<p>There's a nutritionist who comes to campus once a month to help people with their eating habits. I've had a terrible relationship with food for a while now and I don't know what to do. Last year I was going to the gym for hours every day and all I eat is junk food - even when I'm not hungry. My parents know at least half of what is going on, but they would never believe that I have an eating disorder if I told them. They're the kind of people who would think I could fix it by fixing my attitude. I even expressed to my doctor that I was concerned that I gained 25 pounds in a year and she said my only problem was that I smoke weed! That's ridiculous and no excuse refuse to help me more than to tell me to quit.</p>
<p>So, after that rant, I was wondering if a college nutritionist could help me? Is that what they're here for or are eating disorders too much of a problem?</p>
<p>Nutritionists will tell you what is healthy to eat: calorie count, portion size, that kind of thing. They are trained to deal with medical health issues, not psychological ones.</p>
<p>It sounds like you already know what is healthy and what is not, but that you can’t control what you eat. But knowing that you have an eating disorder is the difficult first step, and you have made it.</p>
<p>Ask your school’s health center about counseling options. Perhaps the school can even organize (or already has) a support group for people with eating disorders. Or they can refer you to a counseling center that may be covered by your insurance or at a very low cost for students.</p>
<p>Go to the counseling center and set up an appointment. You need to get to the root of the problem. It is usually psychologically based. How do you feel emotionally when you’re eating? How do you feel after you eat the junk food? Why do you choose unhealthy food knowing that there are better choices available? Do you eat more when you’re stressed or sad or lonely? These are questions you need to think about.</p>