Fantastic Food at Wellspring Academy of California
At Wellspring Academy of California, students enjoy the same types of foods they're used to eating at home—burritos, pizza, burgers, pastas, and chicken nuggets are all part of the Wellspring food plan. The difference is that we use low-fat, low-density cooking methods to prepare food, getting rid of unnecessary fat while keeping the taste and texture intact.
Students enjoy 3 meals and 2 snacks a day, served in the on-campus dining hall. In addition to the “controlled” entrée served at each meal, students have access to the “uncontrolled” food bar. This large salad bar has numerous options for making sure that students stay full and satisfied all day, including soups, salads, cottage cheese, tuna, beans, yogurt, and a variety of fresh fruits.
There are no calorie limits imposed on students. Rather, we ask that they keep fat consumption under 20 grams per day, and that they self-monitor (write down) everything that's eaten each day, along with fat and calories. This provides them with an eating plan that is easy to understand and simple to sustain at home.
Culinary and Nutrition Classes
An important element of the Wellspring Plan involves training students to be self-sufficient in their food choices, relieving parents of their role as “food police.” We want students to return home feeling confident in making healthy food choices at home, school, restaurants, and grocery stores.
These concerns form the basis of our Culinary and Nutrition Classes, taught in our state-of-the-art culinary training classroom. We teach everything from kitchen basics (chopping techniques, kitchen sanitation, and reading recipes) to more advanced cooking techniques, recipe substitutions and food presentation. Students also learn how to identify and shop for “Wellspring-friendly” foods in grocery stores and restaurants, and participate in “off campus challenges” to try out their new skills at area restaurants and markets.
Typical Menu at Wellspring Academy of California
Here's what you might expect to eat on a typical day:
Breakfast of Scrambled Egg Beaters, Turkey Bacon and Whole Wheat Toast.
+ 1 cup Strawberries and 1 cup Fat-Free Vanilla Yogurt
Lunch of Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard and Rice Pilaf
+ Mixed Green Salad and ¼ cup Fat-Free Tuna Salad
Snack of Popsicles or Snackwells Cookies
Dinner of Pita Pizza with Steamed Broccoli
+ 2 cups Chicken Noodle Soup and an Apple
+ Dessert of Chocolate Pudding
Snack of Air-Popped Popcorn
