For many, lunch is a moment to ponder daily choices and perhaps engage in a casual exchange with friends. However, for some, lunch may pose challenges for those navigating issues related to disordered eating.
Enter Gretchen Wallace, a registered dietitian with WashU, who envisions lunch as more than just a meal; it’s an opportunity for meaningful conversation, dispelling diet culture myths, and fostering positive relationships with food.
Gretchen joined the WashU Nutrition team in August 2023, brining with her a wealth of experience in addressing eating disorders prevalent among college students. Motivated by a personal connection, Gretchen’s interest in this field deepened after supporting a high school friend struggling with bulimia. Her extensive background includes a dietetic internship at The Emily Program in Minnesota, and over five years of service, providing nutrition support in various capacities, including with Saint Louis University and eating disorder intensive outpatient programming in Seattle.
With her experience facilitating group meals as a crucial aspect of eating disorder treatment, Gretchen aimed to create a similar environment for the broader student body at WashU. According to Gretchen Wallace, “Exposure therapy is commonly used in the treatment of eating disorders. When we have a negative belief about a specific food, the best way of challenging that narrative is by engaging with and eating that food we fear in a supportive environment and with the help of a professional” (Wallace, 2023). Thus, the Lunch Club Series was born.
“Exposure therapy is commonly used in the treatment of eating disorders. When we have a negative belief about a specific food, the best way of challenging that narrative is by engaging with and eating that food we fear in a supportive environment and with the help of a professional.” -Gretchen Wallace, MS, RD, LD
Photo: Sample Lunch including Turkey Wrap, Granola Bar, Crackers, Fruit, Veggies, a Muffin, and Water
The Lunch Club is a weekly, virtual gathering for up to 12 students with Gretchen. Participation is straightforward: show up each week, bring lunch and dessert, and engage in conversation with others over Zoom with cameras on and microphones unmuted. The emphasis is on creating a safe, supportive space where students can explore their relationship with food and nutrition.
Each lunch begins with a check-in, where participants verbally share their emotions before starting their meal. Guided by Gretchen, students eat together and engage in conversation. According to Gretchen, “This is a peer-support group. I am there to facilitate the conversation and foster a supportive group; yet, the students are the ones directing where the conversation goes. The best conversations happen when everyone participates. It also increases trust and feelings of safety amongst the group when everyone participates.” (Wallace, 2023).
The Lunch Club is open to any WashU Student.
Before some classes, Gretchen may introduce challenges, such as bringing a soda to drink, or excluding fruits and vegetables from lunch, to challenge healthy eating stereotypes. These exercises are intended to provoke thoughts and emotions, fostering a deep understanding of individual relationships with food. After meals are finished, each participant checks out with an assessment of their feelings.
The Lunch Club is an excellent opportunity for any WashU student seeking to heal their relationship with food or challenge perceptions of healthy eating. The Lunch Club is open to any WashU student and takes place on Thursdays from 12-1 pm. Students should be available most Thursdays to join the program to maintain consistency in the group.
This program is not recommended for students actively working through an eating disorder who are currently struggling to eat full meals on a regular basis. To determine if this is the right fit for you, please contact Gretchen Wallace at gwallace@wustl.edu.
Photo: Gretchen Wallace.