Nourishing Nests workshops focus on the food and nutrition side of caring, exploring how food quality affects how carers nourish themselves and the vulnerable people they care for. This workshop explores the role of the digestive system and gut microbiome in influencing the immune system, as well as the scientific evidence of how food affects mental wellbeing, through the area of research known as ‘Nutritional Psychiatry’. Carers also learn how the sensory and social experiences surrounding food affect digestion and are an important part of nourishing.
What is Nutritional Psychiatry?
Often referred to as ‘Food and Mood’ research, Nutritional Psychiatry is the study of how diet patterns, nutrients and gut health influence mental health, mood and cognitive function. Studies from around the world are showing consistent evidence on the impact of ultra-processed foods on mental wellbeing, with prominent Australian researchers leading the way in this field.
Cynthia is passionate about educating carers on ways to make a real difference in their lives through good food. She does this by translating the latest evidence in this field, combined with sharing her experience as a quality specialist in the food industry. Carers will learn how the source and processing of food ingredients affect its quality and capacity to nourish them and the people they care for.
Keeping Mealtimes Calm
Food is more than just a nutrition source, it is also a sensory experience. Our senses drive many of our choices, what we prefer and what we avoid are largely based on the elements of flavour, aroma, texture, colour and even sound. Many carers find mealtimes challenging, particularly when caring for someone with strong aversions to particular foods due to sensory processing issues.
Nourishing Nests includes strategies for carers to maintain a sense of calm within themselves, helping to create a more positive food experience. Proper digestion requires the nervous system to be in ‘rest and digest’ mode, so our sensory and social experiences have a huge influence on how we feel after a meal, and even how well the nutrients in our meal are absorbed.
Aspects we will explore…
Gut Health
Carers will learn the role of the digestive system and its influence on mood and behaviour through connections to the brain via a network of nerves that includes the Vagus nerve. Since this connection is bi-directional, our mood and emotions can also affect our digestion when we feel unsafe or stressed. The health of the gut wall and gut microbiome are an important part of this connection.
Food Quality
We identify the different levels of food processing and how this affects food quality. With the modern diet including so many ultra-processed foods, it is important for carers to understand why this is important so that they can make more informed choices. Carers will have a clearer picture of which foods and beverages are inflammatory vs those that nourish and heal.
Sensory & Social
Digestion works best when we are feeling calm and relaxed, also known as ‘rest and digest’ mode. Carers learn how the environment and social experiences surrounding meals influence their digestion and overall wellbeing. We also explore how sensory processing can affect mealtimes and carers will learn how to support themselves to feel calm when nourishing themselves and others.
Delivery Options
In Person and Online
Organisations
Nourishing Nests can be presented to your team or the carers that you support both in-person and online over Zoom. In person options include delivery at your place of business, or we can also host your team here at The Sacred Nest for a retreat-style experience. Either way, we can tailor our program to suit the needs of your team. If your organisation also provides food for staff and vulnerable people, this workshop as a valuable investment for the wellbeing of everyone.
Individual Carers
Individual carers can register for one of our future workshops which run in-person and online via Zoom. For a more immersive experience, join us at The Sacred Nest in Ascot Vale to share morning tea and build connections. We are expanding delivery to other local government areas. If you are an unpaid carer and need support to attend, you may be able to gain access to our programs through registering with Carer Gateway (see below for more details). Paid carers can attend at any time.
The Sacred Nest is a registered provider of Carer Gateway; a nation-wide service that provides free support to carers. Support is tailored to your caring needs, with a wide range of services that may include tailored support packages, peer support, counselling, coaching, emergency respite and more. If you are an unpaid carer and need assistance to attend our workshops, you may be able to gain access to our programs through funding via Carer Gateway in your local government area. Contact us to learn more.
Visit www.carergateway.gov.au or call Carer Gateway on 1800 422 737, Monday to Friday from 8am to 5pm, to find out how they can support you in your caring role.
