“Mental Health Out Loud: How to Encourage Healthy Nutrition Among Teens with Eating Disorders” [Video Replay + Podcast #432]

Access the video replay, listen to the podcast episode (#432), and access related resources for this Q&A session originally broadcast on November 17, 2022.

ADHD Expert: Dena Cabrera, Psy.D., CEDS, Megan Kniskern, R.D. Verified Updated on November 22, 2022
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Episode Description

In Part I of our conversation on eating disorders among teens and tweens, we talked about what defines an eating disorder, why girls with ADHD are at highest risk, and how caregivers and teachers can identify and address eating disorders in students.

In Part II of our conversation, clinical psychologist Dena Cabrera and registered dietician Megan Kniskern will answer your questions about building healthy nutrition habits for teens with eating disorders.

Topics of discussion will include:

  • Strategies to encourage healthy eating in tweens and teens with eating disorders
  • How to talk with your teen about nutrition and its impact on the body and development
  • Approaches to address binge eating and the weak self-regulation skills that contribute to this disorder
  • How to outwit comfort food cravings brought on by emotional dysregulation
  • How to help teens with anorexia have a healthier relationship with food
  • How to know when a teen needs professional help

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357 is a confidential, free, 24-hour-a-day, 365-days-a-year information and referral service. For anyone experiencing a crisis, immediate help is also available by calling the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK.

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Resources and Organizations

More on Eating Disorders and Mental Health

Meet the Expert Speakers

Dena Cabrera, Psy.D., CEDS, is a Clinical Psychologist and Certified Eating Disorder Specialist with over 24 years of experience treating psychological and psychiatric disorders. Before opening her own private practice in Anthem, Arizona, she served as the Vice President of Clinical Services for Rosewood Centers for Eating Disorders. Dr. Cabrera is a nationally recognized expert in her field, having authored numerous articles and publications including co-author of the book Mom in the Mirror: Body Image, Beauty and Life After Pregnancy (#CommissionsEarned). She’s also a sought-after speaker and has been featured on numerous news outlets, talk shows, and prominent national and local publications. She previously served as president of the International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals (IAEDP). Learn more by visiting her online at denacabrera.com.

Megan Kniskern, R.D., is the owner of MAK Nutrition Services. She is a senior lecturer at Arizona State University teaching management, leadership, professional preparation, and nutrition undergraduate courses, as well as a graduate eating disorders and substance use disorder course which she developed. In 2021 Megan launched her online training program, Deepen Your Perspectives: Nutrition Therapy for Mental Health, to registered dietitians. Megan works with complex eating disorder clients, and supervises other registered dietitians, in the areas of eating disorders, substance use and mental health nutrition support; educating through a non-diet, weight inclusive, client-centered, trauma and experience informed lens; helping clients and professionals to improve food dynamics and body connection understanding. She co-authored the Revised 2020 Eating Disorder Standards of Practice and Standards of Professional Practice (published) and has served in past leadership roles with the Behavioral Health Nutrition (BHN) DPG and continues to volunteer the International Federation of Eating Disorder Dietitians (IFEDD).

#CommissionsEarned As an Amazon Associate, ADDitude earns a commission from qualifying purchases made by ADDitude readers on the affiliate links we share. However, all products linked in the ADDitude Store have been independently selected by our editors and/or recommended by our readers. Prices are accurate and items in stock as of time of publication.

Listener Testimonials

“Two great contributors. I tuned in because I have an adult child with ADD with an eating disorder. This was a fabulous presentation. I wish I had it had been available 10 years ago. Thanks for producing it now.”

“Very skillfully done!”

“Thank you for covering this topic. It’s the only time I’ve seen it covered in such depth and it was extremely useful. I’m going to share it with my college student and high schooler with ADHD as well as with my husband.”

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