Emotional Awareness, Variety, Education and Sustainable Change
We help patients overcome difficult emotions associated with beliefs about food, weight and size by eliminating the socially constructed “good” and “bad” labels often assigned to foods and by examining how all foods can fit into a value-driven life. Renfrew’s nutrition program supports eating disorder patients as they nourish their bodies, understand their nutritional needs, gain confidence and variety in their food choices, and enhance their quality of life.
The Renfrew Center’s Approach to Nutrition
Renfrew’s nutrition philosophy is embedded within our Unified Treatment Model, and our nutrition program is designed to treat every type of eating disorder. Whether patients are struggling with binge eating, avoidance of certain foods, purging, or a combination of these behaviors, they can benefit from our evidence-based programming.
Patients are provided opportunities through treatment to learn about nutrition and practice eating a variety of foods in different situations to improve their relationship with food and their body, promote variety and flexibility, and support a value-driven life.
Emotional Awareness
Eating disorders are often coping strategies to deal with difficult emotions; therefore, our goal is to teach patients how to both nourish their bodies and manage emotions more effectively. Increasing emotional awareness, acceptance and tolerance is key in helping to gradually reduce and eliminate all eating disorder symptoms. Through supported meals and targeted experiences, patients gain confidence with diverse food options.
Variety
Our dietitians help patients explore food choices shaped by culture, sensory profiles, values, and ethics, promoting flexibility to enhance quality of life. Individual or family meal planning addresses unique needs, integrating values and the connection between food and emotions. We also support medical conditions like diabetes, celiac disease, gastric bypass, food allergies, and dietary preferences such as vegetarian, Kosher, or Halal.
Education
We educate patients on the importance of nourishing their bodies through evidence-based nutrition education. Patients develop a clear understanding of their nutritional needs and gain confidence in planning consistent, nourishing meals during treatment and beyond. Education is provided through individual sessions and groups that cover meal planning, grocery shopping, cooking, social eating, nutrition basics, and family nutrition.
Balance
Our supported meals and snacks provide an opportunity for patients to find balance in their own daily routine. We offer a wide variety of foods to help with exploring food preferences and sustainability in eating patterns. We also support cognitive flexibility around movement to support a growth-fostering relationship with their body. Both of these processes occur by detangling socially constructed messages that equate food, exercise, weight and size with morality.
Reach Out to Us
Talk with a Program Information Specialist at the number above to learn more about our
services and to schedule an assessment. Or, fill out the information below and we will contact you.