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This story is a composite, drawn from the experiences of many people I’ve worked with over the years. It isn’t about being the “sickest,” recovering the fastest, or doing things perfectly. It’s about what recovery often looks like when people are supported and nourished over time. People often tell me they’re afraid to read recovery stories. They worry they’ll see someone who was “worse than them,” or someone who recovered quickly, effortlessly, and now eats croissants in Par

Practical phrases that help—and comments to avoid—when supporting someone with an eating disorder. Guidance for parents, partners, and friends.

What a 2024 study shows — and what it doesn’t The study in brief Paper:   Cognitive Functions in Adolescent Girls with Anorexia Nervosa during Nutritional Rehabilitation Journal:   Nutrients  (2024) Participants:  36 hospitalised adolescent girls with anorexia nervosa, compared with 48 healthy peers Design:  Cognitive testing during acute malnutrition and again after partial nutritional rehabilitation The study explored whether severe malnutrition in anorexia nervosa impairs

Starting eating disorder or disordered eating support can feel daunting — especially if you’ve had unhelpful, rushed, or invalidating experiences in the past

Regular eating is one of the most effective ways to restore brain nutrition in eating disorder recovery. The brain has the highest energy demand of any organ and requires a consistent supply of glucose, amino acids, essential fats, vitamins, and minerals to function

Family-Based Treatment (FBT) is an evidence-based approach for treating eating disorders, particularly in children and adolescents. At The Eat Clinic in Canterbury, NZ, we provide professional FBT guidance that empowers families to actively support recovery while working alongside healthcare professionals. What is Family-Based Treatment (FBT)? FBT involves parents or caregivers in the treatment process to help restore healthy eating and address disordered behaviours. Key prin

Binge Eating Disorder (BED) is a common eating disorder characterised by recurring episodes of uncontrolled eating, often accompanied by feelings of shame or distress. At The Eat Clinic in Canterbury, NZ, we provide evidence-based BED treatment that addresses both the nutritional and psychological aspects of recovery. What is Binge Eating Disorder? BED involves: Recurrent episodes of consuming large amounts of food in a short period Feeling a loss of control during binges Emo

Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is an eating disorder often misunderstood as picky eating. It involves extreme food avoidance or restriction that impacts nutrition and wellbeing. At The Eat Clinic in Canterbury, NZ, we provide evidence-based ARFID treatment for children, teens, and adults, tailored to individual needs. What is ARFID? ARFID is characterised by: Limited food variety due to sensory sensitivities, anxiety, or past experiences Avoidance of food g

Introduction Bulimia nervosa is a serious eating disorder characterised by cycles of binge eating and compensatory behaviours such as vomiting or excessive exercise. Recovery is possible with professional support. At The Eat Clinic in Canterbury, NZ, we provide evidence-based bulimia treatment focused on restoring health and wellbeing. What is Bulimia Nervosa? Bulimia involves repeated episodes of overeating followed by attempts to prevent weight gain. Unlike anorexia, indivi

Anorexia nervosa is more than just dieting. It involves: Restrictive eating Distorted body image Severe fear of weight gain If untreated, anorexia can lead to malnutrition, organ complications, and significant psychological distress. Early intervention improves outcomes. Why Specialist Treatment Matters Many people try to manage anorexia on their own or through generic advice—but anorexia requires specialised care because: Nutritional needs are complex and must be personalise

Book Online with The Eat Clinic If you or a loved one is struggling with an eating disorder, getting the right help quickly is essential. In New Zealand, support is available for anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, ARFID, and other disordered eating patterns. At The Eat Clinic , I provide personalised, professional care  and make it easy for you to book online . Why Early Support Matters Eating disorders affect both your physical and mental health. Early support can pre

Recovering from an eating disorder is about more than just reaching a healthy weight. It’s about repairing your body, restoring your brain, and rebuilding strength. While food is always the main source of nutrients, sometimes it’s not enough—especially in early recovery. This is where supplements can play a crucial role. Why Supplements Aren’t a “Cop-Out” Many people worry that taking supplements means they’re “cheating” or not doing recovery properly. In reality, supplements

Starvation is a Medical Emergency: What Malnutrition Really Does to the Body and Brain Victoria Schonwald, Eating Disorder Dietitian   When most people picture anorexia nervosa, they imagine someone extremely thin. But the reality is far more complex and far more dangerous. Malnutrition does not just affect weight. It affects the brain, hormones, heart, bones, and nearly every organ in the body. Starvation is a medical emergency , and the cost of underestimating it can be fat