Eat for Life

A Mindfulness Based Weight Loss Program

When

Tuesdays,  5:30 - 8:00 pm

9 classes: May 15 to July 3, and July 24

Where

Montpelier Integrative Family Health
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Tired of fad diets? Have you lost weight but find that you are having difficulty keeping it off? Are you a stress eater? Do you feel full before even realizing that you’ve eaten too much?

This unique class uses an integrated approach to help you manage weight loss concerns and disordered eating. In a 9-week class that includes mindfulness meditation practices, cognitive-behavioral strategies, nutritional cooking and an individualized exercise plan, participants will improve their ability to self-regulate  by bringing full awareness to emotions, thinking patterns, and physiological cues. This will promote sustainable lifestyle changes in support of weight loss and overall health and well-being.   

New Refresher Classes in 2012

An introductory class for people interested in losing weight by learning to eat mindfully and for previous participants wanting a refresher.

Wednesday: February 15, 5:30 - 7:00 pm

Tuesday: April 10 and July 10, 5:30 - 7:00 pm

What is Mindful Eating?

It isn’t what we do once that matters in staying healthy; it is what we do every moment.

The habits related to eating and inattention are difficult to change. Mindful eating involves paying full attention to the experience of eating and drinking, both inside and outside of the body. We pay attention to the colors, smells, textures, flavors, temperatures, and even the sounds of our food. We pay attention to the experience of the body. Where in the body do we feel hunger? Where do we feel satisfaction? What does half-full feel like? 

We also pay attention to the mind. While avoiding judgment or criticism, we watch when the mind gets distracted, pulling away from full attention to what we are eating. We watch the impulses that arise after we’ve taken a few bites: to grab a book orturn on the TV. We notice the impulse and return to just eating. We notice how eating affects our mood and how our emotions influence our eating. We are then better able to make choices that are consistent with our goals of weight loss or simply being healthy.

Who is this class for?

People who want to change their relationship to food and eating, including mindless eating, stress-related eating, compulsive eating, binge eating and obesity. A BMI of 30 or above is required as is completion of pre- and post-questionnaires.

What are the dates and times?

We meet on Tuesdays from 5:30 -7:30 pm from January 31 through March 20. After a 4-week break, the final class is April 17. Booster classes are February 15, April 10, and July 10. Classes are at Montpelier Integrative Family Health and are limited to 17 participants.

How do I register?

A referral from your primary care provider (PCP) is required. Please call Montpelier Integrative Family Health at 802-223-4738 to get the proper form to give to your PCP.  We will conduct group intake sessions to determine eligibility. 

How do I pay for the class?

The cost is $395 for nine classes and one booster class. You will receive $20 in compensation for completing the pre and post questionnaires.  

Class materials are included. Payment must be received by January 20 to reserve your place. We accept cash, check (made payable to Montpelier Integrative Family Health), or credit cards. No full or partial refunds will be given. We do not bill for insurance reimbursement but encourage you to contact your insurance carrier about reimbursement. We will provide documentation of payment receipt and class completion. A Booster Class is $10

There is a limited funding available for tuition assistance for those meeting income-based criteria. If you are interested in financial aid, please inquire when you call our office.

Who is teaching this course?

Practitioners from Montpelier Integrative Family Health (MIFH).

Jennifer Gordon, LICSW is a licensed clinical social worker who offers psychotherapy and supports the medical providers in offering well-rounded care to the patients of MIFH. She uses evidence-based treatments to help people with eating disorders and weight problems and has completed an internship at the Center for Mindfulness in Medicine, Healthcare and Society where she was trained to teach Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction.  In addition, she completed a professional training in Mindfulness Based Eating Awareness.  Jennifer integrates mindfulness into her personal and professional life and is passionate about helping others to live more mindfully.

Sylvia Gaboriault, MS, RD, CDE, is a registered dietitian, certified diabetes educator and herbalist. Sylvia has worked in clinical nutrition in Central Vermont for the past 20 years. She received her undergraduate and graduate degrees in nutrition from New York University and training in herbal studies at Sage Mountain Herbal Retreat Center in Vermont. She joined the staff of MIFH in 2009, providing individual consultations. Sylvia is passionate about growing and preparing whole foods. She uses mindfulness both personally and professionally as a tool to assist others in achieving a healthy relationship with food and body awareness.

Jeremiah Eckhaus, MD, ABHM is the medical director of MIFH and will be available for consultation.  He is a board certified family practice physician who has been practicing integrative and mind-body medicine for eight years. He studied Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center at the Center for Mindfulness in Medicine, Healthcare and Society.  Jeremiah finds practicing mindfulness to be beneficial both professionally and personally.