3 of the Best Nutritionists in Orlando

Takeaway: If you’re searching for a nutritionist in Florida, here are three top professionals to consider. The nutritionists at Restored Purpose Counseling specialize in a Health at Every Size (HAES) approach, helping you achieve your healthiest self.

About Restored Purpose

At Restored Purpose, we are dedicated to providing exceptional care through a compassionate, evidence-based approach to eating disorder recovery. Our team of top registered dietitians in Orlando brings a wealth of expertise and a shared passion and commitment to transforming lives. We believe in give patients a personalized, holistic approach that addresses not only the physical aspects of eating disorders but also the emotional and psychological facets.

3 of the Best Orlando Registered Dietitians

When it comes to treating eating disorders, finding a registered dietitian (RD) who specializes in this complex field is crucial. The right dietitian can help guide individuals on the road to recovery with compassionate, evidence-based care tailored to the unique nutritional needs of those struggling with disorders like anorexia, bulimia, binge eating, and other forms of disordered eating.

In this blog, we’ll introduce you to the top 3 eating disorder dietitians in Orlando, as well as those offering virtual services throughout Florida. Whether you’re seeking support for yourself or a loved one, these experts are equipped with the experience, specialized training, and a deep understanding of the emotional and physical challenges of eating disorders.

We’ll highlight their unique approaches, qualifications, and the key factors that set them apart in the field of eating disorder recovery. With their help, you can feel confident in choosing a dietitian who will provide the compassionate, individualized care necessary to support the journey to health and healing.

1. Tessa Balish

• RD, LDN
• Bachelors of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics
• As an anti-diet Registered Dietitian at Restored Purpose Counseling, Tessa provides virtual support for various disorders, including ARFID, binge-eating, anorexia, bulimia, and orthorexia. Using a Health-at-Every-Size® approach, she focuses on a weight-inclusive, holistic view of each client. Tessa utilizes exposure-response prevention to address food-related anxieties and is passionate about helping individuals reconnect with or develop a healthier relationship with food. She believes understanding a person’s food history and cultural influences is key to meaningful change.
• Link to Tessa’s full bio

2. Lisa Janik

• MS, RD, LDN
• Masters of Science and Supervised Practice in Nutrition at Georgia State University
• Lisa is a Registered Dietitian at Restored Purpose Counseling, licensed in both Florida and Georgia, and offers virtual sessions. She specializes in supporting individuals with disordered eating, as well as those seeking a lifestyle with a more balanced relationship with food and their body, free from dieting. Lisa employs a non-diet, weight-inclusive approach, valuing a collaborative counseling relationship where she listens closely to each client’s unique experiences. Utilizing Intuitive Eating and Health at Every Size® principles, she believes in incorporating all foods into a healthy, balanced diet for optimal wellness.
• Link to Lisa’s full bio

3. Alex Fleet

• MS, RD, LDN
• Masters of Science in Nutrition and Food Science at Florida State University
• Alex is a Registered Dietitian, nutritionist based in South Carolina with licensure in Florida and South Carolina. Her passion lies in helping individuals cultivate a healthy relationship with food by embracing food neutrality. Her primary focus is eating disorders and disorder eating, utilizing a non-diet, weight inclusive approach. Through motivational interviewing and intuitive eating principles, she aims to create a supportive space where all foods can fit. 
• Link to Alex’s full bio

Why Choose Restored Purpose

At Restored Purpose Counseling, we understand that each individual’s path to recovery is unique, especially when navigating an eating disorder and co-occurring mental health conditions and challenges. At our private practice, we pride ourselves on offering a personalized approach to treatment, ensuring that each client’s journey to health is supported with care and precision by the registered dietitian.

Here’s why Restored Purpose stands out:

• Personalized Treatment Plans: We recognize there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Our team tailors treatment plans to meet each client’s specific needs and goals, adapting as necessary throughout the recovery process.

• Integrated Approach: We work closely with a multidisciplinary team to provide comprehensive care that addresses both the eating disorder and any co-occurring mental health conditions.

• Empathetic Support: Our clinicians are dedicated to meeting clients where they are at, offering a supportive and non-judgmental environment that fosters trust and healing.

• Expertise in Specialized Care: Our dietitians and therapists are highly trained in treating eating disorders and medical nutrition therapy, utilizing evidence-based practices to ensure effective outcomes and long-lasting changes with eating habits in the nutrition counseling process.

• Collaborative Care: We coordinate closely with other healthcare professionals to provide a seamless and holistic approach to recovery, ensuring all aspects of a client’s well-being are addressed.

Choosing Restored Purpose means partnering with a dedicated team committed to your individual needs, and overall well-being. We are here to support you every step of the way toward lasting recovery and health.

Nutrition Services We Offer

Nutrition Counseling for Eating Disorders

Our nutrition counseling is tailored to meet the specific needs of individuals facing eating disorders. We focus on creating a supportive environment where clients can address their relationship with food, set realistic nutrition goals, and build confidence in their eating habits. The family is also integrated in this process for optimal support for the client. Our approach is evidence-based and customized to each client’s unique recovery journey. 

Nutrition Education

Education is a cornerstone of our practice. Our nutrition specialists helping clients understand the “why” behind nutrition and the role of different foods in their recovery. Our goal is to empower clients with knowledge about adequate nutrition, food groups, and nutritional myths, enabling informed choices that support their long-term health.

Meal Supports

Registered Dietitians and therapists at Restored Purpose offer targeted meal support sessions to assist you during challenging meals, while addressing unhelpful eating behaviors, and when looking to implement habits like mindful eating. These sessions provide real-time support and strategies to help you navigate difficult moments, manage anxiety around eating, and implement healthier behaviors. Our goal is to offer guidance and encouragement to help you feel more confident during a meal when you eat.

Personalized Meal Planning

We assist clients in creating structured meal plans that align with their specific nutritional needs and recovery goals. These plans are crafted to provide complete nutrition and address specific dietary requirements, ensuring clients receive the necessary support throughout their recovery process and continue to meet their health goals.

FAQs About Working with our Orlando Nutritionists

What is the difference between a nutritionist and a dietitian?

The terms “nutritionist” and “dietitian” often cause confusion due to their overlapping roles, but there are key differences. A dietitian is a professional with formal education and credentials in nutritional science, typically holding a degree in dietetics or a nutrition-related field, and passing a national certification exam. Dietitians are also required to complete 1,200 supervised practice hours in a variety of areas, such as community, clinical, corporate wellness, and even sports nutrition and dietetics. In the U.S., certified Registered Dietitian (RD) or Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) are recognized by state and national boards, ensuring they adhere to rigorous standards and continuing education requirements. Registered Dietitians are able to provide Medical Nutrition Therapy on a wide variety of topics, such as nutrition for acute kidney disease and chronic conditions.

On the other hand, the term nutritionist is less regulated and does not always require formal certification or specific qualifications. While some nutritionists may have advanced degrees or certifications, the title itself is not protected or standardized, leading to variability in training and expertise among nutrition there.

Our team is comprised of Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) with advanced degrees and credentials in both Florida and Georgia. We offer evidence-based, personalized nutrition care, ensuring the highest standards of expertise, quality and professionalism in supporting your health and wellness goals when providing nutrition counseling.

Can a registered dietitian nutritionist help you lose weight?

At Restored Purpose Counseling, our dietitians take a non-diet approach to support your recovery, focusing energy on healing your relationship with food through nutrition counseling rather than prioritizing weight loss and weight management. We adhere to a Health at Every Size® (HAES) philosophy, which emphasizes overall health, well-being and body positivity over weight-centric goals.

Rather than concentrating your energy on weight reduction, our approach encourages a healthier, more balanced relationship with food, helping you understand and appreciate the nutritional value of different foods. Our certified and licensed dietitians work to empower you with knowledge and strategies for developing sustainable eating habits that supports your mental and physical health without focusing on weight.

We believe that true health encompasses various factors beyond the scale, including emotional well-being, energy levels, and quality of life. By focusing on these aspects, we help clients achieve fulfilling, lifestyle changes and sustainable path to recovery.

Is it worth getting a nutritionist?

Working with a registered dietitian nutritionist can be particularly beneficial if you’re dealing with disordered eating. A skilled dietitian provides personalized guidance tailored to your unique needs, helping you understand the science behind nutritional recommendations and how they support your recovery. They offer expert advice on meal planning, balanced diets, and managing specific symptoms and eating challenges, ensuring you receive the right nutrients to promote healing and well-being.

Beyond offering nutritional education, a dietitian can help patients set realistic goals, address food-related challenges, and build a healthier relationship with food. Their support is crucial for managing disordered eating, fostering a positive body image, and enhancing your overall quality of life.

Our Orlando Dietitians are here to help you reconnect to your purpose.

At Restored Purpose Counseling, we understand that each individual’s journey to recovery and wellness is unique. Our team of expert dietitians is dedicated to providing personalized nutrition support to help you achieve overall health—both mentally and physically—and reconnect with your true self.

We believe in meeting clients where they are, crafting tailored treatment plans that address their specific needs, symptoms and challenges. Our holistic approach combines evidence-based strategies with compassionate care, ensuring that you receive the most effective support possible. Whether you’re dealing with an eating disorder or co-occurring mental health concerns, our dietitians are here to guide you through every step of your recovery. Contact us today to discover how we can support you in your journey to recovery and help you flourish.

If you’re ready to explore how our tailored nutritional support can benefit you, we encourage you to reach out and find an Orlando nutritionist that fits your needs. Contact us today to discover how we can support you in your journey to recovery and help you flourish.