Recipe for Mental Health: How Food Functions in the Brain

Presented By Ali Beckman, MS, RD, LD, CEDS-S
Director of Clinical Nutrition and Movement Services

Abstract:

Without balanced nutrition and food flexibility, the brain cannot adequately communicate with the rest of your body. Among other things, this greatly affects changes in behavioral health. The theme of food flexibility can be applied to fit the needs and diagnoses in behavioral health; mental health, substance use disorders, and eating disorders. Behavioral health is positively impacted when we can neutralize how we see food, use a non-diet approach, and learn how to eat without judgment. This presentation will identify how each diagnosis can benefit from nutrition intervention, balanced eating, and nutrient rehabilitation, all within the lens of focusing on food flexibility. We will also explore the different aspects of food flexibility and how it can be applied to behavioral health.

Learning Objectives:
1. Identify what food flexibility is and how it can be applied differently within the different behavioral health diagnoses
2. Define nutrition psychiatry and outline the necessary nutrients for brain function and neurotransmitter production
3. Explain the connection between food and mood in relation to the neurotransmitters
4. Define different dietary approaches to help with mental health and mood stabilization

Agenda:
9:00 – 9:10 am PST- Welcome
9:10 – 10:10 am PST- Presentation
10:10 – 10:30 am PST- Optional Q&A

We are offering 1 CE hour through APA, CDR, and NBCC for live attendance.