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Monday 9am - 8pm Tuesday 9am - 8pm Wednesday 9am - 8pm Thursday 9am - 8pm Friday 9am - 6pm Saturday 9am - 1pm

Van Dusen Nutrition

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Needham Heights, MA
Van Dusen Nutrition

Van Dusen Nutrition® is an inclusive center for nutrition and movement that sees children, adolescents and adults.

02/20/2026

Eating Disorder Awareness Week (NEDAW) is February 23 - March 3. This year’s theme, “Every Body Belongs,” reminds us that eating disorders do not have one face, one body, or one story.

Anyone can suffer from an eating disorder. They do not discriminate and can affect people of any gender, s*x, age, race, or body size. Yet many individuals go unseen and unsupported. Those living in larger bodies are 2.45x more likely to engage in disordered eating behaviors, but they receive an eating disorder diagnosis only half of the time. Less than 6% of people with eating disorders are medically underweight - yet the myth that eating disorders have a specific “look” still persists.

Eating disorders also impact men more than many realize. 1 in 3 people with an eating disorder are male, but stigma leads to lower rates of assessment and treatment. LGBTQIA+ individuals are also at higher risk due to stigma, discrimination, and hostile environments.

Eating disorders do not discriminate. Everybody deserves treatment, research, recognition, and care. Too many people go unrecognized, increasing risk of serious health complications. We remain committed to breaking down barriers, challenging myths, and raising awareness.

If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder or disordered eating, we are here and ready to support you. You are not alone.

02/13/2026

We need to talk about MAHA’s Super Bowl commercial featuring Mike Tyson.

Because this isn’t just about “health.” It’s about messaging.

We live in a society where fatness is framed as a personal failure - lazy, irresponsible, undisciplined. That narrative isn’t accidental. It fuels diet culture, sells products, and keeps people believing their bodies are problems to be fixed, rather than vessels to be respected, nourished, and supported.

The claim that “if you just eat real food, you’ll lose the weight” ignores decades of research on weight stigma, genetics, socioeconomic status, stress, trauma, medications, and metabolic diversity. Health is not a simple before-and-after story and body size is not a morality scale.

Yes, nutrition matters. Access to minimally processed food matters. But when the conversation centers weight loss as the ultimate goal, we reinforce shame - not health.

Here’s the uncomfortable truth: Weight stigma itself is linked to worse health outcomes. Shaming people does not make them healthier. It increases stress, avoidance of medical care, disordered eating, and mental health struggles.

If we truly care about public health, we would talk about:
- Food access and affordability
- Systemic barriers
- Mental health
- Movement for well-being, not punishment
- Healthcare without bias

Health education should empower rather than stigmatize.

Why do we keep reducing complex human bodies to marketing soundbites?

02/06/2026

Here’s the reality: body weight is influenced by many factors - most of which are outside of our control - in addition to nutrition and movement.

Yet the decades-old narrative, repackaged by the diet industry year after year (goodbye Oprah, hello the flood of GLP-1 commercials), continues to place blame on individuals instead of acknowledging those factors. You can do everything “right” (eat consistent, adequate, balanced meals/snacks, follow exercise recommendations) and still live in a larger body.

And guess what?
It’s not your fault.
And you can be perfectly healthy.

Some of the many factors that influence body weight include (in addition to nutrition and exercise):

- Genetics
- Medical conditions and medications
- Your physical and social environment
- Stress
- Sleep duration and quality
- Cultural background
- Substance use (drugs, to***co, alcohol, etc.)
- Aging
- Socioeconomic status
- Media and societal messaging

Your body is not a moral failing.
Health is not one-size-fits-all.

01/23/2026

Let’s talk about the 2025 - 2030 Dietary Guidelines 👇

Many recommendations aren’t new (fruits, veggies, whole grains, less added sugar). What is new is the return of the food pyramid - a model that was previously retired.

An ED-informed RD’s take on the new pyramid:

- Carbs are minimized, even though they are the brain’s main fuel source. Fruits and veggies alone don’t meet carbohydrate needs - grains matter.
- “Ultra-processed foods” are discouraged without a clear definition. Most foods are processed in some way, and many processed foods are nutrient-dense, accessible, and supportive of consistent eating.
- It’s less intuitive than MyPlate, which is why the pyramid was discontinued in the first place.
- Cost and access aren’t addressed. Many foods emphasized are expensive and unrealistic for many households.
- Fiber is downplayed. Protein and dairy are important - but fiber is essential for gut health and overall well-being.

Nutrition guidance should support adequacy, flexibility, and accessibility - not guilt or restriction.

If you have questions about the new guidelines, an RD can help. We’re here for you.

01/22/2026

Reminder: It's not a dream body if it's a nightmare to maintain. A body you have to punish is not a dream.

Let's start learning that the real dream is ease, peace, and lives where we aren’t at war with our bodies.

01/09/2026

Sometimes joyful movement looks like learning the Fate of Ophelia dance between sessions 💃💃

01/06/2026

ARFID is not just a phase - and it doesn’t only affect children.

There are many misconceptions about ARFID, especially since it was only added to the DSM in 2013. Two of the most common are that it only affects children and that children will simply “grow out of it.”

Research shows that typical picky eating in young children often decreases around age 5; however, this is not the case for individuals with ARFID. Instead of resolving, food preferences may become more rigid, significantly limiting food variety and overall intake.

Another key difference is that people with picky eating can usually find something that they can eat, while those with ARFID may avoid eating situations altogether.
Adults are not immune. Due to late recognition and frequent misdiagnosis as picky eating, many adults live with undiagnosed ARFID. This can impact work, relationships, and social life.

Lack of recognition often leads to delayed treatment, which may result in increased symptoms such as weight loss and nutritional deficiencies.
ARFID is a legitimate eating disorder - not “just a phase.”

12/31/2025

The start of a new year can be overwhelming and anxiety-provoking for many of us.

“New Year, New Me.”
“Lose weight fast.”
“Eat clean and have your best year yet.”

So many of these goals push a forced reset and pull us right back into diet culture.

What if we started this year differently? What if our goals didn’t come from self-hatred, fear, or pressure to change our bodies?

What if we focused on growing our skills, values, and sense of self instead of trying to manipulate how we look?

Here are a few gentle, non-body-focused goals to consider from our team of clinicians.

Be kind to yourself as you enter this new year.

12/26/2025

Merry Christmas🎄Here is your reminder to choose nourishment, rest, and self-respect this holiday season.

12/15/2025

As we light the menorah, we’re also honoring food as tradition, resilience, and care.

Wishing our community a Hanukkah filled with light, support, and permission to enjoy. ❤️

12/07/2025

Holiday reminder: it’s not about how you look; it’s about the memories that you’re in.
Presence over perfection. Always.

12/05/2025

With the holidays in full swing (and dieting ads everywhere) it’s easy to feel disconnected from your body. After years of pressure, comparison, and unrealistic expectations, knowing where to begin with body respect can feel overwhelming.

If this resonates, here are 5 gentle steps to start today:

- Self-gratitude: Instead of picking apart your reflection, pause and appreciate what your body does for you. It has carried you through every challenge and every joy.
- Self-care: Let self-care reinforce that gratitude. Even a small daily or weekly commitment is a reminder that you are worth your own time.
- Throw out the scale: It can’t measure your health, happiness, or worth. You deserve more than a number.
- Stop body checking: Each time you choose not to zoom in on “flaws,” you make room for peace.
- Revamp your closet: Wear clothes that honor who you are right now - not a past version or a future ideal.
- Stop comparing: Comparison only dims the qualities you’ve worked hard to build and cherish.

Respecting your body isn’t about instantly loving every part of it. It’s choosing kindness, again and again, until your body starts to feel like home.

Address

1000 Highland Avenue
Needham Heights, MA
02494

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 8pm
Tuesday	9am - 8pm
Wednesday	9am - 8pm
Thursday	9am - 8pm
Friday	9am - 6pm
Saturday	9am - 1pm

Telephone

+17813431592

Website

http://Vandusennutrition.com/

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