Cooking Class: Exposure Therapy for Eating Disorders

I cried (tears of joy) the first time I went to The Pantry. This beautifully simple and cozy kitchen, tucked behind the famed Seattle pizza restaurant, Delancey, was a stark contrast and much needed breath of fresh air from the kitchen environment at Opal where I spend most of my time.

Don’t get me wrong, I love the Opal kitchen. It is a place that holds some of the most tender and heart-wrenching moments for my clients. It’s a place of joy, sorrow, gratitude, and grief. I believe that the kitchen is the heart of Opal. It’s “where the magic happens.”

At Opal, many of our clients experiment with the idea of enjoying food. Pleasure and enjoyment are discussed at great lengths in nutrition sessions, groups, and are even expressed at meals. One of the greatest joys of my job is witnessing someone who is struggling with an eating disorder rediscover their enjoyment of food.

The thing that sets The Pantry apart from Opal’s kitchen, however, the thing that is so refreshing about it, is that there is no question about how essential and delightful food is. There is no question about how important food is in bringing people together and in feeling connected to others. There is no question that food is something to be lovingly prepared, tasted, shared, and elated over. At Opal, there is experimentation and discovery of these things. At The Pantry, everyone already knows.

The Pantry is a cooking school, generally speaking, and it’s so much more. They call themselves a “community kitchen” and host cooking classes, dinners, and workshops on everything from food writing to butchery. The Pantry is like salt to Opal’s pepper; a like-minded business serving vastly different populations. It only felt natural to partner in some way. Soon after my discovery of this magical place, and with the persistence of my friend, co-worker, and fellow Pantry fan, Kelsey Johnson, they invited us to bring clients there for a private class.

At this class, we made four different types of soup. Knife skills were taught and practiced as we prepped the produce for the class. I watched the clients study their onions, carrots, and celery and then use their new skills to safely and swiftly cut them into pieces. Before I knew it, there were four different broths simmering on the stove. Clients lined up with tasting spoons to smell and taste each broth and we discussed how to adjust the flavors of each one, what to add to give the soup an “umami” flavor, and when to add salt, sweet, or spice into the mix to strike a nice balance.

In this class, we all seemed thankful that the conversation revolved around making food that tastes good. The Pantry was a place where these clients in recovery could leave some of their food judgments at the door. Instead, the focus was on tasting, smelling, layering flavors, and trying new ingredients. We ate a lunch of each of the four soups, without mention of the exchanges or meal plans that usually sprinkle through our mealtime conversations at Opal. For those struggling with eating disorders, be it anorexia or bulimia or other types of disordered eating, to enjoy food often seems like an unobtainable feat. I was surprised by the ease with which the clients ate that day at The Pantry, though. Many even said that it was the best food they had ever tasted. I think that the food-positive atmosphere and the spirit of Kristin, our teacher for the day, were just as nourishing to their souls as the food was to their bodies. Our clients are taking brave steps every day towards recovery and their experiences at The Pantry were nothing short of courageous.

– Simone Pierson, RDN, CD

(Photos by Kelsey Johnson, MA, LMHC)

Categories: BlogFood+Body

95 Comments

site web · October 26, 2015 at 11:59 am

Aw, this was a really good post. Taking the time and actual
effort to generate a superb article… but what can I say… I put things off a lot and
don’t seem to get anything done.

binance · December 24, 2024 at 5:24 pm

Thank you for your sharing. I am worried that I lack creative ideas. It is your article that makes me full of hope. Thank you. But, I have a question, can you help me?

binance hesabi olusturma · January 2, 2025 at 12:12 am

Your point of view caught my eye and was very interesting. Thanks. I have a question for you.

binance · January 2, 2025 at 6:06 am

Can you be more specific about the content of your article? After reading it, I still have some doubts. Hope you can help me.

WilliamNum · January 10, 2025 at 4:48 pm

На этом ресурсе вы можете найти важной информацией о лечении депрессии у людей старшего возраста. Здесь собраны рекомендации и обзоры методов борьбы с этим заболеванием.
http://complainanything.com/zh-hans/node/4108?page=105

Rolanddal · January 12, 2025 at 1:57 am

На этом сайте вы найдёте подробную информацию о способах лечения депрессии у пожилых людей. Вы также узнаете здесь о методах профилактики, актуальных подходах и рекомендациях специалистов.
http://www.lowellcampuscomputer.com/business/how-business-technology-changed-how-we-think-about-death/

ip stresser free · January 15, 2025 at 2:30 am

Great! Thank you so much for sharing this. Visit my websitee: free stresser

Bennyenvic · January 18, 2025 at 10:28 pm

На этом сайте можно найти информацией о решениях видеонаблюдения, разновидностях и ключевых характеристиках. Здесь представлены подробные сведения о подборе оборудования, монтаже и конфигурации.
видеонаблюдение

Stephenvinee · January 20, 2025 at 10:42 am

На этом сайте можно ознакомиться с информацией о системах видеонаблюдения, разновидностях и особенностях. Здесь размещены полезные сведения о подборе оборудования, его установке и конфигурации.
видеонаблюдение

Bennyenvic · January 21, 2025 at 8:57 am

На этом сайте вы сможете найти полезную информацию о препарате Ципралекс. Вы узнаете здесь информация о показаниях, режиме приёма и возможных побочных эффектах.
http://AkasegawaTakiJapan.auio.xyz/category/website/wgI2vZFhZf5rbhFqBTP7G0CD1

сумки Coach · January 25, 2025 at 4:50 pm

На представленном сайте можно приобрести оригинальные сумки Coach https://coach-bag-shop.ru/.
В каталоге представлены различные модели для разных случаев.
Всякая сумка сочетает в одном качество и элегантность.
Оформите заказ сейчас и получите доставку в сжатые сроки!

RobertAromo · January 27, 2025 at 8:25 pm

Промокоды — это специальные коды, дающие выгоду при покупках.
Они используются в онлайн-магазинах для снижения цены.
http://bike.by/forum/viewtopic.php?f=84&t=121846&p=597301
На этом сайте вы сможете получить актуальные промокоды разных брендов.
Применяйте их, чтобы экономить на покупки.

DonnyTiZ · January 30, 2025 at 1:38 pm

This detailed resource serves as an comprehensive guide to the world of modern video surveillance, providing valuable information for both skilled CCTV installers and entrepreneurs seeking to enhance their surveillance setup.
Vista CCTV Software
The site offers a comprehensive analysis of online video surveillance systems, exploring their strengths, drawbacks, and real-world applications.

ecopies.ru · February 1, 2025 at 7:28 pm

Здесь размещены свежие новости России и всего мира.
Здесь можно прочитать важные новостные материалы на различные темы.
https://ecopies.rftimes.ru/
Следите за главных событий каждый день .
Проверенная информация и скорость подачи в каждой публикации .

M~a gii thiu binance · February 4, 2025 at 3:10 pm

Your point of view caught my eye and was very interesting. Thanks. I have a question for you.

Andrewsmuff · February 13, 2025 at 1:42 am

Видеонаблюдение является важным элементом безопасности для земельных участков, позволяя эффективно контролировать территорию и предотвращать несанкционированный доступ. Современные системы видеонаблюдения обеспечивают высокое качество записи и позволяют следить за участком в любое время суток. Для повышения уровня безопасности вы можете установить камеры, которые будут фиксировать все события на вашем участке. Видеонаблюдение для земельных участков поможет вам обеспечить надежную защиту вашей собственности.

Robertwrick · February 13, 2025 at 1:37 pm

На этом сайте у вас есть возможность приобрести онлайн мобильные номера разных операторов. Эти номера подходят для регистрации профилей в различных сервисах и приложениях.
В ассортименте доступны как постоянные, так и одноразовые номера, которые можно использовать чтобы принять сообщений. Это простое решение если вам не желает использовать основной номер в сети.
купить временный номер
Процесс покупки максимально удобный: выбираете необходимый номер, вносите оплату, и он становится доступен. Попробуйте услугу уже сегодня!

Jasonvob · March 7, 2025 at 3:50 pm

Медицинский центр предоставляет профессиональные медицинские услуги для всей семьи.
Опытные врачи обладают высокой квалификацией и применяют передовые методики.
В клинике созданы комфортные условия для прохождения обследований.
Мы предлагаем гибкие программы лечения для людей с различными потребностями.
Приоритетом для нас является поддержанию высокого уровня сервиса.
Наши пациенты могут рассчитывать на внимательное отношение без очередей и лишнего стресса.
machir-digitalmarketing.com

DavidAffep · March 8, 2025 at 12:49 am

В крупном городе доставка еды стала неотъемлемой частью обыденности. Многие жители мегаполиса ценят удобство, которое она предоставляет, позволяя сэкономить время. Сейчас доставка еды — это не только способ быстро перекусить, но и важная часть в жизни busy людей. Популярные службы доставки предлагают разнообразие блюд, что делает этот сервис особенно актуальным для людей, ценящих комфорт и вкус. Без удобства быстрой доставки сложно представить жизнь в мегаполисе, где каждый день приносит новые задачи и вызовы.
http://thirsty-party.de/gb/guestbook.php

binance account creation · March 11, 2025 at 6:04 pm

Thank you for your sharing. I am worried that I lack creative ideas. It is your article that makes me full of hope. Thank you. But, I have a question, can you help me?

binance · March 13, 2025 at 2:08 pm

Your point of view caught my eye and was very interesting. Thanks. I have a question for you.

manforce dapoxetine & sildenafil tablets · March 20, 2025 at 12:11 pm

buy priligy generic In the process, it complicates the evaluation of future investment strategies for emerging markets

gameathlon online casino-wappy · March 20, 2025 at 8:45 pm

The Stake Casino gameathlon.gr is one of the leading cryptocurrency casinos since it integrated crypto into its transactions early on.
Online gambling platforms is growing rapidly and the choices for players are abundant, but not all casinos provide the same quality of service.
This article, we will review the most reputable casinos available in the Greek region and the benefits they offer who live in Greece specifically.
The top-rated casinos of 2023 are shown in the table below. The following are the top-ranking gambling platforms as rated by our expert team.
When choosing a casino, make sure to check the licensing, security certificates, and security protocols to guarantee safe transactions for all users on their websites.
If any of these factors are absent, or if it’s hard to verify them, we exclude that website from our list.
Gaming providers are crucial in determining an internet casino. Generally, if there’s no valid license, you won’t find reliable providers like Microgaming represented on the site.
The best online casinos offer classic payment methods like Mastercard, but they should also include e-wallets like Paysafecard and many others.

KenExceedsBeedo · March 21, 2025 at 12:54 pm

марвел битва чемпионов взломанная [url=https://apk-smart.com/igry/draki/613-marvel-bitva-chempionov-vzlom-chit-mnogo-deneg.html]https://apk-smart.com/igry/draki/613-marvel-bitva-chempionov-vzlom-chit-mnogo-deneg.html[/url] марвел битва чемпионов взломанная

P.S Live ID: K89Io9blWX1UfZWv3ajv
P.S.S [url=https://we-fight-one-by-one.com/showthread.php?tid=4248&pid=243425#pid243425]Программы и игры для Андроид телефона[/url] [url=https://www.karpaltunnelsyndrom-schwangerschaft.de/forum/topic/fun88-where-betting-meets-secure-innovation/?part=221#postid-123100]Программы и игры для Андроид телефона[/url] [url=https://iluli.kr/bbs/board.php?bo_table=manybuy&wr_id=85279]Программы и игры дл[/url] 2a2ff69

JeromeDub · March 21, 2025 at 7:55 pm

alo 789: alo 789 – alo 789

JeromeDub · March 21, 2025 at 9:19 pm

789alo: dang nh?p alo789 – alo 789

gameathlon.gr-wappy · March 22, 2025 at 7:45 pm

Stake Online Casino gameathlon.gr is among the best online gambling platforms since it was one of the first.
The digital casino industry has expanded significantly and players have a vast choice, not all online casinos provide the same quality of service.
This article, we will review the best casinos available in Greece and the advantages for players who live in Greece.
The top-rated casinos of 2023 are shown in the table below. The following are the top-ranking gambling platforms as rated by our expert team.
When choosing a casino, it is important to check the legal certification, gaming software licenses, and security protocols to guarantee safe transactions for users on their websites.
If any of these elements are missing, or if we can’t confirm any of these elements, we do not return to that site.
Gaming providers are another important factor in choosing an online casino. Generally, if there’s no valid license, you won’t find trustworthy software developers like Microgaming represented on the site.
Reputable casinos offer known payment methods like Visa, but they should also include e-wallets like Paysafecard and many others.

Регистрация в binance · March 24, 2025 at 4:29 am

I don’t think the title of your article matches the content lol. Just kidding, mainly because I had some doubts after reading the article.

JamesFum · March 24, 2025 at 8:13 am

my canadian pharmacy reviews: legitimate canadian pharmacies online – pharmacies in canada that ship to the us

Arthurbut · March 24, 2025 at 8:18 am

https://interpharmonline.shop/# canadian pharmacy scam
pharmacy rx world canada

MonteReemy · March 24, 2025 at 8:41 am

mexican pharmacy online [url=https://mexicanpharminter.shop/#]mexican pharmacy online order[/url] reliable mexican pharmacies

Georgerig · March 24, 2025 at 12:01 pm

online medicine shopping in india: lowest prescription prices online india – IndiaMedFast.com

JamesFum · March 24, 2025 at 1:21 pm

mexican pharmacy online store: Mexican Pharm International – mexican pharmacy online

Arthurbut · March 24, 2025 at 1:27 pm

https://mexicanpharminter.com/# Mexican Pharm International
recommended canadian pharmacies

Willisovari · March 24, 2025 at 4:53 pm

https://interpharmonline.shop/# canadian drug stores

MonteReemy · March 24, 2025 at 5:39 pm

reliable mexican pharmacies [url=http://mexicanpharminter.com/#]MexicanPharmInter[/url] mexican drug stores online

Georgerig · March 24, 2025 at 6:29 pm

india pharmacy without prescription: india online pharmacy store – order medicines online india

JamesFum · March 24, 2025 at 6:57 pm

onlinecanadianpharmacy 24: Inter Pharm Online – reliable canadian pharmacy

Arthurbut · March 24, 2025 at 6:57 pm

https://indiamedfast.shop/# india pharmacy without prescription
canadian drug stores

Willisovari · March 24, 2025 at 10:38 pm

http://indiamedfast.com/# India Med Fast

Arthurbut · March 25, 2025 at 12:31 am

https://interpharmonline.com/# canadian pharmacy oxycodone
canadian pharmacy 365

JamesFum · March 25, 2025 at 12:36 am

my canadian pharmacy rx: most trusted canadian pharmacies online – canadian pharmacies that deliver to the us

Georgerig · March 25, 2025 at 1:02 am

canada pharmacy online: online canadian pharmacy no prescription – canadian neighbor pharmacy

MonteReemy · March 25, 2025 at 3:01 am

canadian pharmacy uk delivery [url=http://interpharmonline.com/#]Certified International Pharmacy Online[/url] legal to buy prescription drugs from canada

Willisovari · March 25, 2025 at 4:53 am

https://mexicanpharminter.com/# mexican pharmacy online store

ada wong sex xxx · March 25, 2025 at 5:13 am

Bruh, I need to catch my breath after that! Not gonna lie, that part blew my mind. That’s how its done, period.

Arthurbut · March 25, 2025 at 6:58 am

http://interpharmonline.com/# safe reliable canadian pharmacy
canadian pharmacy online

JamesFum · March 25, 2025 at 7:40 am

canadian pharmacies: online canadian pharmacy no prescription – canadian pharmacy review

Willisovari · March 25, 2025 at 11:33 am

https://mexicanpharminter.com/# Mexican Pharm International

Arthurbut · March 25, 2025 at 1:31 pm

https://mexicanpharminter.com/# reliable mexican pharmacies
canada rx pharmacy world

MonteReemy · March 25, 2025 at 2:41 pm

best canadian online pharmacy reviews [url=https://interpharmonline.shop/#]Inter Pharm Online[/url] canadian pharmacy 24 com

JamesFum · March 25, 2025 at 3:09 pm

mexican drug stores online: Mexican Pharm Inter – reliable mexican pharmacies

DonaldEagew · March 25, 2025 at 3:23 pm

equilibrando
Dispositivos de calibración: esencial para el desempeño uniforme y efectivo de las máquinas.

En el ámbito de la ciencia contemporánea, donde la eficiencia y la estabilidad del dispositivo son de suma importancia, los sistemas de equilibrado juegan un función fundamental. Estos sistemas adaptados están concebidos para equilibrar y asegurar partes rotativas, ya sea en dispositivos de fábrica, transportes de movilidad o incluso en equipos domésticos.

Para los técnicos en conservación de aparatos y los ingenieros, trabajar con equipos de balanceo es importante para proteger el desempeño fluido y confiable de cualquier aparato dinámico. Gracias a estas herramientas avanzadas innovadoras, es posible minimizar considerablemente las movimientos, el zumbido y la tensión sobre los rodamientos, extendiendo la tiempo de servicio de componentes costosos.

De igual manera relevante es el papel que tienen los sistemas de ajuste en la asistencia al consumidor. El asistencia profesional y el soporte continuo usando estos aparatos posibilitan brindar soluciones de alta excelencia, mejorando la satisfacción de los clientes.

Para los propietarios de emprendimientos, la inversión en sistemas de balanceo y dispositivos puede ser fundamental para mejorar la productividad y eficiencia de sus dispositivos. Esto es principalmente significativo para los emprendedores que administran modestas y medianas negocios, donde cada aspecto es relevante.

Asimismo, los dispositivos de balanceo tienen una gran utilización en el sector de la prevención y el control de calidad. Posibilitan localizar potenciales defectos, reduciendo arreglos costosas y averías a los sistemas. También, los resultados recopilados de estos sistemas pueden aplicarse para optimizar procedimientos y incrementar la presencia en plataformas de exploración.

Las zonas de implementación de los sistemas de ajuste cubren diversas sectores, desde la producción de vehículos de dos ruedas hasta el monitoreo ambiental. No importa si se refiere de grandes elaboraciones manufactureras o limitados locales domésticos, los aparatos de calibración son fundamentales para asegurar un desempeño eficiente y sin detenciones.