Runners
Eating Disorders Recovery for Runners:
Recovery from eating disorders for runners involves a comprehensive and supportive approach, addressing both physical and mental health. Some key components of a recovery plan include:
-
Medical Supervision to address malnutrition electrolyte imbalances and bone density concerns.
-
Nutrition Rehabilitation with a member of our Branz Nutrition sports team to reintroduce a variety of foods to ensure adequate calories intake to support recovery and athletic performance.
-
Psychological Support to address underlying concerns such as developing healthier coping mechanisms.
-
Gradual Return to running to support recovery and the sport with your team, support system and coaches.
Every runner’s recovery journey is unique, and it’s important to tailor the approach to individual needs and circumstances which is what we focus on at Branz Nutrition.
What are the signs of an eating disorder in runners?
Believe it or not, poor performance at the sport can be a red flag for the runner that is struggling to make personal records. Other signs include withdrawn from social settings, particulate around food, dizziness, fainting, amenorrhea, excessive exercise outside of training, wearing baggy clothes, mood swings, and perfectionism to name a view.
Nutrition Counseling for Runners with Anorexia, Bulimia, BED, OSFED, and Disordered Eating:
Nutrition counseling for any of these diagnoses is very individualized as no two eating disorders or runners are the same in regards to their recovery and running needs.
At Branz Nutrition, we focus on meeting the runner who is struggling where they are at while continuing to set realistic yet firm goals to beat the eating disorder. This includes meeting adequate energy and hydration needs to support them between and during runs.
OCD and Anorexia Treatment:
It’s crucial to have a multidisciplinary team with a dietitian that specializes in eating disorder behaviors (wink wink, us at Branz Nutrition) and a therapist that specializes in OCD to maximize treatment efforts. In addition, medication and support from other healthcare professionals may be warranted. As always, we have recommendations for other team providers that can assist with OCD and eating disorders.
What is the most successful treatment for anorexia athletica?
Treatment is really no different than any other eating disorder we may treat in our practice. We would provide nutrition therapy to clients struggling with anorexia athletica by prescribing meal guides, breaking down rules and beliefs around food and exercise, ensure they are fueling appropriately for their sport and working alongside their support system and team of other professionals such as therapists, doctors, coaches, parents, etc.
Does insurance cover nutrition therapy for anorexia?
We are in-network with many insurance companies. Insurance-based nutrition counseling is based on your insurance provider’s approval and specific insurance plan. We can only provide services based on what they allow, following their specific guidelines. Such perimeters include:
-
Limitations in visits
-
Requiring a certain amount of time in between appointments
-
No additional support between appointments
-
Check your medical nutrition therapy benefits here.
While nutritional counseling can be beneficial for various conditions, we find that, specifically for those suffering from disordered eating, continuous support and ongoing accountability is the game changer in achieving recovery.
We believe that full recovery is possible with the right support and treatment. We look forward to being part of your healing process.
Our Team of Dietitian Nutritionists in the Greater St. Louis Area
Branz Nutrition Counseling is a team of certified eating disorder dietitians who provide compassionate care to those struggling with their relationship to food. Our approach is weight-inclusive, LGBTQIA+, and social justice-oriented, which means that we believe that everyone deserves access to quality care.
We can’t wait to meet you!
With locations in Illinois and Missouri, we offer both virtual and in-person counseling sessions. And, we are licensed to provide Telehealth nutrition therapy to patients around the country.
Arizona | Arkansas | California | Colorado | Delaware | Florida | Georgia | Illinois | Missouri | New York | Texas | Virginia
We see clients in person in the St. Louis area, Missouri, Illinois, and from around the country via Telehealth. Learn more here.
We help individuals and families heal their relationships with food and body through compassionate, weight-inclusive care—supporting eating disorder recovery and managing chronic conditions like PCOS, diabetes, and heart disease using Intuitive Eating and Health at Every Size principles.
Scroll to see the whole team.
How It Works – An Easy Three-Step Process to Get You on the Road to Recovery
Make An Appointment
What service do you need? We offer a range of appointments of different durations to best fit your needs.
Meet with your Personal Dietitian
Be paired with the dietitian nutritionist on our team and get continued support with one of our online groups. One-on-one counseling, in-person, or virtual. WE TAKE INSURANCE!
Take Control of Your Life
Heal your relationship with food and your body. Choose the best foods for your unique needs. Get the tools you need to live a healthy life. Receive continued support.
Note: In order to secure a spot on a dietitian’s schedule, we need a valid payment method on file.
Our Testimonials
Thank you for choosing us as the Best Dietitian Practice in STL (2023)
Branz Nutrition in the Media
Best Diets 2024 By Michelle Wilson
Intermittent Fasting By Michelle Wilson
How Healthy is That Pumpkin Latte By Michelle Wilson
Tips for Getting Back to a Healthy Eating Patterns after the Holidays By Michelle Wilson
Erica Branz