The Nutrition Department offers both individual and group programs to educate you about your health conditions, make empowered food choices and build healthier behavior patterns and lifestyles.

Individual Medical Nutrition Therapy and Diabetes Self-Management Education:

Our team of dietitians, consisting of Katherine Farrell Harris, RD, CDE, CDN, Director of Nutrition, Nicole Anziani, MS, RD, CDN, CHHC and Lauren DeGaetano, MS, RD, CDN, CDE, CSCS will work with you on nutrition and lifestyle modifications to manage several medical conditions as well as improve your overall health. Our specialties include high cholesterol, hypertension, digestive disorders, celiac disease, diabetes, obesity, cancer, renal disease, pregnancy, vegetarian/vegan nutrition, food allergies, eating disorders and sports nutrition.

Your first session includes an interview and initial assessment where you will be asked to provide details about your lifestyle, current medications and supplements, food preferences, cooking ability/desire, what you usually eat, what you like to eat and what you are willing to eat. Prior to establishing an appropriate food plan, the registered dietitian will review your medical history, blood work (if available) and your personal goals. It is suggested that you write down what you consume in a food journal and bring it to your appointment. If you have diabetes and check your blood glucose, bring those records.

Visual aids are used to teach you about food portions and labels. You will receive a customized eating plan, grocery list, meal and snack ideas, as well as recipes and other educational materials. During this one-on-one session you will map out your next steps. The amount and frequency of follow-up sessions vary per case. Following your individual nutrition session, you may be referred to one of our group counseling groups.

Group Counseling

Weight Loss:

MPG's group weight loss program provides a friendly environment to lose weight where, together with other patients, you will learn about food and nutrition, set health goals, and create specific and measureable action plans. The program begins with an individual session with the registered dietitian to customize an eating and lifestyle plan. Following this session, our weekly group weight loss classes focus on weight loss, build confidence in attaining goals, and receive peer support. Weekly Weight Management Groups are scheduled at the following MPG locations:

-Washington Heights: Tuesdays 4:00-5:30pm
-Harlem: Mondays 4:00-5:30pm
-Upper East Side: Tuesdays 5:00-6:30pm
-Lincoln Square: 1st, 3rd & 5th Monday of the month 5:00-6:30pm
-Midtown: Thursdays 5:00-6:30pm
-Flatiron District: Wednesdays 5:00-6:30pm

Diabetes Self-Management:

MPG also offers a comprehensive diabetes self-management education program using an American Diabetes Association approved curriculum. Our dietitians provide individual medical nutrition therapy and individual diabetes self-management, as well as 2-hour group sessions offered once per month for four months. Group appointments are available at six MPG locations:

-Washington Heights: 1st Thursday of the month 2:00-4:00pm
-Harlem: 2nd Wednesday of the month 4:00-6:00pm
-Upper East Side: 1st & 3rd Wednesday of the month 5:00-7:00pm
-Lincoln Square: 2nd & 4th Monday of the month 5:00-7:00pm
-Midtown: 2nd & 4th Tuesday of the month 5:00-7:00pm
-Flatiron District: 1st & 3rd Monday of the month 5:00-7:00pm

While multiple classes are offered per location per month, please note that the same curriculum will be taugh monthly. Please arrive 30 minutes prior to class for measurements and individual weigh-in.

Group sessions are interactive and focus on seven self-care behaviors, including healthy eating, being active, self-monitoring, medications, problem solving, healthy coping and reducing risks.

*Before scheduling an appointment, it is recommended that you contact your insurance plan regarding coverage for a nutrition appointment and verify if a referral from a physician is required. Most plans only cover for specific diagnoses. For self-pay information, please contact our offices.

Services Offered:
Initial individual session
Individual follow-up sessions
Resting metabolic rate (RMR) testing
Weekly group weight loss programs
Monthly group diabetes self-management programs

News and Events:
Weekly Group Weight Loss Program
Monthly Group Diabetes Self-Management Program
FREE Diabetes Lecture
Healthy Families, Healthy Kids