Heather Bray
Heather Bray, RD (she/her)
Registered Dietitian/Nutrition Counsellor
Provinces: Ontario Only
Yes, The Way You Eat Can Impact Your Mental Health
Food is fuel, but food is also community, its nostalgia, it’s love, it’s pain, and sometimes it can even be a source of shame. I’ve met countless people who are frustrated with the mixed messages they receive around what, why and how to eat.
I became interested in the way that food can support our mental health when I started seeing a therapist to work on my own anxiety and low mood. I noticed that I was being consistently reminded by my doctor and therapist that eating well and exercising was an important part of improving my mental health. I took their words seriously and I started to see how certain foods made me feel both physically and emotionally. I also listened to the feedback from my clients who shared that a nutrient rich diet combined with more mindful eating practices weren’t just positively impacting their physical health, but also their emotions.
Improving The Way You Eat Can Positively Impact Depression, Anxiety, ADHD and More
As a Registered Dietitian who provides mental health informed nutrition counselling, I have made it my mission to stay aware of the most up-to-date research on nutrition science as it pertains to mental health, which is quite exciting as the research is rapidly emerging. The scientific community is constantly learning more about the connection between the food we eat (and don’t eat) and how it interacts with our gut and brain health. We now know that there are links between nutrient deficiencies and some of the symptoms of depression, Anxiety, ADHD and other mental health challenges.
My Approach to Nutrition Counselling Is About Adding Value to Your Life and Improving Your Relationship With Food
If you have a complicated relationship with food, you are in the majority! It’s hard not to feel like you’re eating “wrong” when nutrition information, diet messaging and food product marketing is bombarding you each day. I approach nutrition counselling from a Healthy at Every Size (HAES), weight neutral perspective, which means that the focus is not on losing or gaining weight, it’s about creating a sustainable, enjoyable way of eating that positively impacts your life and meets your nutrient needs.
I believe in a client centered approach to nutrition counselling, I customize my support towards your needs, taste preferences, and what works the best for your body. There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to nutrition. I’ll help you meet your nutrient needs while also taking into consideration your complex relationship with food, cultural and taste preferences, access to food and your medical history. My aim is to help you find a way of eating that feels easy and meets all your needs.
One of the most enjoyable aspects of my job is watching my clients heal their relationships with food by letting go of their deep-rooted diet beliefs and learning how to listen to their body. This helps them see that food can be both nourishment and fun!
For Me, Being A Foodie Is Part of Being A Dietitian
Along with my passion for the growing field of mental health and nutrition, I LOVE food. Eating delicious meals that also gives my body what it needs to function well is part of why I became a dietitian! As someone who loves science and food, getting into this line of work was almost inevitable. Along with loving to eat, I have a true joy of cooking, baking and trying out new cuisines and recipes. In my spare time, I go on new food adventures in my kitchen and at restaurants. Embracing my inner foodie feels like embracing my most authentic self.
If that sounds a bit intimidating (and you do not identify as a foodie), please know that who I am and what I like doesn’t dictate how I will help you with your nutrition goals. My aim is to help you adopt a way of eating that is going to benefit your mental and physical health, while being sustainable for your lifestyle (the goal is to make sure that you enjoy the process!)
Your Diet and Your Mental Health Are Connected
You are unique and your eating practices and relationships with food are complex and deeply rooted in so many of your early life experiences, emotions and habits. This can show up in unexpected ways such as avoiding certain foods due to association with bad childhood memories. The avoidance or limitation of some foods or overconsumption of others can actually impact both your physical and mental health. When we work together, we will talk about how you are feeling mood and energy wise and see if there is something that we can add to your meals that might help you to feel better.
If you feel ready to take a look at how you can better support your nutrition needs, reach out and connect.
Areas of Practice and Approach
Nutrition Counselling
- Medical Nutrition Therapy
- Intuitive Eating
- Healthy At Every Size (HAES)
Support For
- ADHD
- Anxiety
- Bipolar Disorder
- Borderline Personality Disorder
- Child & Youth Nutrition
- Chronic Illness
- Chronic Dieting/Cyclical Struggles
- Depression
- Eating Disorders
- Infertility
- Pregnancy
- Prenatal, PostPartum
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Parent/Child Feeding Relationships
- Self-Esteem and Body Image
- Sleep (Insomnia)
- Stress
- Trauma & PTSD
- Women’s Issues
Age Group I Work With
- 10 and older
Professional Qualifications and Experience
Bachelor of Science (Nutrition & Dietetics Specialty), Acadia University
Registered Dietitian, College of Dietitians of Ontario, CDO
Certified Intuitive Eating Counsellor (Qualifying)
Professional Fees
Consultations
- Initial consultations are FREE
- All consultations are 15 minutes long
Individual Mental Health Nutrition Counselling Sessions
- 60 Minute Initial Assessment - $150
- 60 Minute Follow Up Session - $150
- 30 Minute Follow Up Session - $75
(follow up sessions will be determined by both you and Heather during the initial assessment)
Crypto Payments
- Are available
- Email us for more information
