Intuitive Eating for Teens
Welcome to the Intuitive Eating for Teens Program! This comprehensive 6-month journey is designed to foster a healthy relationship with food for teens. The program is structured around bi-weekly one-on-one meetings with a registered dietitian, ensuring personalized guidance and support. A total of 11 sessions are included, following a tailored outline to meet the specific needs of each participant. The first session involves an initial visit that includes medical and nutritional assessments, as well as health history.
Program Structure
- Duration: 6 months
- Frequency: Bi-weekly sessions
- Meeting Type: One-on-one with a registered dietitian
- Family Involvement: Encouraged to have a family member present or join at the end of each session to review goals and progress
Objectives
The primary goals of the Intuitive Eating for Teens Program are to:
- Equip teens with the tools to listen to their body's hunger and fullness cues
- Promote a positive and balanced approach to eating
- Encourage self-awareness and mindfulness in food choices
- Develop sustainable and healthy eating habits without restrictions
Session Outline
Session 1: Initial Assessment & Your Story
- Introduction and Assessment: Discuss the teen's current eating habits, preferences, and any challenges they face, alongside a medical history and nutritional assessment.
- Overview of intuitive eating principles
- Goal Setting: Establish personalized and realistic goals for the program.
Bi-Weekly Follow-Ups
Session 2: What’s Wrong with Dieting
- Understanding the pitfalls of dieting
- Embracing a healthier mindset towards food
Session 3: Savor and be Satisfied
- Implementing mindful eating exercises
- Strategies to enjoy food without guilt
Session 4: Your License to Eat What You Like
- Encouraging freedom in food choices
- Balancing enjoyment with nutrition
Session 5: Banishing the Food Police
Overcoming negative food thoughts
- Building a positive relationship with eating
Session 6: Do You Hear Your Stomach Growling?
- Recognizing and honoring hunger signals
- Techniques for identifying fullness cues
Session 7: Full and Comfortable
- Listening to body cues for comfort
- Avoiding overeating by trusting your body
Session 8: Is Food Your Frenemy?
- Differentiating between emotional and physical hunger
- Tools for managing emotional eating
Session 9: Your Body: Temple, Fortress or Foe?
- Building a positive body image
- Overcoming societal pressures and stereotypes
Session 10: Joyful Movement
Exploring movement that feels good
- Incorporating physical activity into daily life
Session 11: From Nutrition to Play Food – Room For It All
- Balancing nutrition with enjoyment
- Understanding different food roles
Family Involvement
Family members are encouraged to participate to:
- Support the teen’s journey and reinforce positive changes at home
- Gain insights into intuitive eating principles to implement as a family
- Help review progress and reset goals at the end of each session
Benefits of the Program
- Personalized Guidance: Each session is tailored to the teen's unique needs and circumstances.
- Supportive Environment: A safe space to discuss challenges and celebrate successes.
- Long-term Results: Fosters lifelong healthy eating habits and a positive relationship with food.
The Intuitive Eating for Teens Program is a collaborative effort to empower teens with the knowledge and skills necessary for a balanced and fulfilling approach to nutrition. Together, we can create a positive path towards health and wellness.