Healthy Weight Maintenene
Besides working with individuals with disordered eating issues, Kristen also specializes in Nutritional Counseling and Nutrition Therapy.
Nutrition Counseling
Nutrition Counseling is offered for individuals that need guidance in general meal planning, developing healthy eating habits, and learning about intuitive eating.
The media inundates the public with new wellness and nutritional information on a regular basis. Some of these scientific claims can be confusing—the individualized nutritional counseling Kristen provides not only informs patients on current dietary guidelines and healthy eating habits, but can also provide information regarding:
• Weight control for all ages
• “Intuitive Eating” or “Mindful Eating”
• Diabetes treatment and prevention
• Cancer prevention
• Menu planning
• Sports nutrition
“Mindful” or “Intuitive” Eating is a holistic approach which aids patients in developing a healthy relationship with food. Mindful Eating demonstrates that food is not only fuel for the body, but something to be enjoyed and used to bring balance into an individual’s life. Although there are numerous physical benefits to Mindful Eating, people who engage in the practice find that “allowing yourself to become aware of the positive and nurturing opportunities that are available through food preparation and consumption by respecting your own inner wisdom… is both pleasing to you and nourishing to your body.” (http://www.tcme.org/principles.htm)
The media inundates the public with new wellness and nutritional information on a regular basis. Some of these scientific claims can be confusing—the individualized nutritional counseling Kristen provides not only informs patients on current dietary guidelines and healthy eating habits, but can also provide information regarding:
• Weight control for all ages
• “Intuitive Eating” or “Mindful Eating”
• Diabetes treatment and prevention
• Cancer prevention
• Menu planning
• Sports nutrition
“Mindful” or “Intuitive” Eating is a holistic approach which aids patients in developing a healthy relationship with food. Mindful Eating demonstrates that food is not only fuel for the body, but something to be enjoyed and used to bring balance into an individual’s life. Although there are numerous physical benefits to Mindful Eating, people who engage in the practice find that “allowing yourself to become aware of the positive and nurturing opportunities that are available through food preparation and consumption by respecting your own inner wisdom… is both pleasing to you and nourishing to your body.” (http://www.tcme.org/principles.htm)
Nutrition Therapy
Nutrition Therapy is a comprehensive method to educate patients and families in weight management concerns. During Nutrition Therapy eating patterns and attitudes about food are explored, as well as screening for depression and self esteem issues. Referrals to mental health professionals with an understanding of eating problems in youth are made if necessary. Together with a referred pediatrician, a comprehensive treatment program for managing weight is provided—individualized meal plans and behavior programs are also developed and used to monitor weight control goals. Family involvement and education are highly emphasized. Nutrition therapy is also offered for children, adolescent individuals and adults that struggle with overweight issues.
Risk of Obesity
There has been a dramatic increase in the prevalence of childhood weight problems.
If a parent is obese, the child has a much greater chance of becoming obese.
Obesity in childhood and adolescence is associated with significant healthy problems and increased adult morbidity and mortality.
Children who are overweight are more likely to be depressed.
Early intervention promotes successful weight control.
Obesity should be treated like a chronic illness with a stress on lifelong weight management.
If a parent is obese, the child has a much greater chance of becoming obese.
Obesity in childhood and adolescence is associated with significant healthy problems and increased adult morbidity and mortality.
Children who are overweight are more likely to be depressed.
Early intervention promotes successful weight control.
Obesity should be treated like a chronic illness with a stress on lifelong weight management.