Restrictive Eating

Restrictive eating involves limiting food intake based on quantity, type, or timing of meals. While some level of food selection is normal, it can become problematic when it affects physical health, emotional wellbeing, or quality of life.

What Causes Restrictive Eating?

There are many reasons someone may develop restrictive eating habits. For some, it stems from a strong desire to eat healthily, leading to the avoidance of entire food groups. Others may experience sensory sensitivities to taste, texture, or smell, making certain foods unappealing or intolerable. Anxiety around eating, digestion, or body image can also contribute, as can rigid food rules that limit dietary variety. Past experiences of illness, choking, or discomfort while eating may reinforce avoidance, making it harder to introduce new foods.

Recognising the Signs

Restrictive eating can manifest in different ways, including:

Eating only a small variety of foods
Avoiding entire food groups without medical necessity
Feeling anxious or guilty when deviating from strict food rules
Finding social situations involving food stressful or overwhelming
Relying on a narrow range of ‘safe’ foods and resisting unfamiliar ones
Experiencing unintentional weight loss, nutritional deficiencies, or increased distress around food choices

When Does Restrictive Eating Become a Concern?

Not all restrictive eating is harmful. Some people have natural food preferences or follow dietary practices based on cultural or ethical beliefs. However, it may be a cause for concern if it leads to nutritional deficiencies, increased anxiety, or avoidance of eating situations. If restrictive eating starts to interfere with daily life, social interactions, or overall wellbeing, it may be helpful to seek professional support.

Moving Toward a Balanced Approach

Challenging restrictive eating patterns takes time, but small steps can make a significant difference. Some ways to build a more balanced relationship with food include:

Developing flexibility with food choices rather than sticking to rigid rules
Gradually introducing new foods in a manageable and supportive way
Recognising and addressing the emotional impact of restrictive eating
Shifting the focus from avoidance to nourishment and overall wellbeing
Seeking support from a Psychologist and Dietitian to navigate these changes

Seeking Professional Support

If restrictive eating is affecting your life, professional guidance can help. At Mind Body Well, our team of Psychologists and Dietitians provide compassionate, evidence-based support to help you build a healthier relationship with food. Reach out via our New Clients form if you would like to find out more about consulting with one of our therapists.

MEDICARE AND PRIVATE HEALTH CLAIMS FOR PSYCHOLOGICAL THERAPY

You may be eligible to claim rebates for Psychological Therapy if you have:

A referral and Mental Health Care Plan completed by your Doctor, or
Private Heath Insurance which includes Psychological Counselling as part of your extras cover.

Please note – we do not Bulk Bill. All sessions will incur an out of pocket fee, and full payment is to be made on the day of your session. If you are eligible for a Medicare or Private Health Insurance rebate, you will be provided with a claimable receipt which you can then use to make your claim (we don’t process the claims in-house).

Ask about our Restrictive Eating support at our Melbourne clinic

At Mind Body Well we provide a supportive and safe environment for people to . Our team of experienced psychologists and dietitians can work collaboratively to help you make change and achieve your goals. We offer support for people experiencing a range of issues including body image concerns, anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder.