For those seeking more structure and meal-support, we provide supervised meals tailored to each individual’s needs through
customized meal plans developed by our nutritional counselors. These supervised meal sessions are essential for recovery from eating disorders as they provide a structured environment where individuals can gradually confront food-related anxiety and stress. By incorporating tolerance of distress and anxiety, meal support helps clients manage the overwhelming emotions that can arise during mealtimes, which are often triggers for eating disorder behaviors (Wilson et al., 2011). Research has shown that meal support in a supervised setting promotes both psychological and physiological recovery by improving nutritional intake, enhancing body image, and reducing eating disorder symptoms (Watson et al., 2017).

Meal Support at BACA is available in person at the clinic, or online via a video-conferencing platform both individually and in group formats. At the clinic, these meals are chosen by your nutritional counsellor, prepared by a local caterer and supervised by one of BACA’s empathetic, experienced and encouraging team members.

Moreover, for clients unable to attend in-person sessions, online meal support offers an innovative approach to continue this crucial aspect of treatment remotely. Studies have highlighted the efficacy of telehealth services in the treatment of eating disorders, including supervised meal support, by providing accessible and personalized care (O’Connor et al., 2020). These
virtual therapy sessions enable clients to receive the same evidence-based interventions in a flexible, remote format, maintaining continuity of care and supporting recovery from a distance.

References:
Wilson, G. T., Grilo, C. M., & Vitousek, K. (2011). Psychological treatment of eating disorders.
American Psychologist, 66(3), 198-211.
Watson, H. J., & Bulik, C. M. (2017). Psychological treatments for eating disorders.
The Psychiatric Clinics of North America, 40(3), 521-532.
O’Connor, M., Davis, M., & McDowell, C. (2020). The use of telehealth in eating disorder treatment: A systematic review.
Eating Disorders, 28(4), 410-428.