The Happy Eating Podcast - podcast cover

The Happy Eating Podcast

Carolyn Williams PhD, RD & Brierley Horton, MS, RDhappyeatingpodcast.podbean.com
Is it possible to eat your way to a better mood? Can foods really impact how the brain makes you think and feel? The “Happy Eating Podcast” was created after we couldn’t find the information that we needed for ourselves and our families. Join us as we break down the connection between food and mental wellness as we explore how food, diet, supplements, and daily habits can make for truly Happy Eating.
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Episodes

Are Vegetarian Diets Healthy or Harmful for Kids?

We’ve talked about how cleaning up your diet is good for your mental wellness. We’ve also talked about how eating more fruits and vegetables has been shown to be good for your mood.But does that mean you need to take it to an extreme and lean into a vegetarian or vegan diet? And what about when it comes to kids and teens? Is a vegetarian diet healthy or harmful for them? Show Notes: References mentioned include: Vegetarian Diet, Growth, and Nutrition in Early Childhood: A Longitudinal Cohort Stu...

Jul 21, 202220 minSeason 2Ep. 59

How Many Probiotics Do You Need On An Antibiotic?

How many probiotic foods like yogurt or kombucha should you eat when taking an antibiotic? While the answer isn’t exactly clear, there may be a ballpark to aim for. In today’s episode, we’ll refresh you on the connection between probiotics and your mental health, plus share which foods are best to eat, and how much to aim for. Let’s dive in! References mentioned include: The effects of antibiotics on the microbiome throughout development and alternative approaches for therapeutic modulation Use ...

Jul 15, 202227 minSeason 2Ep. 58

Signs Your Antidepressant Isn’t Working Anymore

Is it possible for your antidepressant to stop working as effectively as it once was? It is. And in this episode we’re talking about antidepressant Tachyphylaxis—also known as antidepressant poop out. How do you know if you’re experiencing it, and what should you do? We’re sharing common subtle signs as well as the signs we’ve experienced. Show Notes: References mentioned include: Hopkins Medicine: Why Aren’t My Antidepressants Working? Tachyphylaxis in major depressive disorder: A review of the...

Jul 08, 202231 minSeason 2Ep. 57

Rant Therapy - I’m So Over Rude Airport People

The best (and cheapest) therapy for those small things that get under your skin is sometimes a good venting session so you can get it off your chest and move on with your life! And if you’re not privy to the first-hand vent-a-thon, then being a fly on the wall listening is hopefully equally therapeutic and also maybe entertaining. Welcome to Rant Therapy, a podcast short powered by the hosts of the Happy Eating podcast, Brierley Horton and Carolyn Williams, where we periodically share our real-l...

Jul 05, 20228 min

Does Alcohol Affect Your Mental Wellness? REDUX!

Let’s talk alcohol; balancing the risk and benefits of drinking is constantly being discussed in the media. In today’s episode we look at how alcohol may affect your mental health. Is drinking a glass of wine while cooking dinner helpful or harmful? Could your girls night out be impacting your mental wellness over the following few days? And how much really is too much when it comes to mental health? We’ll also share our “mom truth moment” and tell you what we actually do. link to original full ...

Jul 01, 202245 minSeason 2Ep. 56

What Is Oil Pulling? And Is It Something You Should Try?

Raise your hand if you use mouthwash. If this is you, you’re going to want to listen to this episode. Today we’re talking about another kind of mouth swooshing—called oil pulling. What exactly is it? What, if any, benefits are there to oil pulling, or is it just some alternative hippy trend? And why are we talking about oral care on a podcast that’s focused on mental wellness? Let’s dive in! References mentioned include: Oil pulling for maintaining oral hygiene—A review Thank you for listening t...

Jun 23, 202223 minSeason 2Ep. 55

Can A Full Moon Really Affect Your Mood?

Have you ever felt like the full moon amplifies things? Ask most healthcare providers and kindergarten teachers and they’ll almost always say yes. There’s stats to even suggest that Emergency Room visits may increase. But is there any scientific evidence to back this up? In today’s episode, we’re talking about the full moon and its influence on us. Show Notes: Here’s how to follow our guest Valerie Mesa on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valeriemesa You can check out her website here: https...

Jun 16, 202230 minSeason 2Ep. 54

Can Lack of Sex Cause Mental Health Issues?

You might have seen headlines, or even read articles that tout the immunity-boosting benefits of sex. Well, it turns out the benefits don’t stop there, particularly when it comes to your mental health. Yet, sadly our sexual activity is lower today than it has been in previous generations, which made us ask “could a lack of sex put your mental health at risk?” In this week’s episode, we’re answering that question and sharing how much sex you should be having for your mental health. Let’s dive in!...

Jun 09, 202224 minSeason 2Ep. 53

Rant Therapy - I’m So Over ”Too Many Fake Holidays”

The best (and cheapest) therapy for those small things that get under your skin is sometimes a good venting session so you can get it off your chest and move on with your life! And if you’re not privy to the first-hand vent-a-thon, then being a fly on the wall listening is hopefully equally therapeutic and also maybe entertaining. Welcome to Rant Therapy, a podcast short powered by the hosts of the Happy Eating podcast, Brierley Horton and Carolyn Williams, where we periodically share our real-l...

Jun 07, 20225 min

Our 8 Favorite Tips for Anxiety

Research says that about 18 percent of adults experience anxiety. And while we think that statistic is a lot lower than the reality, the point is, anxiety isn’t rare or even all that uncommon. In fact, most people experience anxiety at some time in life even if they’ve never been diagnosed. In today’s episode, we’re sharing our go-to tips for managing our own anxiety—what do we do, what works for us, and why? Show Notes: Resources and references mentioned include: Infrared sauna sessions Yoga Th...

Jun 02, 202223 minSeason 2Ep. 52

Rant Therapy - I’m So Over People Not Wearing Proper Attire

The best (and cheapest) therapy for those small things that get under your skin is sometimes a good venting session so you can get it off your chest and move on with your life! And if you’re not privy to the first-hand vent-a-thon, then being a fly on the wall listening is hopefully equally therapeutic and also maybe entertaining. Welcome to Rant Therapy, a podcast short powered by the hosts of the Happy Eating podcast, Brierley Horton and Carolyn Williams, where we periodically share our real-l...

May 31, 20225 min

REMIX! Ashwagandha: The Supplement You Need for 2022

Ashwagandha: The Supplement You Need for 2022 (Abridged Episode) I need to take ashwa-whaaatttt? It’s rare that we push taking dietary supplements as a primary way to boost mental wellness, so the fact that we’re doing a whole episode on this naturopathic supplement should tell you a lot. In today’s episode we’re talking about Ashwagandha—the adaptogen that’s skyrocketed in popularity in 2020 and 2021 and it’s powerful potential to help you manage stress and anxiety. Link to Full Episode: Ashwag...

May 26, 202226 minSeason 2Ep. 51

Rant Therapy - Making A Dinner That No One Likes

The best (and cheapest) therapy for those small things that get under your skin is sometimes a good venting session so you can get it off your chest and move on with your life! And if you’re not privy to the first-hand vent-a-thon, then being a fly on the wall listening is hopefully equally therapeutic and also maybe entertaining. Welcome to Rant Therapy, a podcast short powered by the hosts of the Happy Eating podcast, Brierley Horton and Carolyn Williams, where we periodically share our real-l...

May 24, 20226 min

7 Ways to Lower Cortisol (Almost) Instantly

You may know cortisol as the stress hormone that increases belly fat. Well, it is that. But cortisol plays a role in a lot of other systems in your body—so when this stress hormone is chronically elevated it can do some serious damage. And interestingly, elevated cortisol is a marker for depression and other mental health conditions. In today’s episode, we explain how cortisol impacts your mental health, and then share 7 easy, yet science-backed ways to lower cortisol almost instantly. Show Note...

May 19, 202239 minSeason 2Ep. 50

Rant Therapy: Carolyn’s Unsolicited Advice

The best (and cheapest) therapy for those small things that get under your skin is sometimes a good venting session so you can get it off your chest and move on with your life! And if you’re not privy to the first-hand vent-a-thon, then being a fly on the wall listening is hopefully equally therapeutic and also maybe entertaining. Welcome to Rant Therapy, a podcast short powered by the hosts of the Happy Eating podcast, Brierley Horton and Carolyn Williams, where we periodically share our real-l...

May 17, 20226 min

Why Spring Cleaning Is Important For Your Mental Health

If you’re anything like us, you love how a good spring cleaning feels after you’re done, but the process of doing it (and the anticipation of needing to do it) is overwhelming. As it turns out, Spring cleaning isn’t just good for your house’s aesthetic, it’s also good for your mental wellness. In today’s episode, Leslie Lehr, the fairy godmother for the modern day superwoman, gives us simple 15-minute solutions for spring cleaning and organizing that will leave you feeling calm, de-stressed, and...

May 12, 202249 minSeason 2Ep. 49

Rant Therapy: I’m So Over Being ”The Default Parent”

The best (and cheapest) therapy for those small things that get under your skin is sometimes a good venting session so you can get it off your chest and move on with your life! And if you’re not privy to the first-hand vent-a-thon, then being a fly on the wall listening is hopefully equally therapeutic and also maybe entertaining. Welcome to Rant Therapy, a podcast short powered by the hosts of the Happy Eating podcast, Brierley Horton and Carolyn Williams, where we periodically share our real-l...

May 10, 20226 min

Mercury Retrograde’s Back! What You Need to Know To Survive and Thrive

It’s that time of year again. Mercury retrogrades starting May 10th through June 2nd. So we turned to our favorite media maven and astrologer, Valerie Mesa, to tell us what’s different about this Mercury Retrograde and what to expect. Let’s dive in! Show Notes: Here’s how to follow our guest Valerie Mesa on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valeriemesa You can check out her website here: https://www.valeriemesa.com Thank you for listening to The Happy Eating Podcast. Tune in weekly on Thursda...

May 05, 202227 minSeason 2Ep. 48

The Connection Between Seasonal Allergies and Mental Health

The Connection Between Seasonal Allergies and Mental Health Seasonal allergies are about to hit their peak, if they haven’t already. Where we are in the Southeast, everything is coated with a thin layer of yellow pollen right now. Stuffy noses, sore throats, irritated eyes, and fatigue are all common for seasonal allergy sufferers. But could those seasonal allergies also be aggravating your mood? In today’s episode, we’re explaining the very real connection between seasonal allergies and mental ...

Apr 28, 202232 minSeason 2Ep. 47

7 Reasons To Take a (Guilt-Free) Mental Health Day

If it feels hard, even stressful, to take a mental health day, we see you. Turns out, according to a recent survey, 66% of respondents felt guilty taking one. Which brings us to—when do you really need a mental health day and when is it not worthwhile, or helpful? And how do you feel less guilty when you do take one? In today’s episode, we’re answering those very questions. Thank you for listening to The Happy Eating Podcast. Tune in weekly on Thursdays for new episodes! For even more Happy Eati...

Apr 21, 202244 minSeason 2Ep. 46

Rant Therapy - I’m So Over - The ”New” Carolyn

The best (and cheapest) therapy for those small things that get under your skin is sometimes a good venting session so you can get it off your chest and move on with your life! And if you’re not privy to the first-hand vent-a-thon, then being a fly on the wall listening is hopefully equally therapeutic and also maybe entertaining. Welcome to Rant Therapy, a podcast short powered by the hosts of the Happy Eating podcast, Brierley Horton and Carolyn Williams, where we periodically share our real-l...

Apr 19, 20226 minEp. 45

Can Our Favorite TikTok Star Smell or Taste Yet? Her 1-Year Update

Losing taste and smell seems like a temporary inconvenience and side effect of COVID compared to the other potentially very serious health consequences. But for some, when taste and smell finally returns, it’s distorted. Last year we sat down with Nicole McLaughlin, chef and culinary Tik Tok star, and she talked candidly about how COVID changed her taste and smell. In today’s episode, she’s sharing her 1-year update. Has her taste and smell improved? Let’s dig in. Link To Original Episode: When ...

Apr 14, 202221 minSeason 2Ep. 44

Our New Favorite Thing

There are a lot of things vying for our collective attention these days—and equally as many, if not more, draining on our energy. So how do we (Carolyn and Brierley) keep on keepin on? Let us introduce our new favorite thing. It’s how we cope, process, and move on. Join us! Thank you for listening to The Happy Eating Podcast. Tune in weekly on Thursdays for new episodes! For even more Happy Eating, head to our website! https://www.happyeatingpodcast.com Learn More About Our Hosts: Carolyn Willia...

Mar 31, 20228 min

Rant Therapy: I’m So Over... People Asking, ”Why Did You Go Back To An Office Job?”

The best (and cheapest) therapy for those small things that get under your skin is sometimes a good venting session so you can get it off your chest and move on with your life! And if you’re not privy to the first-hand vent-a-thon, then being a fly on the wall listening is hopefully equally therapeutic and also maybe entertaining. Welcome to Rant Therapy, a podcast short powered by the hosts of the Happy Eating podcast, Brierley Horton and Carolyn Williams, where we periodically share our real-l...

Mar 29, 20228 min

7 Foods to Eat (or Drink) to Boost Your Focus

Our mind wanders nearly half of the time we’re awake—even when we’re focused on a task. And, I don’t know about you, but for us, it feels like it’s getting worse. Maybe it’s COVID, perimenopause, or aging. Whatever it is, it inspired us to explore how we might channel this brain fog and be productive. So, in today’s episode, we’re talking about focus and what to add to your diet for better attention and memory. Show Notes: References for research included: A Wandering Mind Is An Unhappy Mind Acu...

Mar 24, 202234 minSeason 2Ep. 43

Rant Therapy: Bad Sidewalk Etiquette

The best (and cheapest) therapy for those small things that get under your skin is sometimes a good venting session so you can get it off your chest and move on with your life! And if you’re not privy to the first-hand vent-a-thon, then being a fly on the wall listening is hopefully equally therapeutic and also maybe entertaining. Welcome to Rant Therapy, a podcast short powered by the hosts of the Happy Eating podcast, Brierley Horton and Carolyn Williams, where we periodically share our real-l...

Mar 22, 20226 minEp. 42

The Big Life Change No One Talks About: Perimenopause - PART 2

You’ve surely heard of hot flashes - maybe even witnessed hot flashes or experienced them. But when it comes to menopause that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Turns out, what most of us think is menopause is actually perimenopause—the rollercoaster ride that leads up to the end of your reproductive years. In this episode, we talk with registered dietitian and menopause expert, Suzanne Henson, about the big life change that no one talks about. Suzanne also shares her own perimenopause story and ho...

Mar 17, 202225 minSeason 2Ep. 41

Rant Therapy - Not The Trip We Planned

The best (and cheapest) therapy for those small things that get under your skin is sometimes a good venting session so you can get it off your chest and move on with your life! And if you’re not privy to the first-hand vent-a-thon, then being a fly on the wall listening is hopefully equally therapeutic and also may be entertaining. Welcome to Rant Therapy, a podcast short powered by the hosts of the Happy Eating podcast, Brierley Horton and Carolyn Williams, where we periodically share our real-...

Mar 15, 202220 min

The Big Life Change No One Talks About: Perimenopause - PART 1

You’ve surely heard of hot flashes—maybe even witnessed hot flashes or experienced them. But when it comes to menopause that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Turns out, what most of us think is menopause is actually perimenopause—the rollercoaster ride that leads up to the end of your reproductive years. In this episode, we talk with registered dietitian and menopause expert, Suzanne Henson, about the big life change that no one talks about. Suzanne also shares her own perimenopause story and how ...

Mar 10, 202253 minSeason 2Ep. 40

Rant Therapy: Cookies On My Computer!

The best (and cheapest) therapy for those small things that get under your skin is sometimes a good venting session so you can get it off your chest and move on with your life! And if you’re not privy to the first-hand vent-a-thon, then being a fly on the wall listening is hopefully equally therapeutic and also maybe entertaining. Welcome to Rant Therapy, a podcast short powered by the hosts of the Happy Eating podcast, Brierley Horton and Carolyn Williams, where we periodically share our real-l...

Mar 08, 20226 min
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