About the New Dietary Guidelines: An Eating Disorder Recovery–Informed Approach

Eating disorders are complex medical and psychological conditions with far-reaching medical and psychological consequences. They affect not only emotional well-being and cognition, but also the functioning of vital organs, hormonal regulation, bone health, and neurological systems. They don't discriminate, and anyone from any race, gender, culture, or sexual orientation can develop one.

From both a nutritional and psychological standpoint, adequate and consistent nourishment is essential during recovery to support the body’s anabolic processes and restore physiological stability. When the body receives sufficient and regular nutrition, it can shift out of a prolonged stress and conservation state and into repair and rebuilding—supporting organ function, hormonal regulation, bone health, immune response, and neurological recovery. Psychologically, consistent nourishment stabilizes blood sugar and brain chemistry, which directly impacts mood, concentration, emotional regulation, and impulse control. Without adequate intake, anxiety, rigidity, obsessive thoughts, and emotional dysregulation are often amplified, limiting an individual’s capacity to engage in therapy and make meaningful behavioral change, and engage in positive relationships. Nutrition, therefore, is not just supportive of recovery—it is a prerequisite for psychological healing and sustained treatment progress.

Proper nutritional rehabilitation plays a critical role in recovery outcomes and ensuring sufficient and balanced intake supports brain function, emotional processing, and the ability to adhere to treatment recommendations. Nutrition is not separate from therapy—it is foundational to it. With this lens in mind, it is important to thoughtfully examine the 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans and consider how their recommendations can be applied—carefully and compassionately—within eating disorder treatment and recovery.

Key Changes in the 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines and Their Clinical Implications

“Real Food” Focus

A central theme of the new guidelines is a return to whole, nutrient-dense foods. From an eating disorder recovery perspective, promoting variety rather than rigidity is essential. Effective treatment requires meal plans that are personalized and based on a comprehensive assessment of each individual’s medical, nutritional, and psychological needs. Incorporating a wide range of foods supports nutritional adequacy, helps normalize eating patterns, and reduces fear-based avoidance.

For many individuals in recovery, consuming nutrient-dense foods can also help reduce uncomfortable fullness—an experience commonly reported during refeeding—by supporting efficiency in meeting nutritional needs while the digestive system continues to heal.

Protein Prioritization

The guidelines encourage protein at every meal, including both animal sources (meat, eggs, seafood) and plant-based options (beans, nuts, soy).

Amino acids are essential for the production of neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin, and GABA, which are closely linked to mood regulation, emotional resilience, and stress response. Inadequate protein intake can contribute to impaired brain function, reduced concentration, muscle wasting, weakened bones, and delayed recovery from illness or injury.

In eating disorder treatment, incorporating protein consistently throughout the day supports both physiological repair and psychological stability, making it a critical component of recovery-oriented nutrition care.

Fats

The guidelines advocate for the inclusion of fats such as full-fat dairy (yogurt, cheese) and cooking fats like butter, olive oil, and beef tallow—marking a shift away from longstanding low-fat messaging.

Fats are vital nutrients that provide sustained energy, support cell growth, hormone production, and nervous system function, and play a role in reducing inflammation. Omega-3 fatty acids, in particular, are associated with improved cognitive functioning and emotional health (Harvard Health Publishing, 2021).

Within eating disorder treatment, the reintroduction of fats must address both physiological and psychological components. Fear of fat is a core feature of eating disorder psychopathology and often drives restriction, avoidance, and compensatory behaviors. Adequate fat intake is essential not only for physical healing but also for dismantling entrenched fear-based beliefs around food (Woods et al., 2023).

Sugar and Processed Foods

The guidelines strongly discourage sugar-sweetened beverages, highly processed packaged foods, and artificial sweeteners, with no recommended amount of added sugar for children under four.

Research suggests that highly processed foods high in sugar can alter the brain’s reward system, increase sensitivity to food cues, and promote compulsive eating patterns (Tarman, 2024). These effects are particularly relevant when working with individuals who struggle with binge eating or food addiction–like behaviors.

At the same time, eating disorder treatment requires nuance. Recovery involves balancing physiological needs with emotional and functional aspects of eating. This includes learning to recognize hunger and fullness cues, understanding emotional triggers, and acknowledging that certain foods carry cultural, social, or comfort-related significance. Healing a relationship with food is not about elimination—it is about awareness, balance, and flexibility.

Integrating Nutrition and Psychology in Eating Disorder Treatment

Effective treatment of eating disorders requires a comprehensive, individualized, and multidisciplinary approach. Nutrition rehabilitation, psychoeducation, emotional awareness, and therapeutic support must work together. Understanding the intricate relationships between emotions, thoughts, body sensations, behaviors, and food choices allows individuals to develop sustainable strategies for recovery.

By addressing both the biological and psychological dimensions of eating disorders, individuals can regulate hormones, restore cognitive functioning, and cultivate a more balanced, mindful, and compassionate relationship with food.

The 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines offer important reminders about nutrient-dense eating and the role of protein and fats in overall health. However, when applied to eating disorder recovery, they must be interpreted through a trauma-informed, psychologically attuned lens. Guidelines should support healing—not reinforce fear, restriction, rules, rigidity, or shame.

At Home For Balance, we believe recovery is strengthened through moderation, connection, and balance. Our multidisciplinary team specializes in supporting children, teens, and adults with concerns ranging from eating disorders and OCD to anxiety, depression, and substance use. We take a personalized, holistic approach that honors both the science of nutrition and the lived emotional experience of each individual.

Whether you are beginning your recovery journey or seeking continued support, we are here to help.

To learn more about our services or to schedule your FREE 30-minute consultation, please contact us at info@homeforbalance.com or call 561.600.1424.

References

Harvard Health Publishing. Know the Facts about Fats. Harvard Health, 19 Apr. 2021.

Tarman, Vera I. One Size Does Not Fit All: Understanding the Five Stages of Ultra-Processed Food Addiction. Journal of Metabolic Health, 2024.

Woods, Elizabeth S., et al. Fear of Fat in Eating Disorders: The Mediating Role of Individual Differences in Self-Disgust. Journal of Affective Disorders Reports, 2023.