Low Levels of Hunger at Wellspring Academies
The rapid weight losses observed at Wellspring Academies (formerly Academy of the Sierras) naturally raise questions about the parameters of the diet and the degree to which students found the diet tolerable. Wellspring’s Eating Healthy program includes controlled foods (entrees; sides; snacks) and uncontrolled low-density foods (salads, fruit, soups). The controlled foods are designed to be very appealing, totaling about 1,200 to 1,400 calories per day. Students have access to an unlimited amount of uncontrolled foods (low calorie-density foods), which ensure students are always full and satisfied. Students at Wellspring typically consume less than 20 grams of fat, 70 grams of protein, and more than 30 grams of fiber per day.
At Wellspring, we study students’ tolerance of the diet to ensure satisfaction. As part of the study, students complete written assessments of the nutritional aspects of their diets based on posted nutritional information and the Doctor’s Calorie, Fat, and Carbohydrate Counter (Borushek, 2004). Students regularly report feeling satisfied by their food intake, and quickly learn to choose from the many healthy options available at every meal.
