronic Dieting:

  • Definition: Chronic dieting refers to a persistent, long-term pattern of engaging in various diets or weight-loss strategies.

  • Characteristics: It’s common for people to repeatedly initiate, “fail” and abandon different diets, often in pursuit of achieving or maintaining a specific body weight or shape.

  • Motivation: The primary motivation is typically driven by the desire to attain an idealized body image or adhere to societal standards of beauty.

While these actions might not always satisfy the criteria for a diagnosed eating disorder, they can still very much negatively affect both physical and mental health. Chronic dieting, specifically, is linked to cycles of weight loss and regain, commonly known as "yo-yo dieting," which can harm metabolism, increase weight setpoint, increase food distrust, and contribute to psychological distress.

It's important to be aware of these described behaviors and to seek assistance if necessary. If these behaviors worsen or persist, they may develop into clinically recognized EDs like Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, or Binge Eating Disorder. Seeking professional support from healthcare providers, dietitians, or mental health experts is EXTREMELY beneficial.

Although it may seem daunting at the moment, it's essential to understand that complete recovery is possible and support is available. Our non-diet approach to help you recover from disordered eating prioritizes health, wellness, and healing your relationship with food and body. Our team of specialized professionals is uniquely qualified to collaborate with you and the treatment team, guiding you toward achieving full recovery.

 

What population is most at risk for Disordered Eating?

Disordered eating habits, including restrictive eating and chronic dieting, can affect people across different demographic groups. However, specific populations may face higher risks due to societal, cultural, or personal factors. Some factors contributing to increased risk include:

  • Adolescents and Young Adults: During adolescence and young adulthood, societal pressures related to body image and social acceptance may contribute to the development of irregular and disordered eating behaviors.

  • Athletes: Athletes, particularly those in sports with specific weight or appearance expectations, may be more prone to engaging in restrictive eating or chronic dieting to meet performance or aesthetic standards.

  • Certain Professions: Careers emphasizing appearance, such as modeling, dancing, or acting, may elevate the risk of adopting restrictive eating patterns to meet industry standards.

  • A History of Trauma or Abuse: Those with a history of trauma or abuse may turn to irregular eating as a coping mechanism or to regain a sense of control over their bodies.

  • Low Self-Esteem or Body Dissatisfaction: People with low self-esteem or dissatisfaction with their bodies may be more susceptible to societal pressures and internalize unrealistic beauty standards, leading to irregular eating habits.

  • Genetic and Family Factors: There might be a genetic predisposition to irregular eating, and those with a family history of eating disorders may face an increased risk.

  • Cultural Influences: Cultures emphasizing thinness or specific beauty ideals may contribute to a higher prevalence of irregular eating habits among certain groups.

  • Trans People: Transgender people may encounter unique challenges related to body image, societal expectations, and discrimination, increasing their risk of disordered eating habits.

It can impact individuals of any age, gender, or background. Anyone experiencing such patterns should seek support from healthcare professionals, nutritionists, or mental health experts. Early intervention is crucial to prevent the progression into more severe eating disorders. Our specialized dietitians can support you to fully recover from disordered eating and we look forward to supporting you!

 
 

We believe people are meant to discover true nourishment through a self-compassionate, self-accepting, and holistic lens. In our practice, our clients are empowered to become their own nutrition experts. Our role is to gently lead them towards body trust and acceptance, and ultimately, open up their lives to more.

We want to work with you.

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What does nutrition therapy include?

 

A Comprehensive Initial Assessment

Our holistic approach begins with an in-depth initial evaluation, delving into your individual needs by exploring your history with food, body image, and overall health. With your consent, we engage in a collaborative process to grasp your objectives and hopes for our collaboration and your journey toward full recovery.

 

Build Trust in the Body’s Natural Cues

Our approach is centered on breaking free from the constant thoughts and behaviors associated with the eating disorder that keep individuals stuck in a cycle of distress. Together, we embark on a transformative journey to build trust in the body's natural cues and become intuitive and trusting eaters, allowing for a renewed sense of freedom and openness in life.

 

Go Beyond Symptom Management - Shift Body Image Perception

Our focus goes beyond merely managing symptoms; we aim to facilitate a profound transformation in how body image is perceived, fostering self-acceptance and a genuine appreciation for one's unique self. By breaking down the mental and emotional barriers imposed by the eating disorder, we empower our clients to embrace a life free from never-ending negative food and body image thoughts, nurturing a newfound sense of joy, purpose, and opportunity. Follow-up sessions are central to our collaborative efforts. We thoroughly explore your connection with food and body, addressing obstacles and co-creating personalized strategies. We delve into body image examination, dismantling external pressures of food and body negativity, and establishing supportive frameworks as necessary. Our objective is to assist you in broadening the spectrum and adaptability of your eating habits, learning to nuture and tend to your body's signals of hunger and satisfaction, and cultivating a joyful relationship with both food and body.

 

Continued Support

Throughout your journey, we offer unwavering support, navigating the inevitable ups and downs. We celebrate your progress and stand by you as you cross the finish line. Our mission is not only eating disorder recovery but also the cultivation of a life that is rich, meaningful, and fully aligned with your values. We believe in the importance of this journey and the therapeutic relationship, and our dedicated dietitians are here to guide you every step of the way.

 

TESTIMONIALS

Testimonials List

Recent “graduate” from Side by Side Nutrition. I started working with SBSN to figure out how food worked after having an eating disorder for years. And I’m so happy I got so much more than that! SBSN introduced me to Self-Compassion and met me with an approach that never included shaming me. I looked forward to our sessions every week, even if I hadn’t done any of my work, because I knew she’d be understanding and work with me to figure out what I needed to make it happen. And none of that compassion and presence was lost when we had to switch to telehealth. When I started, I didn’t think healing from an eating disorder was possible. And I never in my wildest dreams imagined that I’d come out of it with an unshakable love for my body (certainly not a plus size body with chronic illness)! I’m so glad circumstances sent me here because I know I wouldn’t have gotten to this place with my previous dietician! I am STRONG, I am CONFIDENT, and I am in LOVE with myself! Thank you so much for helping me on my journey here! It wasn’t easy, but it was so worth it!

— Michaela Myers

I worked with SBSN at Side by Side after an eating disorder diagnosis, and it changed my life for the better. The entire team is incredibly supportive, patient, and full of resources. There's a lot of confusion out there about dieticians and nutritionists, and I'm lucky to have found a place that helped me the way no one ever had. I thought recovery was impossible for me, but it's not! You just have to find the right people, and that can take some digging. Side by Side is the real deal.

— Melanie Smith

As the director of an eating disorder outpatient clinic, licensed psychologist, and certified eating disorders specialist, I am extremely picky about the dietitians my team and I will collaborate with. I can say with full confidence that my team completely trusts Jamie Magdic and her entire team of dietitians. Jamie is incredibly compassionate and dedicated to her patients, in addition to being extremely knowledgeable . Side By Side Nutrition is one of our clinic's top picks for nutrition therapy. They are excellent, know eating disorders, and are actually weight-inclusive and HAES-informed. I would trust Side By Side Nutrition with any patient with any diagnosis in any stage of recovery.

— Dr. Janean Anderson

I started working with SBSN after 20 years of disordered eating and 3 years of eating disorder treatment. My RDs were always focused on my weight restoration and how I felt food, but never really got how I felt about my body. I have made bigger strides in recovery working with SBSN than I ever did with any other RD. SBSN is kind, compassionate, non-judgemental, and easy to relate to. I felt comfortable with SBSN starting from day 1. To quote my therapist, SBSN is a unicorn and you won't find anyone like them!

— Alexandria McCombs

When I started working with SBSN, I had been struggling with my eating disorder for over six years. I had worked with RDs and therapists before, but they solely focused on weight restoration and not the mental aspect of recovery, so I stayed stuck in my disorder while in a "recovered" body. SBSN's approach was unlike any other RD or eating disorder specialist I had worked with before in that she treats her clients as whole, multifaceted people and addresses so much more than just the food piece of recovery. They helped me to constantly challenge my eating disorder and tackle food fears while also teaching me about the importance of self care and self compassion in recovery and how I could incorporate these into my life. I truly feel that my work with SBSN not only helped me win my battle against my eating disorder but helped me to be a stronger, happier, healthier person in general now that I have those self care tools. It was so refreshing to work with someone with a holistic approach to eating disorders and body image issues and I cannot recommend working with her enough! Thank you so much SBSN for your support!

— Kacey

SBSN gave me peace and restoration in my mind, body, and life. I had deeply rooted issues surrounding food and my body, and I thought I would never recover from my concerns. I had my reservations about meeting a dietician on my first appointment, but the therapy is never diet-focused, and focused more on client-centered care and recovery. They tailor therapy sessions around your goals and comfort. They provide many resources for her clients to guide them through each phase of recovery. I will never forget SBSN, they were an essential factor in my recovery.

— Lauren

I am so thankful to this organization, they are helping me out so much in so many different areas. My dietitian is an outstanding registered dietitian to work with and Jamie has jumped hoops to make sure that I could get into this program and I am so humbled by their partnering care! I love the inviting and accepting feel of the staff and overall office feel, from when I walk in the doors through when I walk out after my appointment every time I come. I truly don’t know where I’d be if I didn’t have Side by Side guiding me through my healing journey. My eyes well with gratitude for this practice as I write this review! Thank you!!!

— Mary Sanders

Our team of Expert Dietitian Nutritionists Have Been Featured In:

 

Our Team of Dietitian Nutritionists, Expert ED and Medical Nutrition Counselors

 

The Side by Side Nutrition team has a team of 12+ outpatient registered dietitians. We provide online nutrition counseling to patients in Colorado and around the country. We offer one-on-one and family nutrition counseling for patients either online or in person, with offices located in Colorado Springs and Fort Collins. We specialize in eating disorder recovery and body image healing.

RD - Registered Dietitian
RDN - Registered Dietitian Nutritionist
MS - Masters of Science

As specialists in ED nutrition counseling our mission is rooted in compassion. We:  

  • Strive to create a safe and nurturing space for individuals on their journey to wellness. 

  • Understand the profound impact that eating disorders can have on one's life

  • Are committed to fostering a supportive community where every client feels seen, heard, and understood. 

  • Work from an intuitive eating, HAES (Health at Every Size) Informed Approach.

  • Believe everyone has the right to high-quality care – accessibility and inclusivity are at the core of our values.

  • Stand firm in our belief in the possibility of full recovery. 

  • Continually invest in our education to stay at the forefront of the field.

  • Are committed to ongoing learning.

  • Channel all our resources into becoming the best eating disorder nutritionist counselors.

  • Are dedicated to guiding our clients toward a life of lasting health and empowerment.

 

We Accept Insurance:

We are committed to ensuring that our clients have access to healthcare, and we make every effort to facilitate this. We accept insurance plans such as BlueCross Blue Shield (Anthem/Regence), United HealthCare (Optum), Aetna, and Cigna.

 
 

Dietitian for ED and Medical Nutrition Therapy FAQ

 

What insurance plans do you accept?

Side By Side Nutrition is in network with Cigna, Cigna Localplus, Aetna, BlueCross Blue Shield (Anthem/Regence), UMR, and United Healthcare. Prior to your visit, please call your insurance company to check your benefits. We can not guarantee coverage. 

For other insurance companies, we are out-of-network providers. This means we can provide you a superbill to submit to insurance for possible reimbursement. SBS can not submit superbills without a medical diagnosis. Payment is due at time of service for folxs using out of network benefits.

What is the DSM-5?

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th edition), commonly referred to as the "DSM," serves as a comprehensive guide on mental health and conditions related to the brain. The American Psychiatric Association (APA) is tasked with the creation, editing, review, and publication of this manual.

Patients may also hear the term ICD-10. This is the International Classification of Diseases (10th revision), a system used by doctors to classify and code all diagnoses, symptoms and procedures for claims processing.

How does treatment work? What does a typical session look like?

An outpatient team consists of a dietitian, therapist, and primary care physician at minimum. Sessions are highly individualized and change from week to week depending on the needs, goals, behaviors, and journey of each client. Our dietitians are constantly assessing the needs, progress, safety, and next steps with their client’s short and long term goals in mind.

An outpatient team works collaboratively to ensure clients get the best care for their recovery while staying in their day to day life. Clients in eating disorder recovery being treated on the outpatient level will typically visit with their dietitians 1-2x/week, therapist 1-2x/week, PCP monthly, and psychiatrist as needed.

I don’t live in Colorado, can we still work together?

Absolutely! We are passionate about making care accessible for you and offer telehealth services and online nutrition therapy when appropriate. We will meet via a HIPAA-compliant video conference platform and communicate between sessions using email. 

We provide nutrition counseling to clients from around the county. 

How much do sessions cost?

Side By Side Nutrition session rates for private pay clients are:

  • $225 for the initial session and $170 for follow up sessions.

Insurance rates may vary from private pay rates depending on the insurance provider and your individual plan. We accept credit cards, debit cards, HSA, and FSA cards. 

We offer sliding scale spots open for those who qualify and are experiencing financial hardship.

Do you work with children and adolescents?

Dietitians at Side By Side Nutrition work with teens and adolescents ages around 9+ and up. With treating adolescents for an eating disorder, we typically use a modified family based treatment approach which involves treating the entire family. You can learn more about Family Based Treatment for eating disorders here.

How do I get started?

You can schedule directly online here!

You can also contact us to help you schedule via our contact form here.

If you have any questions about working with us or scheduling, feel free to contact us via email or phone: contact@sidebysidenutrition.com or call us at 708-717-7394.

What states do you work in?

We have offices in Colorado and WA but we see clients all over the United States! We can see clients virtually in Nevada, Kentucky, Minnesota, New York, Arizona, Wisconsin, Kansas, Missouri, Alabama, Illinois, Connecticut, California, Florida, Washington DC, Maryland, Oregon, Texas, New Hampshire, Utah, Virginia, Wyoming, Georgia, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Ohio.

We are moving more virtual because our goal is to make nutrition counseling as accessible, affordable, and stress-free as possible. Appointments with your dietitian are rooted in conversation. We have found that exchanging information during nutrition counseling sessions is far more effective and less stressful when you aren’t rushing to get to our office or worried about getting stuck in traffic. Want to talk to your dietitian in your pjs? Feel free! We use HIPAA-compliant Zoom for all of our appointments so you can easily and comfortably connect from home, work or wherever you are, on any device you choose.

Do you have a cancellation policy?

Because many patients wait several weeks for an appointment and to protect our providers time, we must strictly adhere to a 48 hour cancellation/late change policy. This policy states that you must cancel your appointment at least 48 hours ahead if you need to make any changes to your appointment. Failing to respect this policy will incur the full session fee. We appreciate your understanding as all clients who wish to be seen sooner benefit from this policy. 

Why do you keep a credit card on file?

The main reason we do this is to encourage our clients to communicate promptly with us about changing or canceling an appointment (see “Do you have a cancellation policy?” above).  

What is body dysmorphia?

Body dysmorphic disorder, also known as BDD, is a mental health condition characterized by excessive preoccupation with perceived flaws in one's appearance. This condition can affect individuals of any gender identity, including male, female, transgender, or non-binary. While it often emerges during adolescence, BDD can persist into adulthood and can affect individuals at any stage of life.

What is Health at Every Size?

Health at Every Size™ is a compassionate care framework that recognizes and promotes body diversity and holistic health. We recognize a focus on intentional weight loss causes harm, does not improve health, and further invokes weight stigma and discrimination. We believe any person in any size body can pursue health and create positive behavior change that prioritizes their individual health desires.

What is intuitive eating?

Intuitive Eating is an approach to eating that incorporates building body trust, intuitive responses, emotional awareness, and listening to your body. It encourages self-compassion, curiosity, trust, and a gentle attitude towards food in order to cultivate and maintain a sustainable, healthy, and trusting relationship with food and body image.

What is the difference between a nutritionist and a Registered Dietitian?

In summary, all Registered Dietitians (RD or RDN) are qualified nutritionists, but not all nutritionists hold the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist credential. The term "nutritionist" is not regulated, allowing anyone to use it, which complicates distinguishing individuals with comprehensive nutrition education (e.g., CN or CNS) from those with minimal training such as weekend courses or self-study.

The Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RD or RDN) designation is nationally recognized and provides certain assurances. It indicates that the individual has met specific criteria, including obtaining at least a bachelor's degree in nutrition science, completing a supervised practice program of over 1200 hours, passing a national registration exam, and fulfilling extensive continuing education requirements for license renewal. Our dietitian nutritionists are also licensed in states where licensure is mandatory.

Other practitioners who may identify as nutritionists, such as health coaches, holistic nutritionists, nutrition therapy practitioners, and personal trainers with "nutrition certifications," may lack formal nutrition training. Consequently, their services are ineligible for insurance reimbursement nationwide because they are not recognized as nutrition experts.