Valenta’s nutritional program encourages patients to reclaim their power to make healthy choices that support their individual goals for eating disorder recovery.
The nutrition philosophy at Valenta embodies an “all foods fit” approach that encourages patients to incorporate foods from all food groups. Patients are exposed to an assortment of cuisines, which encourages them to try new foods and rediscover food preferences. Registered dietitians work in conjunction with the therapeutic team to support patients in their individual journeys to increase flexibility and variety with food choices.
The nutrition philosophy is supported by Valenta’s Nutritional Phase System. The Phase System is a set of goals categorized into various areas of nutritional focus which promote eating disorder recovery and the development of healthy eating patterns. This system provides structure for creating patient directed goals that support the patient in developing a healthier relationship with food. Dietitians incorporate meal preparation, dessert exposure, restaurant outings, and the application of learned concepts from nutrition groups.
Dietitians provide an individualized meal plan as a framework to guide patients in learning appropriate portions to adequately nourish their bodies. Nutrition educational groups allow patients to use healthy information to challenge eating disorder beliefs about food in order to find acceptance of all foods. Nutrition experiential-based groups equip patients with the confidence to apply necessary life skills in their recovery journey after treatment.
The overall outcomes of the nutritional program at Valenta are that patients learn to consume adequate energy for fueling life, eat appropriately to provide adequate nutrients, engage healthily in individual and social eating experiences, and foster and maintain a healthy attitude and relationship with food.