Emotional Eating Nutritionists and Dietitians in Hickory, NC
My goal is to meet people where they are, and aid them in building a sustainable relationship with food and movement. I educate on how improving their nutrition can improve their mental and emotional health along with their physical well-being. I focus on "Improvement, not perfection!" As a certified group fitness instructor for over 22 years, I am able to help clients design a movement plan that works for them. While using a H.A.E.S, and intuitive eating approach, they are able to enjoy the journey of improvibg their relationship with food and movement.
My goal is to meet people where they are, and aid them in building a sustainable relationship with food and movement. I educate on how improving their nutrition can improve their mental and emotional health along with their physical well-being. I focus on "Improvement, not perfection!" As a certified group fitness instructor for over 22 years, I am able to help clients design a movement plan that works for them. While using a H.A.E.S, and intuitive eating approach, they are able to enjoy the journey of improvibg their relationship with food and movement.
You’re here because you’re ready for a change, but with all the conflicting advice out there, it’s hard to know where to start. Maybe you’re struggling with low energy, inconsistent eating habits, or balancing your health goals with a busy life. I’m here to help you cut through the noise and create a personalized plan that works for you. Together, we’ll build sustainable habits that fit your lifestyle, whether it’s feeling more energized, improving performance, or simply finding joy in food again. You deserve to feel confident, supported, and in control of your health—and I’m here to guide you every step of the way.
You’re here because you’re ready for a change, but with all the conflicting advice out there, it’s hard to know where to start. Maybe you’re struggling with low energy, inconsistent eating habits, or balancing your health goals with a busy life. I’m here to help you cut through the noise and create a personalized plan that works for you. Together, we’ll build sustainable habits that fit your lifestyle, whether it’s feeling more energized, improving performance, or simply finding joy in food again. You deserve to feel confident, supported, and in control of your health—and I’m here to guide you every step of the way.
I enjoy working with a number of individuals including those who are looking to improve their relationship with food and their bodies, let go of beliefs about food that are preventing them from living a full life, and those who are struggling with chronic health concerns and wanting to learn more about nutrition habits that can be supportive to their well being.
I enjoy working with a number of individuals including those who are looking to improve their relationship with food and their bodies, let go of beliefs about food that are preventing them from living a full life, and those who are struggling with chronic health concerns and wanting to learn more about nutrition habits that can be supportive to their well being.
More Dietitians and Nutritionists Nearby
Are you seeking clarity in the complex nutrition-health space? Perhaps you've tried various dietitians, diets, or treatment programs, yet lasting peace with food and self still feels out of reach. You might feel disconnected from your body, carrying years of shame and self-blame, but still desire to feel 'at home' within yourself. Your goals echo a desire to mend your relationship with food and exercise with alignment that is rooted in internal trust and understanding, not external validation. True healing and happiness can't be found in another diet; it's an embodied journey back to self—safety and self-compassion intertwined.
Are you seeking clarity in the complex nutrition-health space? Perhaps you've tried various dietitians, diets, or treatment programs, yet lasting peace with food and self still feels out of reach. You might feel disconnected from your body, carrying years of shame and self-blame, but still desire to feel 'at home' within yourself. Your goals echo a desire to mend your relationship with food and exercise with alignment that is rooted in internal trust and understanding, not external validation. True healing and happiness can't be found in another diet; it's an embodied journey back to self—safety and self-compassion intertwined.
Hi, I’m Ashka, a Registered Dietitian and founder of Spice and Balance Nutrition. I obtained my Master's of Public Health in Nutrition and Dietetics at the University of North Carolina. As a dietitian experienced with culturally diverse cuisines, I specialize in incorporating your favorite comfort foods into a personalized, balanced nutrition plan that honors your traditions and tastes.
As a lover of both science and flavor, I combine evidence-based practices with creative meal ideas to help you spice up your plate and balance your life. My approach is compassionate, judgment-free, and designed to meet you where you are.
Hi, I’m Ashka, a Registered Dietitian and founder of Spice and Balance Nutrition. I obtained my Master's of Public Health in Nutrition and Dietetics at the University of North Carolina. As a dietitian experienced with culturally diverse cuisines, I specialize in incorporating your favorite comfort foods into a personalized, balanced nutrition plan that honors your traditions and tastes.
As a lover of both science and flavor, I combine evidence-based practices with creative meal ideas to help you spice up your plate and balance your life. My approach is compassionate, judgment-free, and designed to meet you where you are.
Online Dietitians and Nutritionists
I meet clients where they are at and look beyond nutrition intake like sleep quality, emotional health, family dynamics to better understand the factors impacting health.
If you are struggling to develop a peaceful relationship with food, know that you are not alone. Confusing messages telling us how to eat, what to eat, and when to eat can make us wonder why eating has gotten so complicated. The short answer: it doesn't have to be. Whether you have been diagnosed with an eating disorder, suffer from disordered eating, or just want to know how to nourish your body without going on another diet, I can help.
I meet clients where they are at and look beyond nutrition intake like sleep quality, emotional health, family dynamics to better understand the factors impacting health.
If you are struggling to develop a peaceful relationship with food, know that you are not alone. Confusing messages telling us how to eat, what to eat, and when to eat can make us wonder why eating has gotten so complicated. The short answer: it doesn't have to be. Whether you have been diagnosed with an eating disorder, suffer from disordered eating, or just want to know how to nourish your body without going on another diet, I can help.
I meet clients where they are at and look beyond nutrition intake like sleep quality, emotional health, family dynamics to better understand the factors impacting health.
I’m a registered dietitian with a private practice that supports individuals struggling with eating disorders, chronic dieting, and body image issues - for the folks I work with, food feels hard. I strive to create a safe, judgment-free space for all individuals to share and process their experiences - my style is warm, accessible, and not without humor. I regularly integrate nutrition science with body-based (somatic) practices and therapeutic coaching to help my clients learn to nourish themselves from the bottom up, with confidence.
I meet clients where they are at and look beyond nutrition intake like sleep quality, emotional health, family dynamics to better understand the factors impacting health.
I’m a registered dietitian with a private practice that supports individuals struggling with eating disorders, chronic dieting, and body image issues - for the folks I work with, food feels hard. I strive to create a safe, judgment-free space for all individuals to share and process their experiences - my style is warm, accessible, and not without humor. I regularly integrate nutrition science with body-based (somatic) practices and therapeutic coaching to help my clients learn to nourish themselves from the bottom up, with confidence.
While I have experience working with a wide variety of EDs and disordered eating patterns, I especially enjoy working with those experiencing distress from emotional eating, burn-out, ARFID, and Binge Eating Disorder.
My approach takes into account how culturally normalized disordered food behavior, the "thin-ideal", discrimination based on race/body/ability, and capitalism/work culture keep us disconnected from our bodies. I specialize in supporting folks experiencing disconnection from the sacred and fundamental practice of taking care of one's body.
While I have experience working with a wide variety of EDs and disordered eating patterns, I especially enjoy working with those experiencing distress from emotional eating, burn-out, ARFID, and Binge Eating Disorder.
My approach takes into account how culturally normalized disordered food behavior, the "thin-ideal", discrimination based on race/body/ability, and capitalism/work culture keep us disconnected from our bodies. I specialize in supporting folks experiencing disconnection from the sacred and fundamental practice of taking care of one's body.
We specialize in Eating Concerns (eating disorders, disordered eating, emotional eating, chronic dieting, weight & body concerns), Embodiment, Nutrition for Substance Use Recovery, Nutrition for Mental Health, Competitive & Recreational Athletes, Chronic Health Concerns (e.g. diabetes, digestive issues, food allergies, depression, anxiety), and Gestational, Hormonal & Reproductive health.
We provide support around Eating Disorders, Eating Concerns, Embodiment, Nutrition for Substance Use Recovery, Nutrition for Mental Health, Nutrition for Competitive & Recreational Athletes, Chronic Health Concerns, and Gestational, Hormonal & Reproductive health. Nutritious Thoughts is a team of compassion-centered dietitians located in North Carolina and virtually across the nation! We practice under the philosophy that humans of all body sizes, shapes, & abilities are worthy of care. We strive to create an authentic human experience through connection & creating positive relationships with food.
We specialize in Eating Concerns (eating disorders, disordered eating, emotional eating, chronic dieting, weight & body concerns), Embodiment, Nutrition for Substance Use Recovery, Nutrition for Mental Health, Competitive & Recreational Athletes, Chronic Health Concerns (e.g. diabetes, digestive issues, food allergies, depression, anxiety), and Gestational, Hormonal & Reproductive health.
We provide support around Eating Disorders, Eating Concerns, Embodiment, Nutrition for Substance Use Recovery, Nutrition for Mental Health, Nutrition for Competitive & Recreational Athletes, Chronic Health Concerns, and Gestational, Hormonal & Reproductive health. Nutritious Thoughts is a team of compassion-centered dietitians located in North Carolina and virtually across the nation! We practice under the philosophy that humans of all body sizes, shapes, & abilities are worthy of care. We strive to create an authentic human experience through connection & creating positive relationships with food.
Kerri is a Registered Dietitian, specializing in working with adults and adolescents with Eating Disorders, Disordered Eating, IBS, Diabetes, and Pregnancy Nutrition. She believes that the beauty of her profession is supporting clients to become empowered and confident as they explore what works for them. Kerri takes a lifelong and “food is fun” approach to her sessions, and understands that what may work in one season of life, may not work in the next. Kerri also believes in an all inclusive approach with foods and body types, providing an environment rich in opportunity to build trust and learning for both client and provider.
Kerri is a Registered Dietitian, specializing in working with adults and adolescents with Eating Disorders, Disordered Eating, IBS, Diabetes, and Pregnancy Nutrition. She believes that the beauty of her profession is supporting clients to become empowered and confident as they explore what works for them. Kerri takes a lifelong and “food is fun” approach to her sessions, and understands that what may work in one season of life, may not work in the next. Kerri also believes in an all inclusive approach with foods and body types, providing an environment rich in opportunity to build trust and learning for both client and provider.
You are valued and of worth, you matter and your wellbeing is important. Anchored Nutrition Therapy approaches health through a HAES (Health at Every Size) lens promoting weight inclusivity, health promoting behaviors, a flexible eating approach based on intuitive eating, meeting your nutritional needs, learning to be in tune with your body and enjoy your food. Helping you find joy in movement. All are welcome.
You are valued and of worth, you matter and your wellbeing is important. Anchored Nutrition Therapy approaches health through a HAES (Health at Every Size) lens promoting weight inclusivity, health promoting behaviors, a flexible eating approach based on intuitive eating, meeting your nutritional needs, learning to be in tune with your body and enjoy your food. Helping you find joy in movement. All are welcome.
Did you know that you can find peace with food and eat in a way that is comfortable, pleasant, sustainable, and pleasurable? Food does not always have to be so anxiety inducing. Or so hard.
Did you know that you can find peace with food and eat in a way that is comfortable, pleasant, sustainable, and pleasurable? Food does not always have to be so anxiety inducing. Or so hard.
Hello! I am a North Carolina-based Registered Dietitian with the group practice Karuna Wellness Studio, who sees clients virtually across the US. Karuna is a group practice that offers nutrition and movement services through a anti-diet, HAES-aligned, weight-neutral approach. We integrate elements of lifestyle medicine & nutritional psychiatry to serve as health advocates for our clients, promoting both physical and mental health. With clients, I create safe space where her clients can discover their authentic selves, meet their needs while rediscovering joy, and work toward autonomy in their relationship with food and body.
Hello! I am a North Carolina-based Registered Dietitian with the group practice Karuna Wellness Studio, who sees clients virtually across the US. Karuna is a group practice that offers nutrition and movement services through a anti-diet, HAES-aligned, weight-neutral approach. We integrate elements of lifestyle medicine & nutritional psychiatry to serve as health advocates for our clients, promoting both physical and mental health. With clients, I create safe space where her clients can discover their authentic selves, meet their needs while rediscovering joy, and work toward autonomy in their relationship with food and body.
Our hope is to accompany you on your journey of re-discovering the sacred connection to your body while healing your relationship with food. Everyone is born with intuitive wisdom to nourish and care for themselves, no matter how dormant it may feel. We use a non-diet approach to nutrition based on intuitive eating principles, weight-inclusive, and flexible thinking. We specialize in nutrition therapy for eating disorders, disordered eating, and chronic dieting. We are passionate about incorporating somatic modalities and integrating functional nutrition approaches and eco-therapy into nutrition counseling.
Our hope is to accompany you on your journey of re-discovering the sacred connection to your body while healing your relationship with food. Everyone is born with intuitive wisdom to nourish and care for themselves, no matter how dormant it may feel. We use a non-diet approach to nutrition based on intuitive eating principles, weight-inclusive, and flexible thinking. We specialize in nutrition therapy for eating disorders, disordered eating, and chronic dieting. We are passionate about incorporating somatic modalities and integrating functional nutrition approaches and eco-therapy into nutrition counseling.
Emily practices out of Health Loft and specializes in working with Eating Disorders, Disordered Eating, Plant Based Diets, Digestive Issues, Body Image Concerns and other conditions. She strongly believes that all foods fit and strives to help clients in their food freedom journey. Using a weight neutral and non-judgemental approach, Emily believes that health is multifactorial and will work to see you as a person, rather than a diagnosis. Emily has spent the majority of her career in higher levels of care for eating disorder treatment (RES, PHP, IOP) treating various eating disorders diagnoses.
Emily practices out of Health Loft and specializes in working with Eating Disorders, Disordered Eating, Plant Based Diets, Digestive Issues, Body Image Concerns and other conditions. She strongly believes that all foods fit and strives to help clients in their food freedom journey. Using a weight neutral and non-judgemental approach, Emily believes that health is multifactorial and will work to see you as a person, rather than a diagnosis. Emily has spent the majority of her career in higher levels of care for eating disorder treatment (RES, PHP, IOP) treating various eating disorders diagnoses.
Hi, I'm Nicole Mobley! I am a Registered Dietitian and owner of Nutrition with Nicky. As an insurance-based provider, I ensure accessible care, making it easier for clients to prioritize their well-being. Most clients are covered 100% with not out of pocket costs. I am committed to empowering lasting change, while focusing on practical real-life solutions that promote balance.
Hi, I'm Nicole Mobley! I am a Registered Dietitian and owner of Nutrition with Nicky. As an insurance-based provider, I ensure accessible care, making it easier for clients to prioritize their well-being. Most clients are covered 100% with not out of pocket costs. I am committed to empowering lasting change, while focusing on practical real-life solutions that promote balance.
Melissa is a dedicated Registered Dietitian who strives to build rapport with her clients and fully understand their nutritional challenges and needs while fostering a positive relationship with food and self-kindness. She enjoys helping others achieve positive changes in their mental and physical health through nutrition counseling and education. Melissa is particularly passionate about working with individuals struggling with eating disorders, disordered eating, and the connection between nutrition and mental health.
Melissa is a dedicated Registered Dietitian who strives to build rapport with her clients and fully understand their nutritional challenges and needs while fostering a positive relationship with food and self-kindness. She enjoys helping others achieve positive changes in their mental and physical health through nutrition counseling and education. Melissa is particularly passionate about working with individuals struggling with eating disorders, disordered eating, and the connection between nutrition and mental health.
I am extremely passionate about helping those who struggle with disordered eating, active eating disorders, body dysmorphic disorder, and I also have a soft spot for athletes as I was a captain on my Division I softball team. I understand that navigating wellness in a world that praises toxic diet culture, overcomplicates everything, and spreads an overwhelming amount of misinformation is TOUGH to do solo. I love nothing more than demonstrating to my clients that there is a way to live life BEYOND obsessing over food.
I am extremely passionate about helping those who struggle with disordered eating, active eating disorders, body dysmorphic disorder, and I also have a soft spot for athletes as I was a captain on my Division I softball team. I understand that navigating wellness in a world that praises toxic diet culture, overcomplicates everything, and spreads an overwhelming amount of misinformation is TOUGH to do solo. I love nothing more than demonstrating to my clients that there is a way to live life BEYOND obsessing over food.
Dillon Smith - Nutritious Thoughts, LLC
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MPH, RD, LDN, CPT
1 Endorsed
Asheville, NC 28801
Nutrition is very personal and complex. Food is so closely connected to our identity and represents our lived experiences. Diet culture separates this connection resulting in an unnecessary challenge of having to distinguish between what we know will nourish our bodies versus what society tells us will nourish our bodies. As a Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist who recognizes Health at Every Size, I lean into body trust and autonomy.
Nutrition is very personal and complex. Food is so closely connected to our identity and represents our lived experiences. Diet culture separates this connection resulting in an unnecessary challenge of having to distinguish between what we know will nourish our bodies versus what society tells us will nourish our bodies. As a Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist who recognizes Health at Every Size, I lean into body trust and autonomy.
Is this you? You were diagnosed with PCOS and told to “just lose weight and come back when you want to get pregnant” but you have symptoms that you want addressed now... like elevated blood sugar, fatigue, and irregular periods. You've tried so many diets but dieting only leads you to binge because you have constant hunger and sugar cravings. You love the idea of intuitive eating and letting go of dieting but you're not sure what that looks like when you're trying to manage PCOS.
Is this you? You were diagnosed with PCOS and told to “just lose weight and come back when you want to get pregnant” but you have symptoms that you want addressed now... like elevated blood sugar, fatigue, and irregular periods. You've tried so many diets but dieting only leads you to binge because you have constant hunger and sugar cravings. You love the idea of intuitive eating and letting go of dieting but you're not sure what that looks like when you're trying to manage PCOS.
Emotional Eating Nutritionists and Dietitians
What is emotional eating?
Emotional eating refers to using food as a coping mechanism to deal with life stressors. It often involves overeating or consuming high-calorie foods to mask underlying emotions such as sadness, stress, or grief. Common triggers include work-related stress, family or relational challenges, and major life changes. Emotional eating can negatively impact health due to increased consumption of food when the body is not physically hungry. This behavior can also lead to additional emotional distress, causing feelings of shame and a lack of control and, in some cases, can escalate into an eating disorder, such as binge eating disorder.
How do I stop emotional eating?
The most effective way to sustainably stop emotional eating is by addressing the underlying stressors that drive this behavior. Individuals with a history of emotional eating might feel inclined to cut calories following episodes of overeating. However, maintaining adequate food intake throughout the day can help prevent emotional eating, which often occurs at night and can be worsened by genuine hunger after periods of restriction. In addition to ensuring proper nutrition, behavioral interventions can be highly beneficial. Techniques such as distraction and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) exercises can help individuals manage and reduce unwanted emotional eating behaviors.
How does emotional eating impact nutrition?
When individuals emotionally eat, they often turn to highly palatable, high-calorie foods, commonly known as "comfort foods," which provide temporary relief from stress. These foods are typically high in sugar and fat, and their regular consumption can negatively affect diet quality and lead to health issues, such as excessive weight gain. Moreover, the high stress levels that contribute to emotional eating can also lead to other unhealthy lifestyle behaviors, such as lack of exercise or excessive alcohol consumption, further compromising overall health and the ability to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
How can a dietitian help someone with emotional eating?
Dietitians can play a crucial role in helping individuals who struggle with emotional eating. They can help clients identify patterns in their behavior, such as specific triggers and times when they are most likely to engage in emotional eating. By helping clients understand these patterns, dietitians can develop personalized strategies for clients to reduce their urge to eat in response to emotions. For example, they can create structured meal plans that promote regular eating habits and provide balanced nutrition. In addition, dietitians can collaborate with therapists to address the underlying emotional and psychological factors contributing to emotional eating. This holistic approach ensures that both the mental health and nutritional aspects of the issue are addressed simultaneously.