Background: Clients struggling with eating disorder behaviors from Binge Eating Disorder (BED) to Anorexia Nervosa (AN) benefit from extensive nutrition therapy. Using traditional meal plans has been the hallmark of nutrition therapy. Bridging meal planning with mindfulness techniques can help clients move forward in recovery, providing autonomy and self-efficacy.
Outline
Stand like a Mountain; Flow like a River. From Meal Plans to Mindfulness.
Pamela Kelle RD CEDRD
Tammy Beasley RD MS CEDRD
I. Introduction of Topic
A. Review of Objectives
B. Concept of Mountain / River
II. “Stand Like A Mountain”
A. Brief history of traditional medical nutrition therapy (MNT)) used with eating disorder clients
1. Review metabolic changes that occur during chronic eating dysfunction
2. Review barriers to recovery
a. Resistant clients
b. Long term dysfunctional eating and consequences in brain function
c. Compromised clients
B. Brief review of the field of Eating Disorders discussed in this presentation and traditional MNT
1. Anorexia Nervosa (AN)
2. Bulimia Nervosa (BN)
3. Eating Disorders Not Otherwise Specified (EDNOS)
4. New DSM- 5 Categories
a. Avoidant-Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (AFRID)
b. Binge Eating Disorder (BED)
III. ”Flow Like a River”
A. Introduction of Mindfulness and Nutrition
B. History and rational of Mindfulness in other chronic disease and disorders
C. Examples of using Mindfulness Based Eating Awareness Training. (MBEAT)
D. Neurobiology and Mindfulness
1. Understanding the plasticity of the brain
2. The role of Stress; how mindful eating can help
IV. Specifically Address BED
A. Bringing back respect for food/compassion for self
B. Stress and Anxiety
C. Exploring Mindfulness and mealtimes
D. Body Image and Acceptance
E. ACT and ARC and the common threads to mindfulness
V. Specifically Address AN, BN and EDNOS
A. When is it appropriate?/ When it doesn't work?
B. Stress and Anxiety
C. How to Bridge the two concepts in Advanced Practice
D. Mindfulness Approach to Body Image Dissatisfaction
VI. Group Participation and Practice
A. STOP Method
B. Index Cards
C. Suggestions for groups and individual nutrition sessions
VII. Conclusions/Wrap-up Q and A
Traditional medical nutrition therapy approaches to aid the recovery of eating disorder clients across the continuum from anorexia to binge eating disorder have been only somewhat successful. Research papers, presentations and books over the last several years have integrated the mindfulness approach which, when used effectively, helps the client address the common comorbidities that plague many disordered eating patients, including anxiety, stress, shame and suffering. Using mindfulness-based theories in meal planning along with acceptance commitment therapy and ARC have the potential to advance the counseling strategies used by dietitians and redefine progress for both the client and the clinician. Successful programs such as mindfulness-based eating awareness training (MBEAT) and other mindful eating programs need to be further explored and shared with clients. When food is used for other than sustenance of life in the presence of fear, recovery will continue to be difficult to achieve. Helping the perfectionist, the anxiety-driven, and those who live within the constraints of constant mind chatter, the advanced practiced dietitian can help bring about a less traumatic relationship with food. This option of mindful meal planning for the client will also bridge the important relationship with the therapist to provide a cohesive team approach to recovery.
Owner and Founder of Pamela Kelle Nutrition Consultants. Speaker, writer, and sought after frequent guest on local TV, radio and print media. Serve as a consultant and maintain a private practice for almost 20 years as a nutritionist/registered dietitian. Certified as an Eating Disorder Registered Dietitian through International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals. Serve on the Certification Committee for IAEDP. Previous Co owner of Solace Intensive Outpatient Eating Disorder Clinic. Certified diabetes educator and Certificate in Adult Weight Management through the American Dietetic Association.
Consultant, speaker, author, sports dietitian and certified eating disorder registered dietitian since 1993, Tammy Beasley brings years of experience and compassion to her work. Tammy currently serves as Director of iaedp's Certification Committee, having served as co-chair for three years prior. Her unique perspective on wellness, resulting from over 27 years of consulting in weight management, sports nutrition and EDs, has helped create the RevItUP! for Life program, which celebrates living well, without food or dieting guilt. She was recognized as Alabama's Outstanding Dietitian in 2007 and Emerging Dietetic Leader in 2010.
