Nutrition and mental health, or is it mental health and nutrition? 

As my dear friend Amanda asked, “which is the chicken and which is the egg?”

In 2017, I embarked on a nutrition journey to understand how food physiologically impacts our bodies. 

Watching my family members and friends battle chronic disease and mental health, I wanted to learn more about the benefits of integrating food into our healing journey.

My nutrition program highlighted the importance of nutritious foods and the impact on mental health. But more importantly, I learned that diets are not a one-size-fits-all approach. An individuals’ food lifestyle is dependent upon a variety of factors. For instance, factors such as genetics, culture, health, environment impact an individuals’ food choices.

I had the pleasure to intern with my dear friend Amanda Bullat, RDN, who runs Alpine Nutrition. We met during a Women’s in Food Systems event about 5 years ago. And I knew our paths would cross again in the near future. 

She is one of the friendliest and authentic people I know and has been instrumental in helping me break the diet culture mindset.

My internship time with Amanda allowed me to learn about intuitive eating and health at every size. And how detrimental a weight scale and BMI number can negatively impact an individuals’ mental health.

Recently, Amanda asked me to join her in a conversation about nutrition and mental health. And having just started my psychology program, I was looking forward to the discussion.

Our recorded session touched on various topics ranging from disordered eating, how we talk to ourselves, food labeling, and the importance of self-care.

Here are some of our discussion highlights, and feel free to check out the full recording HERE.

• Give ourselves permission.
• Have some grace and compassion.
• Find the structure that works for you.
• The healing journey is not linear.
• Setting boundaries.
• We are worth it.

Thanks, Amanda! And looking forward to the next conversation around nutrition and mental health.

With gratitude,

Tara