In order to begin the healing process, it’s helpful to understand the goals of treatment and how food is incorporated into individual’s lives. The advancement of food autonomy at OPC is done in a thoughtful, step-wise manner. The phases of food autonomy advancement each represent a new milestone in the healing journey.

Stabilization and toleration is the first phases that requires staff plated meals and 100% completion in an effort to help individuals begin to recognize portions and physical sensations. The next phase is legalization where desired sides and desserts can be added to the client’s meal when she is ready. It isn’t until the paradigm shift in the third phase that she is introduced to autonomy. As clients are deemed appropriate by their team by a variety of criteria, they begin self-portioning. Once self-portioning to their meal plan has been practiced successfully, clients begin self-regulating challenges with feedback, which decreases over time.

At OPC, professionals realize that each individual has unique needs that must be met through treatment. One way that OPC accommodates to these needs is through a personalized meal plan. These accommodations include religious dietary needs, food allergies, medically necessary dietary modifications, and vegetarian needs.

Through incorporating the specific treatment needs of every individual that enters an OPC program, clients have a higher likelihood of advancing through phases of food autonomy. The use of mindfulness, unique treatment plans and dedicated staff all contribute to the OPC philosophy that bring healing and success to those that enter the program.

Read Part One and Part Two of the Nutrition Philosophy Series.

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