THERAPEUTIC COOKING WORKSHOPS
THERAPEUTIC COOKING WORKSHOPS
Supporting Children and Adults with Complex Health Needs, Intellectual Disabilities, and Neurodivergence
“As a team we were finding our client was struggling to stay full and was not eating good foods that can keep him full for longer, this is an issue, as he is an avid walker. We were introduced to Maria, who is a nutritional therapy practitioner, who could help our client with learning how to cook, what foods can help fill him up and keep him full for longer and kitchen safety. The client has really taken to Maria and her wonderful personality; he has really engaged in the sessions with Maria, always has a smile on his face and looks forward to his sessions. Maria sent us this in one of her many positive feedback emails: ‘What a wonderful smoothie session we had today! … made such a beautiful tropical smoothie with his chosen tropical fruit and blueberries, kefir, sprouted sunflower seeds and even added some whey protein powder! We had smiles again with lots of fruit peeling and chopping, building on his skills.’
"Our client has gained so much knowledge and insight into your sessions.
Thank you for the time you have taken to teach him good nutrition and introduce him to new foods, the difference in his confidence in the kitchen is very obvious to all staff members that are supporting him".
OPTALIS
Social Care Provider
Breakfasts, Lunches, Dinners and Snacks from Around the World
Granolas, Seeded Flatbreads, Smoothies, Soups, Stews, Pasties, Pies, Curries, Wraps, Burritos, Paellas, Salads, Healthy Drinks and Snacks
We cater for food allergies, sensitivities, cultural preferences, sensory processing difficulties and medications
Health goals: balanced blood sugar, optimal weight, energy, immunity, digestive comfort, sleep and mood
Learning goals: building confidence in the kitchen, increasing food variety and learning about world cuisines
We are so honoured to be featured in Optalis Social Care Provider Latest News telling a story of our client’s health transformation! This is our Therapeutic Cooking Workshop success and inspiration story!
It is truly amazing to see how the love for cooking and learning together with the knowledge of healthy foods can change people’s quality of life and enhance their wellbeing! Please read the full story
In February, the team introduced Robert to Maria, a nutritional therapy practitioner. Maria has been working closely with Robert to help him learn more about how food supports his body, how to cook safely and confidently, and how to make meals that are both healthy and satisfying.
Robert has really enjoyed the sessions. He loves Maria’s friendly and positive approach, and always turns up with a big smile, ready to learn something new.
Together, they have been learning about balanced diets, and how to include more fibre and protein rich foods. The ingredients Robert uses in his meals are natural, avoiding any ultra-processed foods. His support worker, Decleark, has seen a big change, he has been impressed by how open Robert is to trying new foods and learning new skills.
During a recent visit, Robert was busy cooking a delicious Middle Eastern curry made with chickpeas, aubergine, butternut squash, and quinoa.
What to Expect
1. Our Therapeutic Cooking Workshops are specifically designed for people living with complex health conditions including epilepsy, learning disabilities, and neurodivergent needs.
2. Our goal is health promotion and chronic ill health risk reduction through personalised affordable balanced nutrition.
3.Therapeutic Cooking sessions are delivered in Residential Care, Supported Living, and Respite Services either in a small group or in a 1:1 setting.
4.
After the sessions the service users and the management team receive a Recipe Card and photographs of the cooking session.
Personalised Nutrition Consultations
Before starting a workshop, each individual receives a Personalised Nutritional Therapy Consultation to ensure:
1.
Health goals, allergies, food-medication interactions, sensory and learning needs are considered
2.
Cultural, financial and dietary preferences are respected
3.
Cooking Sessions are tailored to health and support requirements
Consultations are offered in-person at a residential/supported living home or during respite stays and are designed to be accessible, affordable, respectful, and safe
Safe, Caring and Person-Centred Nutrition Care
- Bespoke Recipe Design Personalised to Health Goals
- Shop Smart: Healthier Supermarket Food Choices
- GDPR Compliant & ICO Registered
- Fully Insured
- PSA, CNHC, BANT Registered
- CITY & GUILDS in Food Manufacturing
- DBS Clearance
- Informed Consent Obtained from Families, Carers & Management
- Services Delivered with Care & Respect
- Lived experience in complex epilepsy, LD, neurodiversity and behaviours that challenge
Get in Touch
Would you like to bring Therapeutic Nutritious Cooking to your care setting?
I would be happy to arrange an introductory call or visit your premises to discuss your needs.
Please email Maria on : beautifulmindnutrition@gmail.com.