Nutrition & Body Composition for People with Neurologic Conditions: Practical Strategies to Support Strength, Energy, and Long-term health
This small‑group course is designed for people living with neurologic conditions who want practical, realistic nutrition strategies to support strength, energy, and overall health. Over 8 sessions, you’ll learn how neurologic conditions and common medications affect metabolism, appetite, and body composition—and how to work with your body rather than against it.
The focus is not on dieting or perfection but on sustainable habits that support function, mobility, and quality of life. Sessions combine short educational talks with guided discussion, and all content is adapted for varying levels of mobility, fatigue, and prior nutrition knowledge.
What This Course Covers
Over 8 sessions, we will explore how nutrition and body composition affect strength, mobility, energy, bowel health, and overall well‑being. The focus is on practical tools, not strict diets or perfection.
Each session includes:
~30 minutes of education
~30 minutes of guided group discussion
Opportunities to apply concepts to your own medical situation
We use nutrition tracking and body composition tools as learning tools, not as a way to judge or restrict food choices.
8‑Session Course Outline
Session 1: Foundations & Getting Started
Welcome and group expectations
How neurologic conditions affect nutrition and metabolism
Why body composition matters more than weight alone
Introduction to the Cronometer app
Homework: Track seven days of your usual eating pattern and gather baseline measurements if available.
Session 2: Body Composition & Metabolism
Lean mass vs fat mass and why this matters for function
How immobility, fatigue, spasticity, and medications affect metabolism
Understanding resting metabolism (BMR & NEAT) and daily macronutrient needs
How to interpret body composition results (if available)
Session 3: Protein — Supporting Muscle & Recovery
Why protein needs are often higher with neurologic conditions
Protein’s role in muscle preservation, recovery, and feeling full
Timing protein around activity and medications
Practical ways to meet protein needs with limited energy or appetite
Session 4: Carbohydrates, Fiber & Energy Management
Why protein needs are often higher with neurologic conditions
Protein’s role in muscle preservation, recovery, and feeling full
Timing protein around activity and medications
Practical ways to meet protein needs with limited energy or appetite
Session 5: Fats & Inflammation & Heart Health
Understanding healthy fats vs less‑helpful fats
The role of omega‑3 fats in inflammation and brain health
Cardiovascular risk in neurologic conditions
Simple label‑reading skills
Session 6: Hunger, Fullness & Emotional Eating
How hunger and fullness signals work
The role of hormones, sleep, stress, pain, and medications in appetite
Understanding emotional eating without guilt
Introducing the concept of “mindful macros” instead of rigid tracking
Strategies for consistency without overwhelm
Session 7: Practical Barriers & Solutions
Disability-specific barriers to eating & food preparation (fatigue, mobility limitations, tremor, chewing/swallowing issues, GI motility)
Adaptive equipment & meal preparation hacksEating out and busy days
Care partner involvement & support strategies
Session 8: Pulling It Together
Reviewing progress and lessons learned
Optional follow‑up body composition review
Identifying what worked—and what didn’t
Setting realistic, long‑term nutrition goals
Resources for continued support
Our Approach
No restrictive diets
No perfection required
Focus on function, energy, and sustainability
Respect for individual medical conditions, abilities, and preferences
Course Fee & Payment Information
Course Fee: $350
The course fee includes all 8 sessions, course materials, guided group discussion, and access to nutrition‑tracking tools used during the program.
Body composition scans (DEXA or InBody), if desired, are optional and priced separately. Individual follow‑up visits or therapy services are not included and may be billed separately when clinically appropriate.
Insurance Information
This course is offered as a self‑pay program and is not billed to insurance. Offering the course outside of insurance allows us to provide flexible, individualized education without the restrictions of insurance‑based programs. Some participants may also have insurance‑covered visits related to their overall care, depending on their plan.
Financial Accessibility
A limited number of reduced‑rate spots may be available for participants experiencing financial hardship. Please contact our office to inquire.
Attendance & Refund Policy
Because this is a small‑group program, space is reserved specifically for you. We are unable to offer refunds for missed sessions. If you must miss a session, materials will be provided when possible. If the course is cancelled by the clinic, a full refund will be issued.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a weight‑loss program?
No. This course focuses on health, function, and body composition—not the number on the scale. Some participants may lose or gain weight, but the primary goals are supporting muscle, energy, and long‑term well‑being.
Do I have to track my food?
We use nutrition tracking as a learning tool, not a requirement for perfection. Tracking is flexible and individualized, and we will talk about how to use it without stress or obsession.
I don’t have a nutrition background. Is this too advanced?
Not at all. The course is designed for beginners and presented in plain language, with plenty of time for questions and discussion.
What if I have fatigue, tremor, or difficulty cooking?
This course specifically addresses disability‑related barriers to eating, including fatigue, mobility limitations, tremor, swallowing concerns, and GI issues. You’ll learn adaptive strategies and realistic solutions.
Will this work if I have Parkinson’s, MS, SCI, stroke, or Long COVID?
Yes. The material is tailored for people with neurologic conditions, and we discuss how different diagnoses and medications can affect nutrition needs.
Is emotional eating discussed?
Yes. We address hunger, fullness, stress, and emotional eating in a non‑judgmental way, focusing on understanding your body and building supportive habits rather than relying on willpower.
Do I need a body composition scan to participate?
No. Body composition scans (DEXA or InBody) are optional. If available, they can provide helpful information, but the course does not depend on having one.
Is this a group or individual program?
This is a small‑group course to allow discussion, shared learning, and peer support while still respecting individual differences. If you are interested in 1:1 sessions, please contact us for more information.
Interested in joining or want more information?
Please contact us at info@neurorehabcolab.com to learn about upcoming session dates and enrollment.