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What Can Nutritional Therapy Help With?

Nutritional therapy offers more than dietary advice—it’s a partnership that supports both your physical and emotional well-being. At Nutritious Thoughts, our approach to nutritional therapy reflects the belief that everyone deserves a relationship with food and body that feels balanced, respectful, and uniquely theirs. Our registered dietitians, who also refer to themselves as nutritional counselors, guide each individual toward sustainable, compassionate nourishment that fits their life and goals.

Our care is rooted in the understanding that food is deeply personal, influenced by your story, experiences, and unique needs. Whether you’re managing chronic conditions, healing disordered eating patterns, or seeking a more balanced approach to nutrition, nutritional therapy can be a valuable resource. It’s about supporting your well-being holistically, respecting your body’s needs, and fostering a relationship with food that feels intuitive, peaceful, and fulfilling.

Is a Nutritional Therapist the Same as a Dietitian?

At Nutritious Thoughts, the terms “nutritional therapist,” “nutritional counselor,” and “registered dietitian” often overlap because our team members fulfill all these roles. Our registered dietitians bring a comprehensive approach to care, combining clinical expertise with compassionate, individualized support. In essence, the titles of “nutritional therapist” and “nutritional counselor” reflect the broader, holistic services we offer, but all are held by registered dietitians with the credentials and experience to provide Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) when needed. Registered dietitians (RDs) are healthcare professionals who complete rigorous training, including an accredited degree, a supervised internship, and a national certification exam.

This extensive education allows RDs to provide MNT. This is an evidence-based nutrition therapy that supports the management of specific medical conditions, such as diabetes, digestive disorders, and heart disease. The key distinction lies with general “nutritionists,” who may offer helpful dietary guidance but lack the specialized clinical training required to manage complex health needs. At Nutritious Thoughts, we ensure all clients receive evidence-based support from our registered dietitians, who, as “nutritional counselors” and “therapists,” help you foster a positive relationship with food that respects your physical health and emotional well-being. A pizza sitting on a table with different hands reaching for a slice. Nutrition therapy in Asheville, NC can help with disordered eating patterns. Call today to get started!

How Do I Know if I Need a Nutritionist or Dietitian?

Choosing between a nutritionist and a registered dietitian (RD) depends on your goals and health needs. At Nutritious Thoughts, our registered dietitians also identify as nutritional counselors, offering a compassionate approach that integrates clinical expertise with emotional support. This combination is especially helpful for individuals managing specific health conditions like diabetes, digestive challenges, or disordered eating, as our dietitians are uniquely trained to provide Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT). MNT involves using evidence-based nutrition interventions tailored to medical conditions, addressing both your physical health and broader wellness goals.

If you don’t have a medical diagnosis but want support with your relationship with food, body image, or adopting intuitive eating practices, working with an RD can still be incredibly valuable. Our dietitians provide guidance for those moving away from chronic dieting, compensatory behaviors, or restrictive eating patterns, helping you build a more balanced and fulfilling approach to nourishment. This level of care, rooted in both science and compassion, can make a profound difference in achieving sustainable well-being.

While nutritionists may offer general wellness advice, they typically lack the extensive training and clinical scope that registered dietitians bring. Choosing a registered dietitian ensures you receive comprehensive support that is not only grounded in clinical knowledge but also attuned to the emotional and psychological aspects of food. Whether your goals involve managing a health condition, improving your relationship with food, or finding a balance that feels right for you, an RD can provide the specialized and empathetic care you deserve.

What Are the Duties of a Nutrition Counselor?

At Nutritious Thoughts, our registered dietitians, who also refer to themselves as nutrition counselors, are dedicated to fostering a supportive and collaborative space where clients can explore their relationship with food, body, and health. As nutritional counselors, our team takes a holistic approach, providing personalized, compassionate guidance that goes beyond just dietary advice. An individual talking to their online therapist through Telehealth. To get started with a dietitian in Raleigh, NC, reach out to us today. We offer nutritional counseling & medical nutrition therapy.

Core Responsibilities of a Nutrition Counselor at Nutritious Thoughts:

  • Personalized Guidance: Each client’s journey is unique, and our dietitians create individualized plans tailored to your specific goals, lifestyle, and relationship with food. Our focus is on honoring your body’s cues, preferences, and values, so you can develop nourishing habits that feel authentic and sustainable.
  • Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT): For clients managing chronic conditions, our registered dietitians offer MNT, a specialized approach that uses evidence-based nutritional strategies to support your health needs. This level of care is unique to dietitians and is designed to help clients manage symptoms and promote long-term wellness.
  • Supporting a Balanced Relationship with Food: Many clients come to us seeking relief from years of restrictive dieting, compensatory behaviors, or emotional eating. Our dietitians provide a compassionate, non-judgmental path toward rebuilding trust with food, emphasizing flexibility, self-compassion, and balance in eating practices.
  • Education and Empowerment: We believe knowledge is key to empowerment. Our dietitians offer clear, science-backed education that enables you to make informed nutrition choices that honor both your health and personal values, helping you feel confident in your journey.
  • Emotional Support: Recognizing that food and emotions are often deeply intertwined, our dietitians provide emotional support that respects and validates your experiences. They help you unpack any underlying connections between emotions and eating, fostering a positive relationship with both food and body.

By integrating clinical expertise with a nurturing, client-centered approach, our team at Nutritious Thoughts provides comprehensive, inclusive care that respects your individual journey. Our role as nutrition counselors reflects our commitment to guiding you not just in physical health but in building a balanced, compassionate relationship with food and self-care. An individual sitting in a meditative pose in front of a window. Nutritional therapy in Cary, NC can help enhance your self-care journey. To learn more, read our blog here!

Who Can Benefit from Nutritional Therapy?

Nutritional therapy is a supportive tool for anyone seeking a balanced approach to food, body, and health. It’s not limited to those managing specific medical conditions but is beneficial to anyone who wants to improve their relationship with food, navigate health challenges, or simply learn more about sustainable nutrition.

  • Managing Chronic Conditions: For those with diabetes, hypertension, or gastrointestinal issues, nutritional counseling provides a way to manage symptoms and support medical treatment through personalized dietary guidance.
  • Healing Disordered Eating Patterns: If you’ve experienced restrictive eating, chronic dieting, or compensatory behaviors, our dietitians offer a compassionate approach that centers on rebuilding trust with food. By addressing these behaviors, we help you cultivate self-acceptance and feel more at ease in nourishing your body.
  • Athletes and Active Individuals: Nutritional therapy can support performance, recovery, and overall well-being for those who lead active lifestyles. Our dietitians work with you to ensure your body is well-fueled, hydrated, and equipped to handle physical demands.
  • Promoting General Wellness: You don’t need a specific diagnosis to benefit from nutritional therapy. Many seek our services simply to improve their eating habits, develop mindful practices, or explore what self-care looks like in their daily lives.

At Nutritious Thoughts, we approach every client with respect, honoring the diversity of bodies, experiences, and needs that they bring. Our team is here to guide you on a journey toward well-being that feels true to you, free from diet culture and focused on what really matters—your health, joy, and balance.

Embracing Nutritional Therapy at Nutritious Thoughts

Choosing to pursue nutritional therapy is a step toward a more compassionate, supportive relationship with your body and health. At Nutritious Thoughts, we’re committed to providing a space where you can explore your health without judgment, reconnect with your body’s needs, and find a way to nourish yourself that feels empowering and sustainable. Whether you’re managing a health condition, healing your relationship with food, or simply interested in exploring nutrition as a form of self-care, our registered dietitians are here to support you with expertise and empathy.

Start Your Journey to Nourishment with Nutritious Thoughts in Asheville, Cary & Across NC

At Nutritious Thoughts, we believe that nutrition counseling is about more than just food—it’s about embracing your unique story, supporting your body’s needs, and fostering a positive relationship with nourishment. Whether you’re managing a health condition, recovering from an eating disorder or disordered eating, or seeking to build a balanced approach to self-care, our compassionate team of registered dietitians is here to guide you. We offer in-person sessions in Asheville, Hendersonville, Cary/Raleigh, NC, as well as online options to fit your needs. Ready to take the first step toward a more nourishing, balanced life?

Expanded Counseling Services at Nutritious Thoughts

At Nutritious Thoughts, our commitment to wellness extends beyond individual counseling. Through our Community Wellness & Education programs, we provide nutrition counseling, workshops, and presentations for schools, workplaces, and recovery centers. Our goal is to deliver practical, accessible wellness tools to the spaces where they’re needed most. Whether in-person or virtual, our services are customized to suit the unique needs of your community. Reach out to learn more about how we can support your wellness initiatives and to inquire about our rates.

What is the Meaning of Nutrition Counseling?

Nutrition counseling is more than just advice on what to eat. It’s a collaborative process aimed at helping you develop a healthier, more balanced relationship with food, your body, and your overall well-being. At Nutritious Thoughts, we focus on creating a personalized experience that honors your unique needs, preferences, and goals. Our approach to nutrition counseling in Asheville, Hendersonville, Cary/Raleigh, NC, is rooted in the idea that food is more than fuel. It’s a reflection of your personal story, culture, and self-care practices. No matter whether you’re managing medical conditions, working through disordered eating, or simply looking for a better way to approach food, nutrition counseling can help you find a path toward sustainable, compassionate nourishment.

Through nutrition counseling, we work together to create a plan that supports both your physical health and emotional well-being. This might include exploring your relationship with food and understanding how your body responds to different foods. Or it could be building intuitive eating practices that help you reconnect with your body’s natural hunger and fullness cues. At its core, nutrition counseling is about helping you find balance and feel empowered in your choices. This way you can live a life that feels aligned with your values and needs.

Who Needs Nutrition Counseling?

The truth is, that anyone can benefit from nutrition counseling! While it’s often thought of as something for people managing specific medical conditions, nutrition counseling is just as important for those looking to improve their overall relationship with food and body. If you’ve been navigating a health condition like diabetes, gastrointestinal issues, heart disease, or food allergies, nutrition counseling can provide practical, tailored advice to help you manage your condition through your dietary choices. A dietitian can help you create plans that meet your nutritional needs while also working with your body’s requirements, ensuring you don’t feel restricted or deprived.

A close up of a hand holding fresh raspberries. Our nutritional counseling in Raleigh, NC can help with chronic conditions, disordered eating & more. Get started with our registered dietitians today.

But nutrition counseling isn’t just for managing medical conditions. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by diet culture, struggled with body image, or experienced disordered eating patterns and compensatory behaviors, nutrition counseling can help you rebuild trust with food and your body. It’s especially helpful if you’ve been caught in the cycle of chronic dieting and rigid food rules or guilt have taken the joy out of eating. Nutrition counseling offers an opportunity to rediscover what it means to nourish yourself in a way that feels balanced, flexible, and enjoyable. Whether you’re looking to improve your body image, find a peaceful relationship with food, or simply explore how to better care for yourself, nutrition counseling is for you.

What is the Difference Between Nutritional Therapy and Nutritional Counseling?

While nutritional therapy and nutritional counseling both aim to improve your health through personalized dietary guidance, they have slightly different focuses. Nutritional therapy tends to take a more clinical approach. It’s often used in the treatment of medical conditions and involves a dietitian working closely with other healthcare professionals to provide Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT). This means using evidence-based interventions to manage or treat specific conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or gastrointestinal disorders. Nutritional therapy focuses heavily on clinical outcomes, using food as part of your overall medical care plan.

On the other hand, nutritional counseling takes a broader, more holistic approach. While it also involves science-backed nutrition advice, nutritional counseling looks at the bigger picture of your relationship with food, body, and self-care. It’s about more than managing symptoms or achieving medical outcomes—it’s about exploring how food interacts with your life, emotions, and identity. Nutrition counseling often involves working on intuitive eating, mindful eating practices, and addressing any emotional or psychological connections you may have with food. At Nutritious Thoughts, we emphasize building a trusting, collaborative relationship between you and your dietitian, where we work together to uncover what nourishment means for you on a personal level.

How Long Does Nutritional Therapy Last?

The length of time you engage in nutritional therapy or counseling varies depending on your needs and goals. For some individuals, a few months of regular sessions might be enough to achieve their desired outcomes. Whether it’s learning new eating habits, managing a medical condition, or overcoming specific food challenges. Others may find that longer-term support is necessary, especially when navigating chronic health conditions or deeply ingrained disordered eating behaviors.

Typically, in the beginning, sessions are scheduled more frequently. They can be weekly or bi-weekly. This allows you to build momentum and create consistent changes. During these early sessions, we’ll gather important information about your medical history, eating habits, lifestyle, and health goals. All so we can create a tailored plan that fits your life. As you progress, the frequency of sessions may decrease, transitioning to monthly check-ins or even less frequent follow-ups once you feel more confident in your ability to sustain the changes you’ve made. A woman talking to her dietitian on the computer while sitting down. At our Raleigh, NC practice, we can hold sessions in-person & online! Reach out to us today to get started with a dietitian.

It’s Important to Remember that Nutrition Counseling is Not a One-Time Fix.

Just as your body and life evolve, so do your needs when it comes to nourishment. The beauty of nutritional counseling is that it adapts to support you throughout your journey, whether that’s for a few months or for ongoing, long-term care. At Nutritious Thoughts, we’re here for you as long as you need, offering continued guidance, support, and encouragement as your needs and goals shift.

What is the Goal of Nutrition Counseling?

The overarching goal of nutrition counseling is to help you find a way of nourishing your body that feels good, sustainable, and aligned with your personal health goals. But it goes beyond just managing food—it’s about helping you build a positive, compassionate relationship with food and your body. For some, the goal may be to manage a medical condition by making informed food choices that support physical health without feeling overly restricted. For others, the goal might be to break free from the diet culture mindset, rediscover the joy of eating, and learn to trust their body’s signals of hunger and fullness. It’s about moving away from rigid food rules and embracing a more flexible, intuitive approach to eating.

At Nutritious Thoughts, we believe that nourishment is not just about food—it’s about self-care, body respect, and finding balance. Nutrition counseling encourages self-compassion, reminding you that all bodies deserve nourishment and that health comes in many forms. Our goal is to help you make informed decisions that honor your body and reflect your values, creating a sense of peace and empowerment around food. By building a relationship with your dietitian, you gain the tools and support you need to develop habits that not only improve your physical health but also enhance your emotional and mental well-being. A young woman standing in front of an orange background hugging herself. Representing how nutritional counseling in Raleigh, NC can help enhance your self-care practices. Call now to begin working with a registered dietitian.

Embracing Nutritional Counseling in Asheville, Hendersonville, Raleigh/Cary, NC

Nutrition counseling is a dynamic, evolving process that adapts to your needs and supports you on your journey toward a healthier, more balanced relationship with food and body. Whether you’re managing a health condition, working through disordered eating, or simply seeking to feel more at ease with your eating habits, our team of compassionate dietitians at

Nutritious Thoughts is here to guide you every step of the way. With a focus on self-compassion, intuitive eating, and honoring your unique needs, we work together to help you discover what nourishment truly means for you. For more insights on nutritional counseling, check out our blogs “What is the purpose of nutritional counseling?” and “What can nutritional therapy help with?”

Experience Personalized Nutrition Counseling in Asheville & Throughout NC

At Nutritious Thoughts, we believe that nutrition counseling is more than just guidance—it’s a personalized journey to help you build a healthier relationship with food, your body, and self-care. Whether you’re managing a health condition, recovering from disordered eating, or simply looking to find balance in your eating habits, our compassionate team is here to support you every step of the way. We offer in-person sessions in Asheville, Hendersonville, and Raleigh/Cary , NC, as well as online options, to meet you wherever you are. Let’s work together to discover what true nourishment means for you and your well-being:

  • Contact us at (828) 333-0096 or email us at info@nutritious-thoughts.com
  • Tell us more about yourself
  • Find your path to a healthier, more compassionate relationship with food and your body!

Other Counseling Services at Nutritious Thoughts

At Nutritious Thoughts, we offer more than just individual counseling—we support whole communities through our Community Wellness & Education Services. We provide on-site or virtual nutrition counseling, workshops, and presentations for schools, workplaces, and recovery centers, bringing practical wellness tools to where they’re needed most. Reach out for details on our offerings and rates.

What is the Purpose of Nutritional Counseling?

Nutritional counseling is a journey of self-discovery, healing, and nourishment that goes far beyond meal plans and calorie counts. It’s about exploring your unique relationship with food, understanding the impact of nutrition on your physical and emotional well-being, and finding supportive ways to care for yourself. In this process, you build a partnership with a dietitian who provides guidance, compassion, and tools that honor your individuality—your body, your mind, your experiences, and your culture.

In this blog, we’ll dive into the purpose of nutritional counseling in Asheville, NC, and how it can empower you to connect more deeply with your health, whether you’re navigating chronic conditions, healing from disordered eating, or simply wanting to find balance in your day-to-day life.

What is Nutrition Counseling in the Treatment Of?

The heart of nutrition counseling lies in creating a therapeutic space to address various health concerns and build a healthier relationship with food. Whether you’re looking for support in managing a medical condition or seeking guidance on body positivity, nutrition counseling offers a personalized approach to many needs, such as:

Chronic Conditions and Disease Management

Nutritional counseling plays a significant role in managing conditions like diabetes, heart disease, digestive disorders, and more. Instead of focusing on restriction or rigid rules, a dietitian will help you explore what nourishment looks like for your body’s needs. Together, you can work on finding balanced and realistic nutrition strategies to support your health, without resorting to “all or nothing” thinking.

Eating Disorders & Disordered Eating

When struggling with eating disorders or disordered eating patterns like binge eating, compensatory behaviors, restriction, or chronic dieting, nutritional counseling offers a supportive path to recovery. Your dietitian works with you to unpack the emotions, beliefs, and fears around food, with the goal of fostering self-compassion and understanding. It’s not just about following a food plan—it’s about reconnecting with your body, learning how to nourish yourself in a way that feels safe and supportive, and working toward food freedom.

Emotional and Mental Wellness

How we nourish ourselves is closely tied to our mental and emotional well-being. From stress eating to loss of appetite in depression, our eating patterns reflect our inner experiences. Nutritional counseling helps you understand these patterns and develop self-care routines that honor your emotional needs. It’s about creating a nurturing relationship with food that reflects care for your mind, body, and soul.

General Wellness and Self-Care

You don’t need a medical diagnosis to seek support through nutritional counseling. If you’re interested in improving your eating habits, building a positive body image, or simply exploring how nutrition fits into your life, nutritional counseling is here to help. It’s about finding sustainable ways to nourish your body, focusing on well-being rather than adhering to unrealistic diet culture standards.

The beauty of nutrition counseling lies in its flexibility. It molds itself to your needs. Whether you’re aiming to manage a health condition, heal your relationship with food, or simply explore self-care in a supportive way. Rather than prescribing strict rules or a one-size-fits-all approach, it honors your personal experiences. It also honors the complex factors that shape how you nourish yourself. This collaborative process is not just about what you eat. It’s about understanding the “why” and “how.” Allowing you to move forward with confidence and compassion. Now, let’s look at a specific example of how nutrition therapy might work in practice.

A woman sitting down with a nutritional therapist. Nutritional counseling in Asheville, NC & surrounding areas can help you recover from disordered eating, trauma & more. Get started today!

What is an Example of Nutrition Therapy?

Consider someone living with digestive discomfort and uncertainty around what foods they can eat. Maybe they’ve tried cutting out certain foods, read online tips, or gone through frustrating trial-and-error. Now their relationship with eating has become increasingly stressful and filled with anxiety. This is where nutrition therapy can provide a safe, non-judgmental space to explore their needs. Working together, a dietitian will dive into the person’s medical history, daily eating habits, food preferences, and the emotional challenges they face around food.

Rather than a strict elimination diet, the dietitian might use an approach that encourages mindful eating. This focuses on foods that support digestion and help build a balanced, nourishing diet. The goal is to alleviate discomfort without feeling restrictive or punishing. This example highlights that nutrition therapy isn’t about telling you what you can or can’t eat. It’s about finding an approach that works for your body and life while respecting your needs, preferences, and feelings about food.

How is Nutrition Therapy Done?

Nutrition therapy and counseling are grounded in a partnership built on trust, connection, and individualized care. It’s not about fixing you. Rather, it’s about supporting you in understanding your body, your needs, and your health goals. Your dietitian takes a compassionate, whole-person approach. This means sessions might involve any combination of education, support, listening, and collaborative problem-solving. Nutrition counseling often begins with an initial session that allows your dietitian to understand your current eating habits, medical history, relationship with food, and lifestyle factors that affect your well-being.

From there, you both explore what “nourishment” means for you. Along with setting goals that align with your physical and emotional health. This is a collaborative process—your voice, your story, and your comfort are central. Nutritional counseling is about finding what feels supportive for you. It could mean working through emotional ties to food, finding new ways to manage a chronic condition, or simply exploring how to build a daily balance. And that means focusing not just on “what” you eat but also on “how” and “why” you eat.

What are the Steps Involved in a Nutrition Counseling Session?

Every nutrition counseling journey is as unique as the person embarking on it. However, there are some common steps that can help you know what to expect when beginning counseling:

Initial Assessment Session

Your journey begins with getting to know you—your hopes, challenges, medical background, lifestyle, relationship with food, and anything else you wish to share. This session usually lasts between 55 and 85 minutes, allowing your dietitian to gather the information needed to support you effectively. The tone is open and empathetic, with space to share as much or as little as you feel comfortable with.

Follow-Up Sessions

These sessions are where the work unfolds. Follow-up sessions are all about diving deeper into your needs and goals. During the first few visits, your dietitian might explore your desired health outcomes, provide practical nutrition education, or hold space for you as you reflect on your relationship with food. Your progress is a topic of discussion, but so are your barriers, emotions, and any shifts in your day-to-day life that may affect your eating patterns.

Building Relational Care

Over time, a strong therapeutic relationship is built between you and your dietitian. The sessions adapt to your needs each week, starting with a check-in to see how you’re feeling and what’s on your mind. From there, you might explore food behaviors, talk through challenges you’ve faced, or celebrate the progress you’ve made. Together, you can make attainable plans around self-care, whether that means finding practical strategies for meal planning or addressing any struggles with body image that come up. Your dietitian may also help you explore nutrition myths and misconceptions, offering evidence-based information to empower you in making informed choices.

Creating and Adjusting Goals

Goals set during nutrition counseling are not rigid. They’re meant to be supportive, realistic, and adaptable to your unique journey. Rather than creating strict or overwhelming targets, the focus is on finding what feels meaningful and manageable to you. Your dietitian will work with you to set intentions that align with your values and lifestyle. This could involve something as simple as trying out a new breakfast routine, learning to tune in to your body’s natural hunger cues, or finding new ways to incorporate nourishing foods into your day.

Goals can also go beyond just what you eat. You might explore body neutrality—learning to accept and respect your body for what it can do, rather than focusing on appearance. Or you may develop self-compassionate eating habits that allow you to honor your needs without judgment or guilt. As life changes and new challenges come up, your goals can be revisited and adjusted, ensuring they continue to support you in a way that feels right. Every step is taken at your own pace, with flexibility and self-compassion as guiding principles.

Every session in nutritional counseling is centered on your needs and what feels right in that moment. There’s truly no “wrong” way to engage. It’s all about finding the kind of support that honors your journey and feels meaningful to you. Remember that your process is unique, and growth will come in its own time and way. To help you make the most of your counseling experience, let’s explore some key “do’s” and “don’ts” that can guide you through this supportive process.

What are the Do’s and Don’ts of Nutrition Counseling?

Approaching nutrition counseling with an open heart and clear intentions can make a significant difference. Here are some key “do’s” and “don’ts” to consider:

Do’s:

A woman wearing a red shirt hugging herself while smiling. Our nutritional counseling in Asheville, Raleigh, & Boone, NC can help your healing journey. Call today to get started with a nutritionist.

  • Do practice self-kindness: Understand that change takes time and that perfection is not the goal—progress is.
  • Do come with curiosity: Be open to learning about yourself, your habits, and how they connect with your nourishment and well-being.
  • Do set small, meaningful goals: Celebrate each step forward, no matter how small, and honor what feels right for your body and lifestyle.
  • Do communicate openly: Your voice matters. Share your thoughts, challenges, and feedback with your dietitian.

Don’ts:

  • Don’t expect a “quick fix”: True nourishment and healing are gradual processes that honor your individuality. It’s not about dieting or drastic changes.
  • Don’t compare yourself to others: Your journey is unique. Focus on your goals, needs, and the pace that feels right for you.
  • Don’t feel pressure to achieve “perfection”: There’s no one “perfect” way to eat or nourish yourself. Embrace flexibility and honor your body’s cues and needs.

Types of Nutritional Counseling: Exploring Treatment Options at Nutritious Thoughts

At Nutritious Thoughts, whether you’re in Raleigh, Asheville, Hendersonville, Cary, or prefer online sessions, our registered dietitians are licensed across North Carolina and ready to meet your unique needs. Our approach offers a variety of nutritional counseling services designed to support you on your wellness journey, no matter where you are:

  • Disordered Eating Recovery and Body Image Support: For those struggling with eating disorders or body image, working with a dietitian experienced in this area can help you reconnect with food and body in a compassionate and healing way.
  • Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) for Chronic Conditions: If you are managing chronic conditions like diabetes, IBS, PCOS, or high cholesterol, dietitians provide support through MNT, offering guidance on how to nourish your body in a way that supports your medical needs.
  • Athletic and Performance Nutrition: Nutrition counseling for athletes focuses on fueling the body for performance, recovery, and overall well-being, tailoring recommendations based on training, competition, and individual preferences.
  • General Health and Wellness Coaching: If you’re looking to explore balanced eating, mindful self-care, or creating sustainable health habits, nutrition counseling for wellness offers a space to explore and build on these goals in a way that feels gentle and supportive.

Importance of Nutrition Counseling Across NC

In every office—from Raleigh to Asheville, Hendersonville to Cary, and even through online counseling—our nutrition counseling emphasizes holistic care that honors both your physical and emotional needs. It’s not about adhering to strict diets or chasing numbers on a scale, but rather about discovering what truly nourishes your body and fits into your life with balance and compassion.

Nutrition counseling uses a non-judgmental and inclusive approach to help you explore what self-care and nourishment mean for you personally. No matter if you’re working through the complexities of an eating disorder, managing a health condition, or simply seeking more balance in your daily life. It’s a process that meets you where you are. This relational approach helps you find a path to well-being that feels authentic to who you are.

How to Begin a Nutrition Counseling Session?

Starting your journey into nutrition counseling begins with reaching out to the Nutritious Thoughts admin team, who will schedule you with a dietitian who feels like a good fit for your needs, values, and approach. It’s essential to find someone who understands not just your goals but also your experiences, your background, and your relationship with food. Once you’ve found the right support, you’ll begin with an initial assessment session.

This is where you and your dietitian will start to build a connection, explore your needs, and create a collaborative path forward. As you prepare, consider what you hope to achieve and any questions or concerns you want to address. Remember that this is a space for you—designed to meet you where you are, honor your journey, and support you every step of the way. A woman meditating in a green grass field. Discover how a registered dietitian in Raleigh, NC can enhance your healing journey. Read our blog here for more information.

Discover True Nourishment with Compassionate Nutrition Counseling in Asheville & Throughout NC

At Nutritious Thoughts, nutrition counseling is a personalized journey to support your relationship with food, body, and self-care. Whether you’re managing a health condition, recovering from disordered eating, or simply seeking balance, we’re here to guide you. Our compassionate team meets you where you are, with empathy and respect for your unique needs and experiences. With both in-person sessions in Asheville, Hendersonville, Cary, and Raleigh, NC, and online options, we’re ready to help you discover what true nourishment means for your well-being. So let’s start this journey toward a more nourished self:

  • Contact us at (828) 333-0096 or email us at info@nutritious-thoughts.com
  • Tell us more about yourself
  • Discover a balanced path to nourish your body and mind!

Other Counseling Services at Nutritious Thoughts

At Nutritious Thoughts, we offer more than just individual counseling—we support whole communities through our Community Wellness & Education Services. We provide on-site or virtual nutrition counseling, workshops, and presentations for schools, workplaces, and recovery centers, bringing practical wellness tools to where they’re needed most. Reach out for details on our offerings and rates.

If you’re a professional seeking to enhance your expertise, our Professional Development & Careers services are tailored to support your growth. Visit our Professional Development page to learn more about how we can help you advance your career in nutrition and wellness.

April Spring Stressors Bring May Mental Health Awareness

Written by: Krista Clarke, Graduate Student/Dietetic Intern Appalachian State University Class of 2022

May is Mental Health Awareness month, and we’re here to acknowledge ALL types of mental health, no matter where you may be in your journey. Mental health awareness finally seems to be gaining the attention it deserves, but there is still so much stigma around mental health, its manifestations, who “should” receive treatment, and so much more. So, let’s break it down. Have you ever found yourself saying “but my issues aren’t that bad” or “it’s not that serious so I don’t need help from a professional” or something similar? The truth is, pain is pain. No matter how you got there, there is nothing wrong in asking for help or needing someone to provide guidance to navigate the chaos, no matter how “small” it may seem. Because let’s be real, life can be SO hard at times for anyone!

Why is there so much stigma and how can you navigate it?

Well, stigma exists for many reasons. Maybe someone grew up in a household where they were told to control or hide their emotions. Maybe mental health was an off-limits topic or perceived as a weakness. Maybe when you think of mental health you even picture a specific type of person: a specific race and/or socioeconomic status, a specific gender and/or sexual orientation, a specific age group, or maybe even specific mental health conditions or traumatic experiences that may be perceived as more serious than others.

Believe it or not, all of the above scenarios can actually be trauma in itself! Being in pain and wanting help but thinking you don’t deserve it, is trauma. Neglecting and repressing feelings or certain memories based on preconceived beliefs of weakness, being told your feelings are invalid, etc. is trauma. I promise, all of your feelings are valid and you deserve help no matter where you believe you fall on the mental health spectrum. In fact, acknowledging pain and seeking help takes a lot of strength. Whether you’re going through a breakup, grieving a loss, trying to move on from a traumatic incident, or going through a difficult time in life in general, you deserve mental health help.

Why is it important to receive help?

In order to be the person we envision, whether it be as an individual, as a partner or parent, a friend, a leader, we all need to refill our own cup before we can do anything at our best potential. If your cup continues to empty without being refilled, you will eventually have nowhere to take from. This empty cup may feel like heaviness, soreness, fatigue, brain fog, feelings of chaos, and so much more. Unresolved trauma and/or repressed feelings can also be stored physically in your body. Let’s explore this in more detail. The concept that feelings, emotions, memories, etc. are simply solved through talking and/or only impact your mental health is outdated. These actually impact your physical body as well. Mental health plays a major role in the way your nervous system responds to perceived threats (and life in general), and vice versa.

Mental health manifestations can be reflected in the nervous system and body in a plethora of ways, and are experienced differently by everyone. Some manifestations include: brain fog, mental/emotional fatigue, physical fatigue, sleep disturbances, anxiety, depression, pain and tightness in the body (yes, this can be due to mental health manifestations rather than the traditional belief that pain/tightness is only due to physical illness, injury, etc.), obsessive thoughts, feelings of chaos, mood swings, hormonal imbalances, going into fight or flight mode easily and/or often, going into “zombie” mode or feeling numb, lack of interest in activities you typically enjoy, stress, digestive upset (your gut and brain are connected via the gut-brain axis and can impact one another), feelings of hopelessness, extreme highs with extreme lows, and others. The bottom line is that there are all sorts of ways mental health can manifest in your body, and that’s part of why navigating mental health can be so difficult. This is also why, no matter the root cause, it’s so important to seek help and support in your journey! Our bodies are so complex and unique, and they’ll go to great lengths to protect us and keep us alive, but being in survival mode is not a supportive place to be for prolonged periods of time. In fact, it can cause a lot of harm in the long run.

As you can see, mental health has whole-body impacts in a variety of ways. Everyone is unique and has different manifestations, and that’s part of what makes us human! You don’t have to fit into a certain mold and you definitely shouldn’t feel shame in seeking support. Your body is your home and all of your experiences are valid. You deserve to be met with compassion through a lens without judgment.

If you’re interested in learning more about mental health and trauma and the way these manifestations present themselves in your physical body, I highly recommend reading the book “The Body Keeps the Score” by Bessel van der Kolk. This knowledge and awareness can be
utterly life-changing!

What Does it Mean to be Healthy? (Repost!)

**This post was written by and re-posted from: Cara Lisette of Cara’s Corner

We are bombarded with images of ‘health’ everywhere – social media, supermarkets, television, billboards. 

Being healthy is wonderful, and I do believe health is something people should hope to be. But what is ‘healthy’? Is it clean eating and raw foods and ultra marathons? Is it flatlays of avocado toast and juice cleanses and leg days?

I’m saying no.

Health does not stop and start with your body, but it is influenced by your relationship with your body, and how this impacts your mind.

Health isn’t just about eating your vegetables and drinking enough water and going to the gym. Don’t get me wrong, I am an advocate for those things because they boost my energy levels, my overall physical health and my self esteem. But actually, having a healthy mind is just as important as having a ‘healthy’ body. And a healthy body does not equal thin, no matter what the media leads us to believe.

A healthy mind, for me, means being resilient, accepting of myself and being able to challenge my negative thoughts. I am certainly not always of ‘healthy’ mind but it’s where I try to be.

When my mind is healthy, it also means I am able to recognise when I need extra support, and to have enough self esteem to know I deserve that extra support. It doesn’t mean being happy all the time, it just means I can cope with sometimes being unhappy.

It also means that I can eat chocolate and have a glass of wine at the end of a long day. It means that if I’m tired, I can skip the gym. It means that sometimes I need that extra couple of hours in bed, and that’s okay. Health doesn’t mean rigid diets and calorie counting and strict exercise regimes and meeting your macros. It means being able to listen to what your mind and body are telling you, and sometimes they are telling you you need a rest. There are so many messages in the world that lead us to feel guilty for not conforming to binary concepts of health, or looking like people with abs having protein smoothies after their daily 6am workouts. But you should not feel guilty for doing whatever you need to do to keep yourself well – and that is personal to you.

And really, the point I’m trying to make is that this entire post is just about my idea of health. It is personal to me. You may agree or you may not, but if you have other ways that work for you, that’s okay too.

Health isn’t just superfoods and squats. It’s being kind to yourself in whatever form that takes for you.

Dating and Recovery – Your Go-To Guide

Dating can be tough. Dating in recovery from an eating disorder?

That can certainly add some layers of difficulty. Where to begin, right?!

We’ve compiled a list of perspectives to help you sort it all out.

 

Yes, Dating in Recovery is Possible. Here’s What You Need to Know.

Dating During Eating Disorder Recovery

The Secret Life of Dating With an Eating Disorder

The Challenges of Navigating Dating in Eating Disorder Recovery

 

Happy Dating! (…if and when you want to, of course!)

It’s okay if…

The emotions and thoughts you are experiencing right now….let them flow. Let them just be here for a moment while you read on.

In light of the current COVID-19 crisis, none of us have the answer for when life will return to normal and all of us are grieving the Spring time we thought we would have. It’s okay if you’re feeling angry, exhausted, trapped, relieved or rested. Any of it fits.

It’s also okay if….

  • You miss your friends and family…or you don’t.
  • You want to eat more…or you don’t.
  • You feel like you might jump out of your skin…or you don’t.
  • You need to sleep more…or you don’t.
  • You enjoy working from home….or you don’t….or you can’t.
  • You have a productive day…or you don’t.
  • You get dressed…or you don’t.
  • You feel grateful…or you don’t.

There is no right way to feel, act, or “be” right now. Your responsibility is to be true to yourself and your physical, mental, and emotional needs during this time. These needs might not look like your parents’, roommates’, friends’, etc. and that is okay!

Sometimes, it is difficult to meet our needs all on our own. Nutritious Thoughts is here to support you in whatever way possible. As we experience this crisis together, we want you to know that we provide the following services and hope to lighten the load of stress you may be carrying.

  • Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) for  chronic illness
  • Menu/Meal planning for individuals and families
  • Grocery list creation
  • Support around the following:
    • Easy meal preparation
    • Feeding your child during difficult times
    • Discussing food insecurity, budgeting, etc.
    • Body image concerns during a time of isolation
    • Emotional eating & loss of appetite concerns
    • Eating Disorders & Disordered Eating

Stay well, friends.

We stand with you and whatever you’re feeling right now.

Let us know how we can help you meet the needs of yourself and your family!

 

 

Resourcing Yourself

What does it mean to “be in your body”?

For many of us in recovery from an eating disorder or disordered eating, this question is one that we shy away from. Being in our bodies? Nah, not for us. However, being in our bodies (embodiment) may be a tool to help strengthen and expand recovery.

So, let’s ask again. What does it mean to be embodied?

Being embodied means to have the ability to listen. When we can attune to the messages our bodies are sending us, we then have the opportunity to meet our needs accordingly and to be in and with ourselves.

Becoming embodied is a process that can take a lifetime, as we are discouraged from listening to our bodies from a very young age. How do we begin this process? See the tools below that can be used to exercise the “listening muscle” and enhance our ability to sense our bodies and how they fit in the world around us.

5-4-3-2-1 Grounding Tool

  • This grounding technique helps us to orient to the world around us, which is the first step to being able to orient to the world within us (an embodied state).  Practice utilizing this tool linked above.

Body scanning

  • Body scanning is a type of meditation that invites us to notice sensations within our bodies. Practice body scanning to your comfort level using the video linked above.

Begin your journey to exploring embodiment by practicing the 5-4-3-2-1 and body scanning tools above. What do you notice about your thoughts, feelings, and sensations? What do you notice about your comfort level with yourself?

 

Stay tuned for more information about embodiment in recovery in our April blog post!

 

 

SURVIVING VALENTINE’S DAY DURING EARLY RECOVERY

This Valentine’s Day, we share a post via New Method Wellness. These words are truly a worthwhile read!

With love,

Nutritious Thoughts

“It’s a little annoying when stores start putting up Valentine’s Day decorations before it’s even January. Well, February is here already, and now the countdown has begun toward that lovely – or dreaded – Hallmark holiday. Relationship experts and addiction professionals warn about love during the first year of recovery, but when “love is in the air” and all around you, it’s hard to block it out of your mind, especially around this time of year! As you scroll through your Facebook feeds and Instagram pics, you can’t help but wonder, how would a little love hurt anyone?
WHAT’S BETTER THAN LOVE AFTER RECOVERY?
If you are in recovery, your best bet is to make sobriety the top priority on your list rather than finding love. That can be pretty hard to do when every store you walk into is full of reminders that you are single, but rest assured, you won’t regret sticking to the discipline of sobriety for the following reasons:
• Focusing on your sobriety will, in the long run, lead to healthier relationships overall, not just in the romantic domain, but also in all aspects of life
• You increase your chances of success at any endeavor if you stick with the treatment plan that you and your substance abuse counselor developed together
• You reduce your chances of relapsing by avoiding romantic distractions
• You avoid the pitfall of unhealthy relationships. If you get involved with someone during your early stages of recovery, you get addicted to the “high” of falling in love rather than falling in love with the person
• You get to exercise responsibility by not entangling others in an emotional rollercoaster while you sort out your own emotions and discover who you are.
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO INSTEAD OF FINDING A NEW RELATIONSHIP?
Do what makes you happy. Fill your schedule with activities that excite you. Here are some ideas you might want to try:
• Sign up for a dance class. Tired of salsa? Try swing dancing and bring a friend with you who will be supportive of your recovery.
• Get into photography and soak in the beauty around you. Form a new habit by creating an album of memories and people you never want to forget. Appreciate beauty in all its forms wherever you go.
• Go horseback riding. Aside from letting you bond with your favorite animal, horseback riding offers you nontraditional benefits of a physical workout. It helps strengthen your muscles and improve your cardiovascular health.
• Like water? Try water sports like surfing and paddle boarding. Not only are they great for physical exercise but they’re also excellent ways to enhance your mood and reduce anxiety.
DO NOT ISOLATE YOURSELF ON VALENTINE’S DAY
It’s a well-known fact that those who have a history of addiction tend to isolate themselves, irrespective of the type of addiction they have. Case studies have shown that social isolation largely contributes to higher rates of drug use, and the maladaptive patterns developed during substance abuse negatively affect one’s existing relationships.

Reach out to a loved one. Reach out to your recovery community. Stay connected this Valentine’s Day!

Repost: Some “What Ifs” For Dealing With Fatphobia In The New Year

This blog post was written by Ragen Chastain of Dances with Fat.

“The truth is that fatphobia should never happen, and we should never have to deal with it. If and when we do, we might have to take into account how much energy we have to fight, how much power the person engaged in bigotry has over us, or other factors – including and especially for people who are part of more than one marginalized community. So these what-ifs aren’t about deciding what we will do every time, but rather thinking about the possibilities

What if we didn’t put up with body shaming?

What if we interrupted body shaming whenever we heard it – not just about our own bodies, but about any body? You could say something like “My new year’s resolution is to stop participating in negative body talk.” (If this is happening before the new year, just add “and I’m starting early!”)

What if we didn’t allow a running commentary on our body/food choices/weight/etc.

People can think whatever they want about my body, but they can’t say it out loud if they want me to stick around. One of my favorite phrases for this is “I’m going to stop you there.” You can just leave it at that and change the subject, or you can add something like “I’m not interested in people’s opinions about my body/food/weight/etc. let’s talk about something else.”

What if we didn’t buy into the thinner=better/healthier/prettier paradigm

This is a place where I think all of us can probably use some self-work. Our culture is utterly saturated with this myth and it can create fatphobia that is directed at others and/or internalized. (Often we can identify areas for work by our “buts” and our “as long as’s” for example, if we think “it’s ok to be fat but…she shouldn’t be wearing that” or “it’s ok to be fat as long as you’re healthy”) Bodies come in lots of sizes for lots of reasons and thinner bodies are not inherently better in any way, and adding healthism to fatphobia does not improve the situation.

What if we loudly defended our bodies, fixed a plate, then flipped a table and walked out?

This may not be your style and that’s completely ok. But know that it’s ok to defend your body (maybe like you would defend someone you love.) We each get to choose what we are going to allow and sometimes those choices are out of your hands, but it’s worth brainstorming the solutions that are the most “out there” including table-flipping, and leaving (with a plate, of course!)

If we want to dismantle fatphobia we need to keep asking ‘what if…’.”