Join us for an engaging and practical workshop designed to empower individuals with PKU and their families through expert guidance, hands-on activities, and shared learning experiences.
Workshop Objectives
- Equip families with clear, practical PKU dietary management skills.
- Strengthen understanding of treatment journey challenges from a family and HCP perspective.
- Improve confidence in protein counting, shopping, meals preparation, and formula adherence.
- Provide interactive, enjoyable learning experiences for both adults and children.
Agenda Structure
A. THEORETICAL PART
(Led by dieticians – presentations & open dialogue)
Topics covered:
- Why dietary management is the cornerstone of PKU care
- Common difficulties families report:
- Picky eating
- Formula acceptance
- Social situations (school, restaurants, birthdays)
- Caregiver fatigue
- Managing expectations through life stages (infancy → adolescence → adulthood)
- Emotional aspects: stress and adherence burden
- Portion measurement & protein‑counting accuracy
- Reading food labels correctly
- Navigating hidden ingredients
- Leveraging mobile apps/tools
Interactive element:
Short Q&A with families to share real‑life situations and problem‑solve as a group.
A structured conversation allowing:
- Families to express real obstacles
- Dieticians to respond with evidence‑based strategies
- Exchange of ideas between caregivers and professionals
B. PRACTICAL PART
(Hands‑on learning designed for maximum engagement)
1. Cooking Workshop — “PKU Kitchen Lab”
Led by: Dieticians + Chef familiar with PKU diets
Stations may include:
- Creative snacks for picky eaters
- Quick family recipes
- Formula preparation tips
Activities:
- Families cook in small groups
- Dieticians supervise and troubleshoot
- Tasting session for all
Goal: Build confidence and show that the PKU diet can be enjoyable, feasible, and tasty.
2. Educational Awareness Stations
Participants rotate between learning booths:
Station 1: Protein Counting Station
- Hands‑on practice calculating Phe content
- Label‑reading exercises
- “Make your own safe plate” activity
Station 2: Smart Shopping Station
- How to build a PKU‑friendly shopping list
- Live demonstration of comparing products
- Tips for identifying hidden protein in everyday foods
Station 3: Formula & Supplement Optimization
- How to improve adherence
- Flavour‑mixing tips
- Age‑appropriate formula routines
Station 4: Behaviour & Feeding Support Station
- Expert tips for picky eaters
- Encouraging food exploration
- Positive mealtime behaviours
- Managing parental stress