Diet Management

The menu at Wellspring Academies (formerly Academy of the Sierras) is based on decades of scientific research into what works best for long-term weight control.

Wellspring students enjoy a very low-fat, low calorie-density, high-protein, high-fiber menu. While any diet that reduces overall caloric intake is likely to result in temporary weight loss, a diet that is very low-fat and low calorie-density is most likely to be sustained as a permanent lifestyle change. The goal is for this diet to become YOUR diet, permanently.

Very few Wellspring students have any difficulty with this part of the program. Because although Wellspring changes the nutrition profile of what students eat, the goal is not to change tastes. So students are introduced to foods that have the same flavor profile and feel as the foods they are used to, but that also meet nutrition parameters (e.g., buffalo instead of beef, baked foods instead of fried). We can't expect students to change their lifestyle permanently unless the food we're serving is at least as appealing as the food they're used to eating.

Students enjoy three delicious meals and two healthy snacks each day (“controlled” food), developed by registered dietitians using award-winning recipes. In studies conducted at Wellspring, students do not report feeling hungry. Click here for more information on these studies. This is also because we allow students an unlimited amount of low calorie-density "uncontrolled" foods, such as soups, fresh fruit and salad, as well as non-fat high-protein items such as various fat-free yogurts, fat-free tuna salad, fat-free egg salad, and fat-free cottage cheese.

Uncontrolled foods provide students with the opportunity to control their food choices. All we ask is that they record what they eat (self-monitor), so that choices can be processed and discussed with their Behavioral Coach.

Finally, we provide Nutrition Courses and Culinary Classes that educate students on proper diet and help them to become self-sufficient, teaching how to cook our award-winning recipes. As part of these classes, students participate in food challenges, learning how to order at restaurants and find nutritious food in the grocery store.