7 minutes read
Eating Disorder
Evidence Based
An image of the Author and Top Nutrition Coaching nutritionist, Nicolette
Nicolette Star Maggiolo, RD, LDN

What is an Eating Disorder Nutritionist or Registered Dietitian?

7 minutes read
Eating Disorder
Evidence Based
An image of the Author and Top Nutrition Coaching nutritionist, Nicolette
Nicolette Star Maggiolo, RD, LDN

What is an Eating Disorder Nutritionist or Registered Dietitian?

An image of the Author and Top Nutrition Coaching nutritionist, Nicolette
Nicolette Star Maggiolo, RD, LDN

What is an Eating Disorder Nutritionist or Registered Dietitian?

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For those with an eating disorder, planning meals throughout the day or deciding what to buy at the grocery store can be daunting. However, optimal nutrition is essential for anyone to be healthy, especially those with eating disorders that may lack or need to intake the proper nutrients. Eating disorder nutritionists work with eating disorder patients to teach them how to have a healthy relationship with food. You may be wondering: What does an eating disorder nutritionist do? How could I benefit from working with an eating disorder nutritionist? How can an eating disorder nutritionist help me achieve my goals? If you are looking for answers to these questions, you've come to the right place.

At a Glance

  • What Does an Eating Disorder Nutritionist Do? An eating disorder nutritionist teaches patients how to make sound nutrition choices and build a better relationship with food
  • What are the Credentials of an Eating Disorder Nutritionist? At least a bachelor’s degree in nutrition, thousands of hours of supervised training, and a board certification
  • What are the Benefits of Working with an Eating Disorder Nutritionist? Personalized nutrition plans, nutrition counseling, and motivational work and support, among other things

Ready to Match with an Eating Disorder Nutritionist? Get Started Today!

Why Do People Consult With Eating Disorder Nutritionists?

While most people can understand basic nutrition guidelines, misinformation from social media or inaccurate online sources can make it harder to know what's true or false. People with eating disorders have different nutritional needs than others due to their eating disorders and any underlying conditions that they may be suffering from. Some patients may need more protein or carbohydrates to build energy, while others may need to learn how to track their calorie intake.

Eating disorder patients can rely on nutritionists and dietitians in the eating disorder field to help them accomplish goals such as losing or gaining weight. Along with potential exercise and proper mental health techniques, nutritional care is key to any patient's road toward eating disorder recovery.

What Does an Eating Disorder Nutritionist Do?

Every eating disorder nutritionist works in a different setting and has unique responsibilities. Most eating disorder nutritionists offer expert advice and teach patients how to make sound nutrition choices and build a better relationship with food. Eating disorder nutritionists assist individuals suffering from eating disorders or abnormal eating behaviors by giving them factual nutrition information and expert advice on how to develop and maintain healthy eating habits.

While an eating disorder specialist like those affiliated with Top Nutrition Coaching can offer advice on disordered eating nutrition, the MEDA mentions that an eating disorder nutrition professional does much more to help patients by:

  • Assessing patients' eating patterns and behavior
  • Providing nutrition counseling and education
  • Creating individualized meal plans for patients
  • Assisting patients to develop more effective coping strategies

What is the Difference Between an Eating Disorder Nutritionist vs. an Eating Disorder Dietitian?

Eating disorder nutritionists and dietitians share some core similarities, but there are some notable differences between them. An eating disorder nutritionist should have an undergraduate degree in nutrition, dietetics, or a related field from a school approved by a nationally recognized accrediting agency. This professional must also have specialized training or expertise relevant to eating disorders. A nutritionist with this specialty counsels patients by teaching and advising them on healthy eating habits.

On the other hand, an eating disorder dietitian can do everything a nutritionist does, but this person must often meet stricter requirements. A registered dietitian or a registered dietitian nutritionist may have a bachelor's or master's degree but must also be licensed or certified by the state they're training in. This person can be a board-certified specialist in eating disorders or psychology.

While most do not have the authority to diagnose health conditions, they can help with eating disorder treatment by providing specialized dietary recommendations and guidelines. Eating disorder dietitians can order lab tests for their clients to assist in treating eating disorders.

What Are the Credentials of an Eating Disorder Nutritionist?

As mentioned earlier, the required credentials for eating disorder nutritionists and dietitians are slightly different. To become an eating disorder nutritionist, candidates must meet specific educational, training, and certification requirements mentioned below.

Nutrition or Dietetics Education

Nutritionist specialists should have at least a bachelor's degree in their field. Those with graduate degrees often fare better in the job market. To apply to become a certified nutritionist who specializes in eating disorders, you must first meet the following eligibility requirements:

  • Be registered with the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR)
  • Be a member of the IAEDP
  • Demonstrate core course expertise
  • Have accrued a minimum of 2,500 eating disorder-specific practice hours under the guidance of an IAEDP-Approved Supervisor

Supervised Training

Candidates must undergo special training after completing their education to become a nutritionist. To apply to become a certified nutritionist who specializes in eating disorders, you must accrue and document 2500 hours of work in the field. These hours are supervised and signed off by your supervisor. A few things to note about these hours:

  • 75% of the hours must be in direct patient care
  • 25% of the hours can be in indirect care, including charting and documenting
  • Hours must be accumulated over a minimum of two years
  • Of every 120 hours of patient care, 1 hour must be directly supervised

Licensing and Certification

Many states require licensing and certification with an appropriate governing body to practice as a sports dietitian. Board certification from the CDR is also mandated. To become a certified nutritionist specializing in eating disorders, you must pass the CEDRD board examination. Once you pass the exam, you must renew your license every two years.

What Are the Benefits of Working with an Eating Disorder Nutritionist?

Medical professionals can provide an exact eating disorder diagnosis. Still, only a certified nutritionist or dietitian can work with you to create healthy eating habits to treat eating disorders. Working with a Top Nutrition Coaching eating disorder nutrition specialist will enable you to enjoy some excellent advantages. Here are some of the benefits of working with an eating disorder nutritionist. 

Personalized Nutrition Plans

No two people recovering from an eating disorder are the same. Every patient's nutrition plan will differ with numerous illnesses, underlying health conditions, age, gender, and other factors. An eating disorder nutritionist will work with you to create a personalized nutrition plan tailored to your needs and situation.

Nutrition Education and Counseling

A large part of nutrition counseling includes education and behavioral counseling. Nutritionists specializing in eating disorders encourage healthy eating while emphasizing the importance of pleasure and moderation in the eating process. Individuals with eating disorders hold a lot of distorted thoughts about food and their bodies. The dietitian helps challenge and reframe these thoughts while providing accurate and helpful information on nutrition and metabolism to support recovery.

Motivational Work and Support

Recovering from an eating disorder takes more than forming healthy eating habits. You need the mental strength and motivation to embark on your recovery journey. An eating disorder nutritionist will often do motivational counseling to help move patients toward change. The patient must be invested in the work, but a certain degree of uncertainty and fear is average. A good dietitian or nutritionist will determine what motivates their patients and help support them through complex changes.

Am I a Good Candidate to Work with an Eating Disorder Nutritionist?

Many eating disorder patients look for guidance from an eating disorder nutritionist. Suppose you need advice for grocery shopping, meal planning, or maintaining a potential exercise routine. In that case, you're an ideal candidate to work with an eating disorder nutrition expert, in addition to the factors below.

Eating for Recovery

Recovering from an eating disorder is no easy feat. For some individuals, it can take several decades to fully recover from an eating disorder. Many people with eating disorders never achieve a full recovery. No matter what kind of eating disorder you are recovering from, eating can suddenly become a daunting task. You can learn how to form healthy eating habits from a Top Nutrition Coaching-partnered eating disorder nutritionist.

Managing Health

When recovering from an eating disorder, it's common for you to feel weak or exhausted due to your body's lack of nutrients and energy. Maintaining healthy eating habits can become even more challenging if you have other health conditions aside from an eating disorder. People with eating disorders are at an increased risk of also developing psychiatric disorders. Research shows that 55-97% of people diagnosed with an eating disorder also receive a diagnosis for at least one more psychiatric disorder. 

Managing your physical and mental health can be a struggle, but you don't have to handle it alone. Solving challenges like these often requires an eating disorder nutritionist's expertise.

Navigating Dietary Restrictions

Patients with food allergies or dietary restrictions can face unique challenges getting the nutrients they need, especially when recovering from disordered eating. A Top Nutrition Coaching-affiliated eating disorder nutritionist can teach you how to eat healthily without triggering allergic reactions or suffering nutritional deficiencies.

Still not sure? Read more about what an eating disorder nutritionist does here. 

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Nicolette Star Maggiolo, RD, LDN
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Top Nutrition Coaching’s Annual Heroes’ Legacy Scholarship

Scholarship award: $1000
The Top Nutrition Coaching First-Gen Futures Scholarship is a quarterly recurring scholarship open to all first-generation students whose parents did not receive a four-year bachelor’s degree. The next deadline to apply is October  1, and winners will be announced on October 31.
Learn More
A family outdoors: a boy, a smiling woman, a man in military attire with a toddler, and a grinning young man.

About the first-gen futures scholarship

Scholarship award available for both college and high school students
Being the first in your family to attend college is an inspiring feat, often with its own unique challenges. First-generation students may not have the same guidance in navigating parts of the higher education system as other students, such as the application process, obtaining financial aid, and even what to expect in college itself.

Financial constraints can also be a significant roadblock for such students, which may limit their choices, force them to balance jobs, family responsibilities, and school work all at once, and make the college experience much more stressful.

Despite these struggles, first-generation college students have proven time and again to be extremely resilient, determined, and hard-working. They embody a spirit of ambition and perseverance as they work toward creating the future they want for themselves and their families.

The First-Gen Futures Scholarship aims to recognize and support exceptional students who are overcoming the barriers of being the first in their families to attend college. By providing financial assistance to deserving individuals, we seek to alleviate some financial stress so that these students can focus more on their studies.

Previous Top Nutrition Coaching scholarship winners

The image features a profile icon of a young Caucasian woman with long blonde hair, styled in loose waves. She is wearing makeup with prominent lipstick and is smiling. She has a badge overlay indicating that she is a scholarship recipient, marked by a medal symbol to denote achievement or honor.
Mayci H.
Awarded:
$500
On:
October 12, 2022
The image features a profile icon of a young Caucasian woman with long blonde hair, styled in loose waves. She is wearing makeup with prominent lipstick and is smiling. She has a badge overlay indicating that she is a scholarship recipient, marked by a medal symbol to denote achievement or honor.
Jordan C.
Awarded:
$500
On:
December 20, 2022
The image features a profile icon of a young Caucasian woman with long blonde hair, styled in loose waves. She is wearing makeup with prominent lipstick and is smiling. She has a badge overlay indicating that she is a scholarship recipient, marked by a medal symbol to denote achievement or honor.
Bethanie S.
Awarded:
$500
On:
December 27, 2022
The image features a profile icon of a young Caucasian woman with long blonde hair, styled in loose waves. She is wearing makeup with prominent lipstick and is smiling. She has a badge overlay indicating that she is a scholarship recipient, marked by a medal symbol to denote achievement or honor.
Romeo G.
Awarded:
$500
On:
February 8, 2023
The image features a profile icon of a young Caucasian woman with long blonde hair, styled in loose waves. She is wearing makeup with prominent lipstick and is smiling. She has a badge overlay indicating that she is a scholarship recipient, marked by a medal symbol to denote achievement or honor.
Ian C.
Awarded:
$500
On:
December 28, 2022
The image features a profile icon of a young Caucasian woman with long blonde hair, styled in loose waves. She is wearing makeup with prominent lipstick and is smiling. She has a badge overlay indicating that she is a scholarship recipient, marked by a medal symbol to denote achievement or honor.
Kristopher W.
Awarded:
$500
On:
December 14, 2022
Scholarship details:
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Amount: $1,000
Winner Announcement Date: October 31
Recurring: Quarterly
Read FAQ
6
Scholarships Awarded
6
Winners
$6,000
Total Awards
Eligibility requirements:
A white icon of a plus sign within a circle, used as a button to expand content.
To qualify for this scholarship, please review the following eligibility criteria carefully. Ensure you meet these requirements prior to submitting your application.
A first-generation college student (meaning neither of their parents has obtained a four-year college degree)
A high school senior, undergraduate, or graduate student
Applicant must be a current U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident
How to Apply:
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You can apply for this scholarship on the Bold.org scholarship platform. Follow the directions and submit your application for the First-Gen Futures Scholarship, along with a short essay answering the following prompts:
Why have you chosen to pursue higher education?
How have you prepared yourself for college as a first-generation student?
Scholarship frequently asked questions:
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When is the scholarship deadline?
The application will be open through October 1.
What is the scholarship prize? 
The scholarship award is $1,000.
When will the winner be chosen and notified?
Prior to the announcement date, we may contact finalists with additional questions about their application. Recipients will be chosen based on the merit of their application. 
How will the scholarship be paid?
The prize check will be sent to the scholarship winner’s college institution in their name and in the name of their institution (depending on the school’s requirements).
Is this a recurring scholarship?
Yes, the First-Gen Futures Scholarship is a quarterly scholarship.
How will my scholarship application be verified?
A high school senior, undergraduate, or graduate student
How can I get in touch with questions?
If you have any questions about this scholarship, please email hello@topnutritioncoaching.com, and we will get back to you as quickly as we can.
How will my application information be used?
Top Nutrition Coaching manages this scholarship with the support of the Bold.org scholarship platform. Bold.org takes student confidentiality and privacy incredibly seriously. Please refer to the application page on Bold.org for full details.

Top Nutrition Coaching’s Annual Heroes’ Legacy Scholarship

Scholarship award: $1000
The Top Nutrition Coaching Annual Hero's Legacy Scholarship is open to any high school senior, undergraduate, or graduate student who is a U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident and the child of at least one parent who has served in the U.S. military. The next deadline to apply is April 1st, 2025, and winners will be announced on May 1st, 2025.
Learn More
A family outdoors: a boy, a smiling woman, a man in military attire with a toddler, and a grinning young man.

About the Annual Hero's Legacy Scholarship

Scholarship award available for both college and high school students
Military families embody resilience, strength, and unwavering support for their loved ones in uniform. There are many overlooked sacrifices they make that should be recognized and rewarded. Military families endure extended deployments, adjust to new environments, and face uncertainty on a frequent basis.

The children of military families often adapt to new schools and environments, embodying the values of adaptability and perseverance, and experience the emotional toll of their loved one being deployed in dangerous situations.

The Heroes' Legacy Scholarship is a tribute to the extraordinary dedication and sacrifice of military families who stand alongside their loved ones in service to our country. Unfortunately, there are many struggles that military families endure while a parent or guardian serves in the armed forces.

In recognition of the burden higher education can place on military families, this scholarship seeks to give back to these dedicated families to honor their sacrifices.

Any high school senior, undergraduate, or graduate student who is a U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident and the child of at least one parent who has served in the U.S. military may apply for this scholarship.

To apply, tell us about your experience as the child of a military parent.

Previous Top Nutrition Coaching scholarship winners

The image features a profile icon of a young Caucasian woman with long blonde hair, styled in loose waves. She is wearing makeup with prominent lipstick and is smiling. She has a badge overlay indicating that she is a scholarship recipient, marked by a medal symbol to denote achievement or honor.
Mayci H.
Awarded:
$500
On:
October 12, 2022
The image features a profile icon of a young Caucasian woman with long blonde hair, styled in loose waves. She is wearing makeup with prominent lipstick and is smiling. She has a badge overlay indicating that she is a scholarship recipient, marked by a medal symbol to denote achievement or honor.
Jordan C.
Awarded:
$500
On:
December 20, 2022
The image features a profile icon of a young Caucasian woman with long blonde hair, styled in loose waves. She is wearing makeup with prominent lipstick and is smiling. She has a badge overlay indicating that she is a scholarship recipient, marked by a medal symbol to denote achievement or honor.
Bethanie S.
Awarded:
$500
On:
December 27, 2022
The image features a profile icon of a young Caucasian woman with long blonde hair, styled in loose waves. She is wearing makeup with prominent lipstick and is smiling. She has a badge overlay indicating that she is a scholarship recipient, marked by a medal symbol to denote achievement or honor.
Romeo G.
Awarded:
$500
On:
February 8, 2023
The image features a profile icon of a young Caucasian woman with long blonde hair, styled in loose waves. She is wearing makeup with prominent lipstick and is smiling. She has a badge overlay indicating that she is a scholarship recipient, marked by a medal symbol to denote achievement or honor.
Ian C.
Awarded:
$500
On:
December 28, 2022
The image features a profile icon of a young Caucasian woman with long blonde hair, styled in loose waves. She is wearing makeup with prominent lipstick and is smiling. She has a badge overlay indicating that she is a scholarship recipient, marked by a medal symbol to denote achievement or honor.
Kristopher W.
Awarded:
$500
On:
December 14, 2022
Scholarship details:
A white icon of a plus sign within a circle, used as a button to expand content.
Amount: $1,000
Winner Announcement Date: May 1st, 2025
Recurring: Quarterly
Read FAQ
6
Scholarships Awarded
6
Winners
$6,000
Total Awards
Eligibility requirements:
A white icon of a plus sign within a circle, used as a button to expand content.
To qualify for this scholarship, please review the following eligibility criteria carefully. Ensure you meet these requirements prior to submitting your application.
Family Background: At least one parent has served in the U.S. military
A high school senior, undergraduate, or graduate student
Applicant must be a current U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident
How to Apply:
A white icon of a plus sign within a circle, used as a button to expand content.
You can apply for this scholarship on the Bold.org scholarship platform. Follow the directions and submit your application for the Heroes’ Legacy Scholarship, along with a short essay answering the following prompt:
Tell us about your experience as the child of a parent in the military.
Scholarship frequently asked questions:
A white icon of a plus sign within a circle, used as a button to expand content.
When is the scholarship deadline?
The application deadline is April 1st, 2025. Winners will be announced on May 1st, 2025.
What is the scholarship prize? 
The scholarship award is $1,000.
When will the winner be chosen and notified?
Your privacy is a top priority on the Bold.org platform, and you can find our privacy policy in full here. You may opt out of communications from Bold.org at any time, and unless we’ve first notified you and gotten your consent, you’ll never receive communication from any third parties related to personal information you give us.
How will the scholarship be paid?
Award checks will be sent to the financial aid office of the winner's academic institution or future academic institution in their name to be applied to their tuition, and in the name of their institution (depending on the school's requirements). If the award is for a qualified educational non-tuition expense, we will work with the winner directly to distribute the award and make sure it goes towards qualified expenses.
Is this a recurring scholarship?
Yes, the Hero's Legacy Scholarship is a  Annual scholarship.
How will my scholarship application be verified?
Before we award the scholarship, the winner will be required to confirm their academic enrollment status. Depending on the circumstances, verification of Student ID and/or their most recent transcript will be required.
How can I get in touch with questions?
If you have any questions about this scholarship, please email hello@topnutritioncoaching.com, and we will get back to you as quickly as we can.
How will my application information be used?
Top Nutrition Coaching manages this scholarship with the support of the Bold.org scholarship platform. Bold.org takes student confidentiality and privacy incredibly seriously. Please refer to the application page on Bold.org for full details.