Julia Cassidy, MS, RDN, CEDRDS
Presentation Title:
“The Wonders of Food Flexibility”
Presentation Overview:
Many people are skeptical towards the role of nutrition and mental health. Truth be told and proven by several research studies that nutrient deficiencies and imbalances adversely affect the way we think and feel. Without balanced nutrition and food flexibility the brain cannot adequately communicate with the rest of your body, which among other things greatly affects the changes in behavioral health. The theme of food flexibility can be applied to fit the needs and diagnosis in behavioral health; mental health, substance use disorder and eating disorders. This presentation will identify how each diagnosis benefits from nutrition intervention, balanced eating, and nutrient rehabilitation all within the lens of focusing on food flexibility. Behavioral health is positively impacted when we can neutralize how we see food, use a non-diet approach, and learn howe to eat without judgement. This presentation will go through the different wonders of food flexibility and how it can be applied in behavioral health.
Learning Objectives:
- Attendees will be able to identify what food flexibility is and how it can be applied differently within the different behavioral health diagnosis (SUD, ED, and MH).
- Attendees will be able to identify nutrition and how it is applied to SUD, ED, and MH.
- Attendees will be able to define mindful eating and two different skills to assist patients in practicing mindful eating.
Speaker Biography:
Julia Cassidy is the Senior Director of Nutrition and Wellness at Center for Discovery, where she has worked since 2003. She has been involved in the development of the dietary programs for the eating disorders division and mental health division of Discovery Behavioral Health. Julia has presented on eating disorders, food exposures in the treatment of eating disorders and intuitive eating nationally and internationally. Julia’s work includes teaching self-compassion and embracing the idea of total embodiment with nutrition healing. Julia feels strongly about meeting your needs through flexible, individualized eating based on hunger, satiety, nutritional needs, and senses satisfaction.