Nutritional psychology as a formal field of study and the role of the The Center for Nutritional Psychology is explored in this revolutionary episode. Ms. Lu breaks the mould on how scholars and practitioners can embrace the link to how we think, feel and experience food in relation to human development. Jill and Ephi discuss the role of how our emotions, our desires and our quest for feeling better impact our dietary habits, how simple food availability is a major influence in your eating choices and so much more exciting content in today's episode!  In a new study, they show that children who eat healthier diets have better emotional state of mind, with calm, and confidence than their peers who perceive their diets as not being as healthy.   Ephi Morphew-Lu has spent the last 17 years supporting the systematic development of a new field of study connecting the psychological and nutritional sciences, referred to as Nutritional Psychology.  Her journey began in 2008, when she developed and taught the first university-level course in Nutritional Psychology at JFK University.  These courses grew into a 7-course certificate program training mental health and allied health professionals in until early 2020.  In 2015, she co-founded The Center for Nutritional Psychology, a non-profit educational organization that houses the world’s research exploring the connection between nutrition and psychological health. Today, CNP houses thousands of studies informing our understanding of the connection between nutrition and psychology, provides continuing education for mental health and nutrition professionals approved by the American Psychological Association, the Commission on Dietetic Registration and other large credentialing organizations, and is developing interdisciplinary language connecting the psychological and nutritional sciences. CNP's bold mission is to ensure that by 2030, nutrition becomes a systematically recognized and integrated component of mental healthcare worldwide.   During her personal time, Ephi is a wife, mom to two teenagers and a fabulous poodle named General Patton, finds peace in her garden with the General, and spends much of her internal free time daydreaming about a day when mental health professionals can hold the space to formally support their clients’ diet-mental health relationship.   Ephi Morphew-Lu, MS, Dip.C.N. Co-Founder and Executive Director Source: The Center for Nutritional Psychology https://www.nutritional-psychology.org/our-team/ Jill Troderman - Nutrition Educator, Counselor, Speaker, Author https://santacruzholisticnutrition.com/