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coaching with Siah Fried, experienced parent and health coach
care team, disordered eating vs eating disorders, eating disorder coaching, body dysmorphia coaching, diet culture and disordered eating, signs of disordered eating, mental health coaching, supportive care team, Uncategorized

Don’t Do It Alone: How to Organize A Supportive Care Team

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Don’t Do It Alone: How To Organize A Supportive Care Team: When your child is struggling with their mental or physical health—whether it’s anxiety, disordered eating, a chronic condition, or something you can’t quite name yet—it can feel overwhelming, isolating, and even paralyzing. As parents, we often feel like we should have all the answers, or that it’s our job to “fix” it on our own. But the truth is: you don’t have to go it alone. In fact, organizing a care team is one of the most powerful things you can do for your child—and for yourself. A well-rounded support system helps you move from confusion and worry to clarity and connection. It allows your child to be seen as a whole person, and not just a diagnosis or a set of symptoms. Here’s how to begin building that team—one that supports your values and your child’s unique needs. Step 1. Organize A Care Team: Start with Your Core Values Before you bring in outside professionals, get clear on your family’s core values. What matters most to you when it comes to your child’s well-being? Maybe it’s compassion over compliance, trust over control, or collaboration over quick fixes. When you lead with your values, you’ll be able to filter advice, treatment plans, and communication through a lens that feels aligned—and avoid second-guessing yourself at every turn. 🟢 Tip: Write down 3 guiding values for your parenting approach. Use them as a compass when making care decisions. Step 2. Organize A Supportive Care Team: Identify the Gaps Next, take an honest look at where your child needs support. These are some common care categories to consider: You don’t need to fill every role right away. Start with the most urgent needs and go from there. Step 3. Organize A Supportive Care Team: Choose Aligned Professionals Not all providers are created equal—and not every well-meaning expert will be the right fit for your family. Seek out professionals who: 🟢 Look for specialists who use a collaborative, trauma-informed, or HAES® (Health at Every Size) approach if disordered eating is a concern. Step 4. Organize A Supportive Care Team: Connect the Dots Once your team is in place, your role becomes one of care coordinator and advocate. That might mean: You are the common thread. And that role is powerful. Step 5. Organize A Supportive Care Team: Take Care of You, Too You can’t pour from an empty cup. As your child receives support, you also need space to process, plan, and rest. A parent coach, therapist, or support group can help you hold the emotional weight without burning out. And remember: you’re not failing because you need help—you’re showing strength by building a village. Final Thoughts Organizing a supportive care team doesn’t mean giving up control—it means stepping into your role as a connected, empowered parent. Your child deserves a full-circle approach to health, and you deserve support in making that happen. You’re not in this alone. And you don’t have to act like you are. Use this link to schedule a free call now. 💌 Want more support? Download my free guide:“4 Steps To Talk To Your Kids About Food-Without Making It Worse” — a roadmap to help you organize your next steps with clarity and confidence. And join my newsletter for weekly insights, scripts, and support for parents navigating food, body image, and emotional wellness. Get the Free GuideJoin the Newsletter

Find out the difference between disordered eating and eating disorders: what parents need to know
body image, disordered eating, disordered eating vs eating disorders, disordered eating vs eating disorders, eating disorder coaching, body dysmorphia coaching, diet culture and disordered eating, signs of disordered eating, mental health coaching, eating disorder, Uncategorized

Disordered Eating or an Eating Disorder? What Parents Need to Know Now

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Disordered eating or an eating disorder? What parents need to know now. Eating disorders have nearly doubled globally, rising from 3.5% to 7.8% between 2000 and 2018. Every 52 minutes, someone loses their life due to an eating disorder. But here’s what many parents don’t know:Less than 6% of those with eating disorders are medically underweight. That means your child doesn’t have to “look sick” to be struggling. 💬 “Is this just picky eating? A phase? Or something more serious?” If you’ve asked yourself this, you’re not alone. I’ve worked with countless families asking the same questions. And here’s what I always say: You don’t need a diagnosis to take action. If something feels off, trust your gut. Disordered Eating vs. Eating Disorders: What’s the Difference? Both disordered eating and eating disorders affect how someone relates to food, but they’re not the same. 👉 Disordered Eating Includes behaviors that might not meet the criteria for a diagnosis—but are still harmful.Examples: 👉 Eating Disorders Are serious mental health conditions like anorexia, bulimia, or binge eating disorder.They require medical and psychological intervention. Both deserve attention, can cause harm and can people can heal with the right support Disordered Eating or Eating Disorder? The Numbers That Matter So let’s bust the myth that only “thin” kids are at risk—and start listening for the quieter signs. Disordered Eating or Eating Disorder? What You Can Do If your child is… …it’s time to take the next step. You don’t have to wait for a formal diagnosis.There is support-just reach out. Let’s Talk. As a coach trained in disordered eating recovery, intuitive eating, and body image work, I help families understand what’s going on—and what to do next. ➡️ Contact me here or DM me on Instagram @siahfriedcoachLet’s make sure your child gets the support they need—before things escalate. Warmly, SiahSiah S. Fried, MPH, NBC-HWCwww.siahfriedcoach.com Here is a link for more information on the statistics listed in this blog.

How to Break Free from Diet Culture at The Table:
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How to Break Free from Diet Culture at the Table: A Lesson from One Teen’s Recovery Plan

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How a Burger, Shake, and Fries Became a Prescription for Healing How to break free from diet culture at the table: I recently collaborated with a pediatric eating disorder doctor to support a teen client, and the message we worked hard to drive home was clear—and maybe even a little surprising: She needed to eat a burger, shake, and fries at least once a week.Yes, on purpose.Not as a “cheat meal” or a treat after a big game.But as a prescribed part of her healing. How to Break Free from Diet Culture at The Table: More Than Calories- Why All Fat Matters for Menstruating Athletes Because this wasn’t just about calories. It was about restoring her period, rebuilding trust in food, and helping her growing, athletic body get what it truly needed: energy, nourishment, and yes—saturated fat. Most of our lives we are told to avoid saturated fat as an excess intake can lead to heart disease and other diseases and related conditions. However, as with many nutrition messages, recommendations around fat and specifically saturated fat can be misinterpreted, taken to extremes, or ignored. For growing and menstruating female athletes in particular, saturated fat plays a role in supporting hormonal balance and overall health. How to Break Free from Diet Culture at The Table: Why Saturated Fat Has a Place on the Plate In a world that still praises clean eating and fears fat, this recommendation can feel radical. But it’s rooted in solid science and compassionate care. Saturated fat, often painted as the dietary villain, actually aids hormonal health—particularly for teen girls who are highly active or undernourished. It supports estrogen production, which is essential for getting and maintaining a regular period. It’s not something to fear—it’s something to include. For more detailed guidance on dietary fats, refer to this scholarly article or the American Heart Association. Keep in mind, though, that while both provide valuable information, they do not specifically address the unique needs of female athletes recovering from eating disorders. A Wake-Up Call at Home: What I Realized About My Own Kids’ Meals As a parent, I found myself reflecting on my own daughters’ meals. Were they getting all three macronutrients—carbohydrates, protein, and fat—in a balanced way? Was I unintentionally avoiding or limiting certain foods based on outdated nutrition fears or wellness culture messages? This doctor’s words challenged me to take a closer look, and I realized: it’s not just kids in treatment who need this message. All kids—especially teens—need to know that food isn’t good or bad. All foods fit. And so do milkshakes. Clean Eating Culture and the Rise of Food Fear I see it every day in my work with families: teens becoming more rigid, fearful, or selective about food, and parents unsure when it’s just “picky eating” or something more. But when periods disappear, energy plummets, or moods shift, that’s the body waving a red flag. And sometimes the answer isn’t more supplements or stricter rules—it’s more fries. How to Break Free from Diet Culture: A Gentle Reminder to Parents of Teens If you’re raising a teen—especially an active teen—consider this your gentle nudge to take a look at what’s on their plate. Seek support from a doctor or a reputable health provider. Be clear on your concerns and questions. Here are some to consider: It’s Not About Guilt—It’s About Nourishment This isn’t about guilt. It’s about awareness—and giving yourself permission to loosen the rules, challenge food fears, and make space for joyful, satisfying, and deeply nourishing meals. Want more tips on raising intuitive eaters and positive body talk? Sign up for my weekly newsletter here. To find out more about the Move FORWARD parent coaching program specializing in intuitive eating and positive body talk, schedule a free call using this link.

When does healthy eating become disordered? What Parents Need to Know
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When Does ‘Healthy Eating’ Become Disordered? What Parents Need to Know… 

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You want to know when does healthy eating become disordered? Here is what parents need to know….As a parent, you want your teen to develop a healthy relationship with food—one that supports both their physical and mental well-being. What happens when their focus on “clean eating” or “healthy choices” starts to feel extreme? Many eating disorders begin with good intentions, making them easy to overlook until they become harmful. I have seen the “clean eating” trend be disordered many times among people of various ages. While it’s great to encourage balanced eating habits, it’s also important to recognize when “healthy eating” starts to cross the line into disordered eating. Here’s what to watch for and how to support your teen. When Does Healthy Eating Become a Problem? For many teens, an interest in nutrition, fitness, or health starts innocently. They may learn about nutrition in school, see influencers promoting “clean eating,” or decide they want to eat healthier for personal reasons. For some, this focus can become rigid and obsessive, leading to an unhealthy relationship with food. Signs That “Healthy Eating” Might Be a Red Flag: 🚩 Strict Food Rules – Cutting out entire food groups without a medical reason (e.g., no carbs, no fats, no processed foods). 🚩 Guilt Around Eating – Feeling anxious, ashamed, or upset after eating certain foods. 🚩 Obsession with Ingredients – Hyper-focusing on food labels, calories, or only eating “clean” or “whole” foods. 🚩 Skipping Social Meals – Avoiding family dinners, outings, or events because of “unhealthy” food options. 🚩 Compensating for Eating – Exercising excessively, skipping meals, or fasting to “make up” for eating certain foods. 🚩 Increased Anxiety Around Food – Showing signs of distress when faced with foods that don’t fit their “rules.” 🚩 Weight Loss or Extreme Control Over Eating – Even if they don’t appear underweight, significant weight changes or extreme rigidity around food choices can indicate a deeper issue. The Difference Between Healthy Eating and Disordered Eating The key difference between healthy eating and disordered eating is flexibility. A teen with a truly balanced approach to nutrition can enjoy a variety of foods, eat intuitively, and not feel intense guilt or anxiety around their choices. Disordered eating, on the other hand, is rigid, driven by rules, and often connected to deeper emotional struggles. How to Support Your Teen’s Relationship with Food Noticing any of these warning signs? Here are some steps you can take to help: ✅ Model Balance: Show that all foods can fit into a healthy lifestyle. Enjoy a variety of foods yourself, including both nutritious and fun choices, without labeling them as “good” or “bad.” ✅ Encourage a Positive Food Mindset: Instead of talking about food in terms of weight, focus on energy, strength, and well-being. Avoid discussing diets, calorie counts, or weight loss. ✅ Create Open Conversations: Ask about your teen’s eating habits with curiosity, not judgment. Instead of questioning their choices. Try, “I’ve noticed you seem more focused on what you’re eating lately—how are you feeling about it?” ✅ Watch for Emotional Changes:  Look for signs of anxiety, stress, or extreme routines around food, which could indicate a deeper struggle. Eating disorders often develop alongside anxiety, perfectionism, or a need for control. Trust Your Instincts and Seek Support When something feels off, trust your gut. Disordered eating can develop gradually. Early intervention makes a big difference. Whether your teen is struggling with rigid eating rules, food guilt, or body image concerns, support is available. You don’t have to navigate this alone. If you’re concerned about your teen’s relationship with food and need guidance, let’s talk. Schedule a free consultation here. CONCERNS WITH YOUR TEEN’S EATING HABITS? DOWNLOAD THIS FREE GUIDE ON HOW TO TALK TO YOUR TEEN ABOUT THEIR EATING HABITS ….WITHOUT MAKING IT WORSE

Warning signs and symptoms of an eating disorder
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How to Support Your Child Through An Eating Disorder

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Why Awareness Matters Learning how to support your child through an eating disorder starts with a deep understanding of what eating disorders are. It is helpful to learn how they develop, and the best ways to provide compassionate support. Eating disorders are not not just about food. They are often rooted in deeper emotional, social, and psychological factors. Early intervention, compassionate conversations, and informed support can make all the difference. As parents and caregivers, it’s natural to worry about your child’s relationship with food. But how we approach these conversations matters. Supporting Your Child Through An Eating Disorder: What You Can do ✅ Listen without judgment – Create a safe space for open dialogue.✅ Avoid comments about weight or appearance – Focus on well-being over body size.✅ Encourage professional support – Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.✅ Educate yourself – Understanding eating disorders helps us support our loved ones more effectively. Need Guidance: Support Your Child Through An Eating Disorder If you’re feeling unsure about how to support your child, you’re not alone. I’ve created a free resource to help parents start these sensitive conversations with confidence and care. Download my 4 step guide called “Four Steps: How to Talk to Your Teen about Their Eating Habits….without making it worse”. This week, let’s commit to awareness, understanding, and support. Together, we can create a world where healing is possible. As a Nationally Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach, I bring 30 years of experience in public health. My background includes 17 years as a health and nutrition professor and 4 years as a high school health teacher. My passion for supporting individuals with eating disorders comes from both professional expertise and personal experience. Eating disorders have had profound impacts on many of my loved ones. Learning firsthand what is truly helpful in fostering healing and what can unintentionally cause harm has inspired me to support parents. My clients include parents who have struggled with an eating disorder themselves and those guiding their child through similar challenges. Eating disorders often stem from generational patterns, but the cycle can stop with you. If you’re ready to create a healthier future for yourself and your family, please  schedule a free call to explore how we can work together. An excellent resource on eating disorders is The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA). According to their website, “NEDA works to advance research, build community, and raise awareness to support the nearly 30 million Americans who will experience an eating disorder in their lifetimes. Whether you have been personally affected, by an eating disorder or care about someone who has,NEDA is here to help!”

Eating Disorder Awareness Week
diet culture and disordered eating, disordered eating, disordered eating vs eating disorders, eating disorder coaching, body dysmorphia coaching, diet culture and disordered eating, signs of disordered eating, mental health coaching, eating disorder, eating disorder awareness week, eating disorder coaching, Uncategorized

Raising Awareness about Eating Disorders is Important to Me

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Raising awareness about eating disorders is important to me because various forms of eating disorders have impacted numerous people in my life. Seeing many loved ones struggle with different aspects of this disease has inspired me to support parents—both those who have faced it themselves and those guiding their child through it. An important aspect of my coaching is to guide my clients in recognizing that “eating disorder” is an umbrella term encompassing various conditions—such as disordered eating, ARFID, bulimia, anorexia, and binge eating. Understanding that eating disorders exist on a spectrum empowers my clients to approach recovery with clarity and self-compassion, paving the way for a healthier relationship with food and their bodies. Breaking the Silence: National Eating Disorders Awareness Week (Feb 24 – Mar 2) Every 52 minutes, 1 person dies due to direct causes of an eating disorder (NEDA). Eating disorders thrive in silence. Too often, those struggling feel alone, ashamed, or misunderstood. But no one should have to face an eating disorder in isolation. This National Eating Disorders Awareness Week (February 24th–March 2nd), we join the movement to break the stigma, raise awareness about eating disorders, and ensure that everyone impacted gets the support they need. Why Eating Disorder Awareness Matters to Me Eating disorders affect millions of individuals and families, yet misconceptions and lack of understanding can make it difficult for those suffering to reach out for help. Raising awareness helps: How You Can Help You Are Not Alone Recovery is possible, and support is available. Let’s work together to ensure that no one faces an eating disorder in silence. Join us and NEDA this week in spreading the message that everyone deserves help, healing, and hope. Learn more and get involved: https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/edaw Coaching for Eating Disorders Raising awareness about eating disorders is deeply important to me. I’m grateful to do this through my coaching practice. I provide support for parents who have personally experienced or are currently struggling with an eating disorder. I also support parents’ navigating their child’s challenges with eating disorders or body image concerns. One of my clients chose me as her parent coach specifically because of my personal and professional experience in this area. Having battled an eating disorder as a teenager, she sought guidance to ensure she wouldn’t unintentionally pass down disordered habits or mindsets to her daughter. Together, we worked to foster a healthier approach to food and body image. As a result, we created a more positive foundation for her family’s well-being. Client testimonial, “I originally chose Siah because of her work and understanding of eating disorders which I had previously struggled with and didn’t want to pass on to my daughter. But our parent coaching quickly went beyond that to cover all sorts of topics, and I have been so grateful to have Siah as an objective resource and coach in a world where parenting for the first time can be so difficult. She has made me more confident as a mom and truly helped to transform my husband and my’s parenting approach for the better. I would recommend her to anyone!” Normalizing conversations about eating disorders is crucial to me I help my clients uncover the root causes of their eating disorder. We explore the biological, psychological, environmental, and social factors that contribute to their thoughts and behaviors. This deeper understanding reduces stigma and self-blame, fostering the healing mindset necessary to overcome this complex and debilitating illness. Click this link to book a free call and explore how I can support you! Find out more about my coaching programs at https://siahfriedcoach.com/.

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