What you eat changes how you think and feel. Dietitian Claudia Jahjah joins Eddie Reaiche and psychologist Natalie Moujalli to talk about the mental health cost of ultra processed convenience food, why iron deficiency shows up as brain fog and irritability, and what is really happening when we reach for the chocolate at nine at night. Natalie shares her own struggle with food. Claudia never once shames her for it. You will learn what the gut brain axis does, and how to swap without punishing yourself.

About the Guest

Claudia Jahjah is a seasoned dietitian with over 20 years of experience. She works at Westmead and runs a private practice. Claudia specialises in a variety of areas, including diabetes care, weight management, cholesterol reduction, and sports nutrition for children. Her unexpected journey into private practice began with a serendipitous encounter following a job interview, where her faith played a significant role in guiding her career path. Claudia is passionate about using her expansive knowledge to educate and assist clients, making tangible impacts on their health and well-being.

Key Takeaways:

• The Serendipitous Career Path: Claudia Jahjah’s career in private nutrition practice was initiated by a moment of reflection and faith, directing her away from optometry towards dietetics after a lapse in a job interview.
• Nutrition & Mental Health: There is a significant connection between diet and mental health. Eating nutrient-dense foods can vastly influence emotional stability and overall mental wellness.
• Mediterranean Diet Benefits: Recognised as highly beneficial for mental health, the Mediterranean diet's integrative approach—rich in healthy fats, vegetables, and whole grains—serves as a model for nutrition.
• Challenges of Modern Eating Habits: Busy lifestyles lead to increased reliance on fast foods. Claudia highlights the importance of meal planning and simple, practical dietary adjustments to maintain health.
• Emotional Eating Insight: Non-hungry eating and reliance on comfort foods can often indicate deeper emotional issues; swapping out snacks with healthier options can aid in breaking this cycle.

Notable Quotes:

1. "My path to becoming a dietitian and stepping into private practice was marked by faith and an unexpected invitation following a job interview."
2. "The evidence is showing that good gut health and a diet reminiscent of the Mediterranean style can significantly impact mental health."
3. "We see a very big generation shift in the relationship with food. Takeaway meals are becoming a prevalent choice due to time constraints."
4. "By keeping the diet simple, with plentiful fruits and vegetables, one can maintain balance even with a busy lifestyle."
5. "Emotional eating can indicate a misalignment in understanding true hunger, which can be addressed with healthy food swaps and mindfulness."

You and your mental health is important to us. If this episode brought up any heavy emotions, please know you do not need to carry them alone. Reach out to Lifeline, Beyond Blue, or the counselling service at Hills Sanctuary house at hshl.org.au 

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