Nutritional Impact On Emotional and Mental Health

The Western dietary pattern has been linked to an increased risk of depression and anxiety, highlighting the importance for mental healthcare professionals to grasp the scientific principles underlying the diet-mental health connection. With only 12% of the population maintaining a balanced diet (CNPP, 2001), dietary imbalances are increasingly contributing to heightened levels of anxiety and depression.

I possess a scientifically grounded understanding of how daily dietary intake can impact emotional, mental, and behavioral equilibrium. I begin by introducing all my clients to a tool utilized by integrative healthcare professionals for assessing and addressing these imbalances: the 3-Day Food Journal for Mood. This tool offers a straightforward assessment of how daily dietary intake affects mood. Based on the findings from the 3-Day Food Journal for Mood (along with consideration of other relevant factors), I introduce a nutritional remediation method called Macronutrient Mood Therapy. While I am not a certified nutritionist (though I am in the process), I offer foundational knowledge necessary for collaborating with integrative medicine providers to address dietary-related behavioral issues and foster behavioral change.

Goals & Objectives:

• Foster understanding of the role of daily dietary intake patterns in mood and emotional states.

• Assist in identifying individual daily dietary intake patterns.

• Provide psychoeducation on the three categories of macronutrients and their impact on mental health. 

The 3-Day Food Journal (3-DFJM) for Mood

The 3-Day Food Journal for Mood is a vital tool in nutritional psychology, aiding clients in recognizing their macronutrient dietary patterns and their impact on mood.

During sessions, we'll analyze de-identified food journals from real clients, allowing clients to complete their journals and track their food intake over three days alongside mood and energy levels.

This hands-on approach provides valuable insights into nutrition, identifying areas for improving mental, emotional, and overall wellness. Assessing the diet's impact on mood and behavior is crucial, making this tool integral to our collaborative work.

Nutrition profoundly influences mental health, and as a Certified Mental Health Integrative Medicine Provider, I am dedicated to integrating dietary factors into our therapeutic approach. As I pursue my Second Master's in Applied Nutrition with an emphasis in Medical Nutrition, which I anticipate completing in December 2024, and prepare to become a Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) through the American Nutrition Association, I continually enhance my expertise in this field. Upon graduation and completing the certification exam, I look forward to incorporating evidence-based nutritional interventions into our sessions to promote holistic mental health and well-being.

Additionally, I employ Macronutrient Mood Therapy (MMT) to stabilize emotions and well-being through dietary interventions. My scope involves educating clients on the nutrition-mental health connection, providing assessment tools like the 3-Day Food Journal for Mood and MMT, and collaborating with nutrition and healthcare professionals. Together, we empower clients with a deep understanding of how food affects mental health, guiding them to make informed decisions for their well-being.

Macronutrient Mood Therapy (MMT)

Macronutrient Mood Therapy (MMT) is a dietary tool aimed at assisting clients in managing their moods. During MMT sessions, clients will be introduced to its guidelines, gaining familiarity with the principles that promote mood and emotional stabilization through nutritional strategies.

Scope of Practice

My approach to implementing Nutritional Psychology involves three key areas: education, referral, and cooperation.

I focus on providing nutritional education rather than prescribing specific treatment plans. This includes educating clients on the relationship between nutrition and mental health, utilizing assessment methods such as the 3-Day Food Journal for Mood and Macronutrient Mood Therapy (MMT), and explaining the impacts of macronutrient groups on mood. While I offer informative analyses, I do not create individualized treatment plans. However, if a specific food or nutrient is identified as potentially affecting certain symptoms, we can collaborate to develop an action plan to address them.

Collaboration with nutrition providers and integrative healthcare practitioners allows us to facilitate behavioral change effectively. The overarching goal of Nutritional Psychology is to empower clients with knowledge about how food and nutrients influence mood and behavior, enabling them to approach their nutritional health comprehensively and enhance their mental well-being.