PORTRAIT HEALTH CENTERS INVITES THOSE SUFFERING FROM ANOREXIA TO “DINE WITH A REGISTERED DIETITIAN” AT THE PORTRAIT HEALTH BISTRO™
Obesity is a common problem regularly treated by registered dietitians at Portrait Health Centers, but conditions that result in severe and life threatening weight loss like anorexia nervosa can be even more challenging to both the patient and the professional.
The nutrition team at Portrait Health Centers has observed that patients suffering with anorexia nervosa often do well in a hospital setting, but fail to thrive outside the inpatient environment. One reason is hospitals supervise mealtimes where the patient is required to finish the meal.
In a recent pilot program, Portrait Health registered dietitians opened their first small café and invited patients with anorexia to have lunch with a dietitian, creating the Portrait Health Bistro™. Portrait Health registered dietitian, Cathy Goldufsky, explains, “The Portrait Health Bistro™ combines the best elements of treatment for these patients. Evaluation of the patient and creation of a unique meal plan provide
individualized structure for each patient. Working with food is often difficult for these patients so making the lunch is an important step. Eating under the guidance and support of a registered dietitian provides
education and reinforces the need to finish each meal.”
Henry Warner, Portrait Health President, explains, “A customized meal plan is prepared by the dietitian for each patient and covers all meals for the week. The patient gets the experience of making lunch and then eating in a friendly, supportive environment under the direction of a Portrait Health registered dietitian.” Patients attend from one to five days per week.
The nutrition team at Portrait Health Centers has observed that patients suffering with anorexia nervosa often do well in a hospital setting, but fail to thrive outside the inpatient environment. One reason is hospitals supervise mealtimes where the patient is required to finish the meal.
In a recent pilot program, Portrait Health registered dietitians opened their first small café and invited patients with anorexia to have lunch with a dietitian, creating the Portrait Health Bistro™. Portrait Health registered dietitian, Cathy Goldufsky, explains, “The Portrait Health Bistro™ combines the best elements of treatment for these patients. Evaluation of the patient and creation of a unique meal plan provide
individualized structure for each patient. Working with food is often difficult for these patients so making the lunch is an important step. Eating under the guidance and support of a registered dietitian provides
education and reinforces the need to finish each meal.”
Henry Warner, Portrait Health President, explains, “A customized meal plan is prepared by the dietitian for each patient and covers all meals for the week. The patient gets the experience of making lunch and then eating in a friendly, supportive environment under the direction of a Portrait Health registered dietitian.” Patients attend from one to five days per week.