From a very early age, I knew I wanted to serve in a helping profession. During my undergraduate studies, I developed a deep interest in child development, which I carried into my master's degree, focusing on family systems. My initial work in early intervention transformed this knowledge into therapeutic practice.
As I advanced to the role of clinical director, I pursued short-term, goal-focused treatment options that integrated mental health and primary care. This journey led to the creation of the "Food and Mood" program, designed to assist individuals with chronic diseases, disordered eating, or those using food as a coping mechanism. The program equips participants with skills to understand the impact of food on mental health and the significant role the gut plays in our mental well-being.
I subsequently became certified in mental health and nutrition, gaining insight into the effects of Ultra Processed Foods (UPFs) on mood and overall health. This knowledge is crucial for understanding why we turn to food for coping.
Over eight hundred people have participated in the Food and Mood program, achieving excellent outcomes. When the program launched twelve years ago, many participants were considering or had undergone bariatric surgery and were experiencing weight regain. Today, many are using semaglutide for weight loss. While this medication is effective for weight loss, it often leaves a gap in treatment.
Participants frequently express concerns:
"If I am no longer using food to cope, what then? When I stop using this medication, I fear I will regain the weight if I do not understand my relationship with food."
The 6-week Food and Mood program addresses these concerns by exploring why we use UPFs for coping. The first two weeks focus on the relationship between food and mood, while the following four weeks are dedicated to developing positive coping skills to replace the use of UPFs.
Join Us on WATD Radio and Podcast
I will be discussing all of this on WATD radio and on the Podcast with Dr. Hayes on Thursday, August 8th. Stay tuned for more information about enrolling in the upcoming Food and Mood program starting in September.
-Julia Swartz LISCW