“Seeing what goes into a recipe and participating in the process can make it less scary,” says Eric Cassara, RD, Nutrition Therapist at Princeton Center for Eating Disorders and a group facilitator. “It’s a unique offering for a hospital setting, and it’s empowering when patients make something and enjoy it.”
Adult patients must be at a certain level in their recovery to participate, so it’s often an incentive in goal setting. A separate group is offered for pediatric patients.
“Cooking Group gets patients into the kitchen to work with food while making it fun,” explains Natalie Mundt, RD, Nutrition Therapist and group co-facilitator. “We try to promote variety and incorporate challenge foods that they can prepare and consume in a supportive environment.”
Behind the scenes, Cassara and Mundt plan weekly recipes well in advance, working with the Princeton Medical Center chef to order ingredients for recipes ranging from apple muffins to yogurt parfaits. They handle some prep work, explain recipe steps, and provide education, including tips on safe food preparation. They also process the experience with patients in their one-on-one sessions.
“When a patient asks for a recipe at discharge, it’s a breakthrough moment,” adds Cassara. “Little victories like these throughout the recovery process make it very rewarding.”