Can Food Heal Your Mind? A Conversation on OCD, Gut Health & Mental Wellness with Sophia Dawson

In this thought-provoking episode, I sit down with Sophia Dawson, senior psychologist and founder of Holistic Psychology, to explore one of the most powerful yet overlooked tools in mental health care: nutrition.Together, we dive into Sophia’s research into nutritional psychology, with a particular focus on OCD, intrusive thoughts, and how ultra-processed foods, gut health, and nutrient deficiencies may influence mental well-being more than we’ve been taught to believe.This isn’t your typical chat about food groups—it’s a deep dive into the mind-body connection, and the everyday choices we make that either fuel or drain us. From decoding food labels to challenging outdated beliefs about restrictive eating, we cover the emotional, psychological, and physical impacts of how we eat—and how that relates to our long-term mental health.We also explore the healing potential of whole foods, the risks of the Western diet, and why small, consistent changes are far more powerful than any short-term “fix.” If you’ve ever felt curious about how food might be affecting your mood, energy, and clarity—this episode is for you.🗝️ TakeawaysNutrition is a powerful, underutilized tool in mental health treatmentOCD is often misunderstood—intrusive thoughts are more common than we thinkGut health plays a major role in emotional well-beingThe Western diet and ultra-processed foods are harming our mental clarityWe make over 35,000 food-related decisions a day—every one of them countsMovement can be as effective as medication for mental health“Hard now or hard later”—we choose which version of hard we live withWhole foods nourish us—restriction is not the goalKnowledge = empowerment when it comes to making food choicesHealing starts with curiosity, compassion, and connection💬 Sound Bites“Movement is as effective as antidepressants.”“Food is to nourish, not to punish.”“We choose our hard.”“Food can heal physical illnesses.”“We make 35,000 choices a day.”“Physical health is mental health.”“We are behind in terms of food quality—but we just need to know how to find it.”“It’s all about the mind-body connection.”“Health isn’t about restriction—it’s about balance....................................................In this podcast we focus our conversations around fitness, nutrition & mindset. Based on real life experiences.On The Menu each week: An Introductory Starter, Insightful Main Course & Juicy Dessert. Navigating the world, our food environment, social changes & a whole lot more.🎧 Listen on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/6uggKNL3etOwlk0LcYi7sD?si=_x12uZCcTk6bVim5VXGrog🍏 Listen on Apple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/nz/podcast/lifestyle-design-secrets/id1692127355You can access more Free Tools & Resources over at: www.amysfitnessandnutrition.co.nz- Binge our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Free Articles, Health Hacks & Recipes⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠- Sign up to our Free Weekly Newsletter with 1 Recipe, 1 Juicy Story & 1 Epic Insight- Explore our ready to go ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bitesize Guides & Body Reset Transformation Programmes⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠- Book in for a Consultation- Take 2 minutes to fill in my ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tell Me Everything Form⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to seeif you're ready for change...