November 29, 2010
With nutrition an important component of one's physical balance, OPI provides participants with an overview of the importance of good eating habits. Each resident in Phase 1 meets with a certified nutritionist for an hour-long presentation to learn what foods are healthy and what foods are not. They also learn about appropriate serving sizes, which is particularly helpful to those with eating disorders.
The nutritionist covers topics such as the importance of having a balanced diet of proteins, carbohydrates and 'good' fat, how energy drinks affect one's physical state, and the importance of getting daily physical activity. To help each participant remember these tips, the nutritionist gives each one 'Nutrition 101' handouts which they can keep in their pockets to refer to.
"We try to cover all the bases," says Maria Perez, Extracurricular Activities Director for OPI. "I think it's important for our participants to learn about nutrition. Many tend to buy microwaveable fast or frozen foods and they don't keep track of what they are eating or how often. For those who are on medication, it's particularly important to eat right and to take their meds with food.
"We want to encourage our participants to pick healthier foods and to cook healthy meals. By educating them now on nutrition and healthy eating, we are laying the ground rules that they will follow into the future."
In addition to receiving nutritional instruction, some participants also meet with a personal trainer to set fitness goals and follow their progress. The trainer evaluates each participant when they first begin, then follows up with them evaluating their progress as they work toward their long and short-term goals.
Maria says the nutrition program is one of the most popular at OPI.
"Once they begin learning about nutrition and exercise, our participants begin taking an interest in what they are eating and drinking. By helping them take control of their eating habits, we are helping their overall health and state of being."
ABOUT OPI
The Optimum Performance Institute (OPI) is a highly-individualized therapeutic/educational and residential program helping young adults, aged 17 - 25, achieve goals in education, job skills, and improved social interactions. OPI's coed program in Woodland Hills, CA helps participants understand and resolve issues that have kept them from moving forward in their lives. www.opiliving.com
For further information contact Anne LaRiviere at (888) 558-0617 or anne@opiliving.com.
