“All Foods Fit”: Embracing Food Diversity For Whole-Self Wellness – A Q&A With Thrive Wellness Reno Registered Dietitian Jessica Franks, M.A., RDN, RYT

Thrive • January 3, 2023

“All foods fit”, a concept that promotes mind-body wellness, supports diverse eating choices without judgment. By accepting all foods as vital nourishment, individuals who adopt the “all foods fit” mindset can feel free to enjoy the experience of eating, knowing they are energizing their bodies with necessary nutrients. Learn more about the “all foods fit” approach and food diversity in the Q&A below with Thrive Wellness Reno registered dietitian Jessica Franks, M.A., RDN, RYT.

What does “all foods fit” mean? 

An alternative approach to eating, “all foods fit” encourages healthy relationships with food. Within this way of thinking, all foods can be consumed because they provide the body, brain, and spirit with energy. The concept empowers individuals to drop any unhelpful categorizations of foods, such as those that label food as good or bad, healthy or unhealthy, and right or wrong. In place of judgment around food, the “all foods fit” notion values nutrition, pleasure, satisfaction, and choice in eating. It holds that a person’s overall wellness is most influenced by how a person relates to food, not food properties. By maintaining an “all foods fit” perspective, individuals can find peace and contentment with food, while at the same time reducing any stress and anxiety associated with eating.

Why is diversity in food choices important? 

An integral element of the “all foods fit” mentality, food diversity refers to eating from a variety of food groups. Like the “all foods fit” concept, food diversity encompasses physical and mental well-being. 

Nutrients provide the body with energy to execute its many important functions including breathing , digestion , temperature regulation, and much more. Consuming different foods helps ensure a person receives all the nutrients necessary for fueling their body. Additionally, by nourishing the body with a variety of nutrients, a person equips their immune system to fight off chronic illnesses .

Not only is food diversity beneficial for the body, but it helps nourish the mind as well. By incorporating variety and choice into their diet, a person can avoid feeling limited and deprived. Instead, they’re more likely to be open to exploring different foods to feed their body. 

How do carbohydrates, fats, and proteins help sustain our overall well-being?

Carbohydrates, fats, and proteins fulfill specific, important roles in the brain and body. 

  • Carbohydrates provide the foundation of energy for everyday actions as well as the processes that keep us alive. In other words, carbohydrates allow individuals to do the things they love. 
  • Proteins ensure the bodily structures remain intact while also stimulating chemical reactions to turn food into energy. 
  • Fats shield vital organs, regulate temperature, help absorb essential vitamins, provide energy, and produce hormones that make up the body’s internal communication system. 

Although it may be “trendy” to refrain from eating one or more of these substances, doing so is harmful to the body’s overall functioning. However, by affirming an “all foods fit” mindset, a person can feel confident in their choice to effectively nourish themself. 

How can individuals enjoy post-holiday meals by adopting the “all foods fit” mentality? 

When a person carries out the “all foods fit” approach, they’re able to exist in a state of abundance, rather than restriction . As a result, all of their mind-body systems are positively influenced, and they can trust in their ability to self-regulate around foods. They also are aware that one meal or food doesn’t determine their health.

How can individuals go into the new year with an open mindset regarding food?

Individuals can consider the way they typically approach foods. They may ask themselves the following questions. 

  • Do I frequently feel guilty about my food choices or ways of eating? 
  • Do I cycle in and out of eating “plans” or “programs”?
  • Do I have thoughts about food or my body upon waking up in the morning and going to bed at night? 
  • Do I feel well in my mind, body, and spirit? 
  • Am I motivated and confident?  

Depending on their answers, the new year may be a good opportunity to re-evaluate their approach to eating so they can nurture a sustainable, healthy relationship with food and their body. 

NUTRITIONAL SUPPORT AT THRIVE WELLNESS

At Thrive Wellness, our registered dietitians, eating disorder clinicians, and mind-body specialists help individuals nourish their bodies mindfully, intuitively, and confidently while accepting their bodies as they are. To learn more about our nutrition services, eating disorder programs, and additionally mental and behavioral health support, reach out

About the Contributor
Thrive Wellness Reno Registered Dietitian Jessica Franks, M.A., RDN, RYT

Jessica Franks has a bachelor’s of science in dietetics and management from Western Illinois University and a master’s degree in nutrition from Ball State University, not to mention more than a decade-long career as a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN). Her clinical experience has ranged from geriatric nutrition to nutritional therapy for eating disorder recovery. Jessica has undergone additional training in intuitive eating and microbiome health, and is also a 200-hour registered yoga teacher (RYT).

At Thrive Wellness Reno, Jessica specializes in providing nutritional therapy with an emphasis on intuitive eating. She also integrates mindful movement and breathwork into her treatment approach, as she believes that complete health is not merely the absence of disease – it encompasses physical, mental, and social health for whole well-being.

Being from a small Illinois town with a population of less than 700, Jessica was determined to see the world and experience city life after college. She spent time in Indianapolis, Chicago, San Diego, and San Francisco before finding her way to the “Biggest Little City” of Reno, Nevada, which she feels offers a beautiful balance of small-town feel with city-like offerings. She cherishes all four seasons in northern Nevada and likes to explore the outdoors and the Sierra Nevada mountains in her time outside of work.

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December 2, 2025
Like the fir tree, a symbol of endurance rooted in hope, our Family Inclusive Recovery (FIR) approach reflects the strength that grows when families face challenges together. At our new residential center “The Greenhouse”, FIR is more than a treatment model, it’s a philosophy of healing that places families at the heart of recovery for adolescents and young adults navigating eating disorders, anxiety disorders, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). We believe lasting healing doesn’t happen in isolation; it’s built with the support of families through perseverance, hope, and compassionate care. What Is Family Inclusive Recovery (FIR)? Family Intensive Recovery (FIR) is a specialized and immersive approach that actively engages caregivers as central agents in their child’s healing process. Rather than seeing families as contributors to a problem, we view them as essential partners in recovery. Drawing from two evidence-based frameworks, Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE) and Family-Based Treatment (FBT), FIR helps families cultivate resilience, confidence, and connection throughout the journey to recovery. Grounded in SPACE and FBT Through the SPACE model, parents learn how to recognize and reduce well-intentioned but unhelpful behaviors known as accommodations that can reinforce anxiety and OCD symptoms. By shifting from rescuing to supporting and challenging, parents develop the confidence to guide their child through discomfort, helping them build distress tolerance and self-trust. Simultaneously, Family-Based Treatment (FBT) empowers families to take an active, compassionate role in their child’s nutritional and emotional recovery. Parents learn how to support weight and nutritional restoration, disrupt the eating disorder’s patterns, and reestablish boundaries that promote health and growing autonomy. Together, these approaches strengthen both the individual and family system, allowing recovery to take root within an environment of empathy and optimism. From Blame to Collaboration A cornerstone of the FIR model is removing blame. At Thrive, parents are not viewed as the cause of their child’s struggles, but rather as key partners in recovery. Treatment focuses on joining forces to create a safe, supportive environment where: Families learn to sit with their child's discomfort alongside them without rushing to fix or control it. Parents practice compassionate firmness, setting boundaries grounded in care and safety. Teens and caregivers rebuild trust through open, honest communication. This collaborative framework helps families reestablish a sense of connection and confidence, fostering long-term resilience and open communication that extends beyond the treatment setting. Why Family Matters in Recovery Recovery from eating disorders, OCD, or anxiety isn’t a one-person job, it requires integrated care including the family. When families learn to navigate challenges together, they can model emotional regulation, reinforce healthy boundaries, and create conditions for sustained recovery. Through FIR, we aim to strengthen attachment bonds, reshape family interactions, and empower every member of the family to grow. The result is not only symptom reduction but also a deeper sense of unity, hope, and shared endurance, just like the steadfast fir tree that stands resilient through every season. Moving Toward Hope Family Inclusive Recovery invites caregivers and loved ones to become active participants in change. It’s a journey of learning, letting go, and leaning into love and acceptance. Together, families and clinicians can cultivate the courage in clients to face uncertainty, and in doing so, help them discover that recovery is not just possible, but enduring. If you’d like to learn more about Family Intensive Recovery at The Greenhouse or how we support families in eating disorder and OCD treatment, reach out to our team today.
November 14, 2025
The Greenhouse at Thrive Wellness A New Chapter of Hope and Healing in Nevada On Friday, November 14 , we gathered with our partners at Molina Healthcare to share an important moment for our community. Together, we celebrated Molina’s generous $50,000 grant , an investment that is helping bring The Greenhouse to life. Their support is not only a financial contribution—it’s a statement of belief in the young people and families of Nevada who deserve access to compassionate, evidence-based mental healthcare close to home. This gathering marked the beginning of something we’ve dreamed about for years: a place designed specifically for adolescents and emerging adults to receive the care, connection, and support they need during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. Something New Is Growing In early 2026 , Thrive Wellness will open The Greenhouse , Nevada’s first residential treatment center devoted to adolescents and emerging adults navigating eating disorders, anxiety, and OCD . For too long, families have faced a heartbreaking dilemma—send their child far from home for treatment or go without the specialized care they need. The Greenhouse is our answer to that gap. It will be a place where young people can settle into an environment built for healing, where they are understood, supported, and surrounded by a team that believes in their capacity to recover. The Greenhouse represents a natural extension of our mission. It’s a living expression of our belief that recovery is possible—and that with the right support, families can find their footing again. 
November 11, 2025
Are you looking for a meaningful way to give back this holiday season? Thrive Wellness is excited to continue our 6th Annual Giving Tree Program in collaboration with Perenn Bakery this winter. This year, Thrive Wellness Reno and Perenn Bakery are proud to partner with Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Northern Nevada. The organization supports families with children receiving treatment at area hospitals, providing comfort, hope, and a home-away-from-home during challenging times. Ronald McDonald House Charities offers essential services, removes barriers, strengthens families, and promotes healing when children need healthcare the most. How It Works Simply take one (or a few) tags from the Giving Tree, each listing an item you can purchase and donate for residents of the Ronald McDonald House. Then, drop off your item(s) at one of our designated donation locations by Friday, December 19. Items Needed: Restaurant gift cards Walmart or Target gift cards Games, puzzles, and coloring books Toys (Barbie, Hot Wheels, Lego sets, craft sets, magnet blocks, baby dolls, action figures, journals, infant toys, etc.) Children's books (picture, chapter, and graphic novels) Toiletry sets (for adults) Lotion/self-care gift sets (for adults) Sweatshirts/hoodies (adults, XS-XXL) Scarves, gloves, fuzzy socks, pajamas (all sizes) Infant diapers, onesies, and baby bottles Bulk individually wrapped snacks (granola bars, chips, etc.) Please ensure all donations are new, in original packaging, and unwrapped. Donation Drop-Off Locations Please deliver donations by Friday, December 19, to one of the following sites: Thrive Wellness 201 W Liberty St., Suite 201, Reno, NV 89501 Perenn Grocery 7600 Rancharrah Pkwy, Suite 130, Reno, NV 89511 The first 50 people to return their donations will receive a complimentary ornament gift!  Why We Give Back Through our Giving Tree program, we’re honoring one of our core values at Thrive Wellness: staying rooted in community. This annual tradition allows us to give back to those who need support most during the holiday season. We invite you to join us by taking a tag at any Thrive or Perenn location and helping spread kindness throughout our community. There’s no better way to embrace the holiday spirit than by supporting local families with thoughtful, heartfelt donations. We are deeply grateful for your generosity and continued support. Thank you for helping us make a difference!
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