It’s a well known fact – breakfast is the most important meal of the day, right?  We sure think so and it sets the stage for the day ahead.  In transforming our Eating Disorder Program in West Palm Beach to meet the needs of our clients, we have added a daily breakfast and meditation to begin the day.  At 9am, women settle into group, often times hungry and tired, waiting for their next break because they didn’t have the opportunity to eat breakfast on their way into treatment.  We decided in a safe and supportive environment like Willow Place, what better way to welcome the women each day than with a “home cooked” meal?  Together with the therapists and dietitian, the women assist in preparing the meal.  When breakfast is ready, the women join together and discuss their intentions for the day.  The women spend a few minutes practicing mindfulness and meditation following the meal to prepare them for the next few hours of the therapeutic process.

The women love sharing breakfast together, it strengthens our community and builds a more supportive environment for the women to heal.  Each week the women have the opportunity to learn new recipes and try new things!  The rewards of the breakfast group are countless!  I am delighted to see how this simple addition has changed the course of treatment!