Rediscover the Joy of Eating

Helping Residents Rediscover the Joy of Eating

Castle Rock Makes Nutrition Part of Their Fitness Programming

By Courtney Fay, Fitness/Wellness Supervisor, Town of Castle Rock

As Parks and Recreation employees, we are experts in the many ways our various programs, services and opportunities enhance the wellbeing of the communities in which we serve. I’d be willing to bet that, if you are reading this, that is the main reason you work in this field. We have a unique opportunity and responsibility when we work in Parks and Recreation. The result of our (often thankless) efforts, is a community with ample opportunities to improve their health, learn a new skill and spend quality time with their families. In assessing these opportunities here in Castle Rock, specifically within the Fitness and Wellness Division, I noticed a deficit. While we have a full and diverse group fitness schedule, plenty of opportunities for enjoying outdoor fitness whether through our trail systems or an instructor-led class, plenty of fee-based programming for folks with a more specific focus in mind, we didn’t have a program in place that emphasized nutrition. Nutrition is often an afterthought when it comes to programming, but we do the community a disservice by throwing it to the wayside. As with fitness, there are seemingly endless fads with misleading and often detrimental misinformation readily available. The Division sees the importance of being a source of accurate information in the realm of nutrition. The Department hired an intuitive eating nutrition coach and the task of developing an entirely new program began. The nutrition program in Castle Rock has three primary goals. 1. To provide accurate information, guidance and support in nutrition while maintaining affordability 2. To meet clients where they are and provide individualized sessions 3. To further enhance overall health of the community by offering programming in a facet of wellness not previously addressed

Intuitive eating coaching takes a different approach to nutrition. There are no restrictions or calorie-counting. Instead, the focus is on developing a healthy relationship with food, being accepting of your body and learning to listen to it and properly fueling your body and mind to support an active lifestyle. Our nutrition coach, Malea, is passionate about this approach and I think it sets this program apart. Sessions of nutrition coaching are run similar to our personal training program in that, individuals may purchase a single session, or choose from package options. Our fee structure for nutritional coaching is listed below. Sessions are available either in-person or virtually to accommodate people’s busy schedules. We really want to remove as many barriers as possible to people benefitting from nutritional coaching. The program, which kicked off only in January, is already generating a lot of traction and interest. Nutrition seminars and specific programs, such as healthy habits for kids, fun and colorful snacking for kids, fact vs fiction: dissecting diet culture and others will be added to our schedule this summer!

With one-on-one 45 minute sessions, rediscover the joy of eating and learn to trust your body. With a focus on intuitive eating and gentle nutrition coaching, we will take a non-punitive approach to reaching your goals. No diets, no restrictions, no judgement; only love for yourself and food. Together, we’ll break down and combat diet culture, learn to reframe your thoughts to develop a healthy relationship with your body and food, and discover flexible mean planning to fuel your mind, body and spirit.

Castle Rock’s Nutritional Coaching Session Fee Schedule

Number of Sessions Resident Rate Non-Resident Rate Price per session

1 $45 $50 $45/$50

3 $132 $145 $44/ $48.30

6 $260 $280 $43.30/ $46.60

10 $400 $425 $40/ $42.50

With a focus on intuitive eating and gentle nutrition coaching, we will take a non-punitive approach to reaching your goals.

Meet Castle Rock’s Nutrition Expert, Malea

Malea received her Bachelor’s Degree in Human Nutrition from MSU Denver where she specialized her studies in Advanced Human Nutrition, Sports Nutrition, Community Nutrition, Human Development and Nutrition Counseling. She is a published author in the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Her experience includes seven years of pediatric and family nutrition work at Children’s Hospital Colorado as a Dietitian Assistant and two years working with elderly populations at a long term care center as a Dietitian Assistant. Malea’s approach to nutrition utilizes a combination of science-backed, intuitive eating principles and gentle nutrition coaching to empower others to find the joy in food and unlearn harmful diet culture mindsets.

Congratulations to Michelle B. Ferguson & Emily J. Powell Who have received the Colorado Parks and Recreation Association’s 2021 President’s Award.

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