Nutrition and mental health: What (and how) to eat
Create a diet that supports YOUR mental and emotional well-being.

By Brian St. Pierre, MS, RD, Alisa Bowman, PN1-NC

All over the internet, you’ll find magical-sounding solutions for anxiety, depression, brain fog, and fatigue.

Eat this ancient mushroom! Wear this crystal! Hang upside down!

If only feeling better were that simple.

Focusing on just one food or supplement is kind of like wearing a raincoat that only covers your left shoulder.

It’s just not enough to help you weather life’s storms.

First, nutrition accounts for only part of the mental and emotional health picture.

Things like exercise, stress management, sleep, social support, and a sense of purpose are also crucial to feeling balanced, strong, and capable.

Second, mental and emotional well-being depends on many different nutrients from many different foods.

(That ONE ancient mushroom isn’t your nutritional panacea.)

In the below infographic, you’ll find ways to build a better mental and emotional health “raincoat”—one that’s durable (and full body).

If you’re a coach…

Remember your scope of practice: You can’t recommend specific foods, beverages, or supplements as a treatment for depression, anxiety, or any other medical condition. That’s what your client’s doctor is for.

Here’s what you CAN do….

Support clients as they put their doctor’s advice into practice
Listen with curiosity and compassion when clients tell you about their struggles
Let clients know about supplements that might help—and encourage them to discuss that information with their doctor
Recommend dietary patterns known for enhancing mental and emotional health

Download this infographic for your tablet or printer and apply the steps to create a diet that helps you think and feel better.

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If you’re a health and fitness pro…

When your clients are stressed and exhausted, everything else becomes a struggle: going to the gym, choosing healthy foods, and managing cravings.

But with the right tools, you can help your clients overcome obstacles like stress and sleep deprivation—leading them toward the lasting health transformations they’ve always wanted.

PN’s Level 1 Sleep, Stress Management, and Recovery Coaching Certification will give you these tools. And it’ll give you confidence and credibility as a specialized coach who can solve the biggest problems blocking any clients’ progress.

The Key to Coaching Success: Helping Clients Master the 160+ Hours Outside the Gym

Your clients may spend just a few hours a week exercising, but how they manage the other 160+ hours is what truly drives their results.

If they're not progressing, it’s often not the workouts—it’s their lifestyle.

Real, sustainable results come from consistently prioritizing the essentials: sleep, stress management, and recovery. These aren’t just "nice-to-haves"—they're non-negotiables that help your clients perform their best and live a longer, healthier life.

By focusing on these fundamentals, you give your clients the tools to truly thrive. Without them, their progress—and potential—will always fall short.

That’s exactly what our Sleep, Stress Management, and Recovery (SSR) Certification teaches you. Gain the skills and knowledge to help your clients feel better, live longer, and achieve their goals.

Join the SSR Early Access list for: