Nicole Cruz, RD, Shares What Helped in Her Own Recovery

Source: Used with permission.

I was so excited to get to interview one of my favorite eating disorder dietitians who works with people worldwide via video.

Nicole Cruz, RD, is an amazing dietitian and person who is truly passionate about helping those who are struggling with eating disorders.

Jennifer: Tell me a little bit about yourself and what got you interested in working with people with eating disorders.

Nicole: I actually went to school to become a dietitian because I knew I wanted to work with eating disorders. I grew up with a fairly normal life around food. I did see my mom dieting growing up and never satisfied with her body, but overall, we had all foods in our home and food was never restricted. I was not crazy about my body, but I never thought much about it either. It wasn’t until later into high school that I started developing some disordered eating behaviors and then when I went away to college they became unmanageable. I ended up leaving school, moving back home, and focusing on recovery. I was seeing a dietitian and therapist during that time and I was questioning everything about my future career path. During that process I decided I wanted to go back to school and become a dietitian so I could help people the way my dietitian had helped me.

Jennifer: What was the most helpful for you in your own recovery journey?

Nicole: I think there were a couple of things that really helped me. One was that I had role models. I had a close family friend and my therapist who both identified as “recovered.” I saw them and the way they lived their lives, and I thought, I want that. They were also a huge support system for me. The other thing is that I trusted and was committed. I tell my clients, if my therapist and dietitian had told me to stand on my head in the corner, I would have done it. Things got really uncomfortable at times, and I had to eat things I didn’t want to eat. I remember crying on the floor with food in front of me, but I would do it. I also had to have conversations and set boundaries with people like I had never done before. Sometimes I didn’t understand how doing that would help, but I trusted my team and I was committed to my recovery regardless of how bad it felt at times.

Jennifer: How is your recovered life different from your life trapped in an eating disorder?

Nicole: It’s basically the polar opposite. When I was stuck in my eating disorder I was consumed by thoughts surrounding food and my body. I would miss class so I could look up every calorie of any food I might encounter. I had no energy. I was isolated from my friends. I would sit around and cry. I strained my relationship with my family. I felt like I was living in a box with no windows, no doors, no light, no way out. Now that I’m recovered, it’s the opposite. My life is full of friends and family and activities. I rarely think about my body or the way it looks, and when I do have a thought, it’s just a thought. I can eat anywhere and anything without stress or worry. Life is more complicated in some ways, because there are more things to think about and balance than just food, but I now have the tools to deal with those stressors, and my life is infinitely more full and joyous.

Jennifer: How can an RD help someone who is struggling with an eating disorder?

Nicole: As an RD I provide nutrition education to challenge the client’s distorted views of food and I create some structure with food and meals to ensure the client is eating adequately. I also challenge clients to look at their beliefs about food and see how they may or may not serve them and set up specific meal challenges so they can work through their fears. I also work to help clients get in touch with their hunger and fullness and tap into their ability to make food decisions so they can ultimately eat intuitively.

Jennifer: Do you collaborate with the client’s therapist?

Nicole: Yes! I always work with the therapist and sometimes a physician to ensure the client is getting cohesive care.

Jennifer: How would you describe your approach as an RD?

Nicole: I consider my approach to be challenging and compassionate. I understand how the client may feel in some situations and want to hold space for that while knowing that the eating disorder thoughts and behaviors need to be confronted, and it’s my job to do that for the client.

Jennifer: What do you think are some common misunderstandings that people have about eating disorders?

Nicole: The general population often tells me things like, “I have the opposite problem, I eat too much” or “I need help losing weight”. I think it’s important to know that eating disorders are not based on body size. Anyone living in any body can have an eating disorder. It’s also not about vanity and just wanting to look better. There are other genetic, psychological, social, and emotional factors that play a role in eating disorder development.

Jennifer: Anything you’d like for me to shout out or link to?

Nicole: People can find me at my website, and on Facebook and Instagram @nicolecruzrd.

I’ll also be offering a virtual intuitive eating group for teens, and if you are interested in getting on the waitlist for that you can email me at nicole@nicolecruzrd.com