New Haven : A Therapeutic Haven and School for Girls

Nutrition and Treatment

We know the benefits of a sound nutritional plan. Our implementation of an evidence-based nutritional program in collaboration with Kathy Duran-Thal, director of nutrition at Cooper Wellness Program, has had a marked positive effect on our girls' affect, self-esteem, physical health, and resilience. Good tasting, nutritious food combined with regular exercise serves to accelerate and improve the treatment process.

Our nutritional program consists of the following elements:

  1. Menus are approved by a credentialed nutritionist.
  2. Our cooks are trained by Kathy Duran-Thal, the director of nutrition at Cooper Wellness Program.
  3. We educate our students and staff on nutrition, balanced eating, and portion maintenance.
  4. We make a point to include fresh fruits, fish, and whole grains in our students' diet.
  5. Snacks are provided in an effort to model healthy, tasty choices.
  6. Variety in diet is used to teach students that healthy nutrition can be fun, tasty, and exciting.
  7. We include the student in her meal planning and preparation.
  8. We make our kitchen and dining areas a nurturing environment so that the emotional experience around food is positive.
  9. Many teenagers and young adults do not like to eat certain healthy foods due to their presentation. Our cooks present food in a manner that invites healthy consumption.

We also value fitness as a complement to good nutrition. A combination of fitness with healthy eating can greatly affect a student's motivation, mood and attitude. We take the following steps to promote and emphasize fitness:

  1. Daily exercise or PE classes including running, yoga, dance, and team sport activities.
  2. Train for and participate in local 5k runs.
  3. Participate in hikes to emphasize fitness and accomplishment while doing healthy leisure activities.
  4. Staff members participate in the exercise programs and the runs to promote healthy fitness through example.