HCA Talks Health
A Health Coaches Guide to Managing Anxiety Through Nutrition
Dr Jaz Robbins on Nutritional Psychology & Mental Health
Published: 13th March 2026
In this episode, Dr. Jaz shares her unique journey of combining her background in food science with her clinical psychology practice to address the "food-mood connection." She explains how our nervous system functions like a traffic light and how chronic anxiety can keep us stuck in a "yellow light" state of fight-or-flight, draining our body's resources. Dr. Jaz breaks down the science of the enteric nervous system, a.k.a. our "second brain" in the gut, and provides practical, low-pressure strategies for health coaches and individuals to recalibrate their wellbeing through intentional, baby-step dietary changes.
What you’ll learn in this episode:
How to identify if your nervous system is stuck in a state of chronic stress
The biological link between your gut microbiome and emotional regulation
Why common habits like caffeine and alcohol can mimic or worsen symptoms of anxiety
How to correctly pair proteins and carbohydrates to boost serotonin production
Practical coaching techniques to help clients build confidence through small, achievable wins
This episode is an insightful listen for Health Coaches, wellness professionals, and anyone who may experience anxiety. It is also perfect for those looking to understand the biological roots of mental wellbeing and seeking compassionate, manageable ways to support their nervous system through the power of nutrition.
Timestamps:
00:00 – Welcome to HCA Talks Health - the podcast for aspiring and certified Health Coaches
01:00 – Dr. Jaz’s journey: Combining psychology and nutrition
03:00 – What is Nutritional Psychology?
07:55 – The Traffic Light Analogy: Understanding your nervous system
10:45 – The Second Brain: Gut health and the microbiome
12:00 – Taking baby steps toward lifelong change
15:30 – Common mistakes: The impact of caffeine and alcohol
16:20 – Why sleep is the foundation for nutritional interventions
19:40 – The hidden dangers of highly processed "health" foods
23:20 – When "healthy" exercise backfires: High-intensity vs. slow-paced
26:50 – Feeding the gut: The power of fermented foods and fibre
30:30 – The science of Tryptophan and Carbohydrates
38:50 – Behavioural Activation: How Health Coaches can avoid overwhelming clients
41:30 – Creating intentional "homework" for sustainable habits
52:15 – The "Slow to Rise" and "Slow to Rest" daily transitions
55:30 – How to connect with Dr. Jaz Robbins
56:40 – Final Tip: Self-compassion and "drawing a line in the sand"
Dr Jaz Robbins – Professor, Psychologist & Holistic Nutritionist
Our guest, Dr Jaz Robbins, is a clinical professor of psychology, licensed psychologist, and board-certified holistic nutritionist whose work sits at the powerful intersection of mental health and nutrition. She is living proof that the two are inseparable.
As the 2026 President of the Los Angeles County Psychological Association, Dr. Jaz brings a wealth of experience serving some of the most underserved communities across Los Angeles, from homicide bereavement support to veterans' mental health care.
She holds a doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University and a bachelor's degree in Food Science and Nutrition from North Carolina State University - a unique combination that underpins her holistic, whole-person approach to healing.
Beyond her clinical work, Dr. Jaz is the founder of The Active Experience, CEO of the nonprofit Healing, Hope & Love, an adjunct professor, a published author, and a performing artist. She is deeply committed to making messages of healing accessible to as many people as possible.
Dr Jaz reiterates that “What we put into our stomachs directly impacts how we feel mentally.” She encourages clients to not feel overwhelmed in their health journey, by sharing that “The question is only what can I do today? That’s it.”
To connect with Dr. Jaz Robbins, visit her website www.drjazrobbins.com or follow her on Instagram @drjazrobbins!
You Might Also Like:
If this episode resonated with you, join Jodi Duval on hormones, nutrition and energy, answering the question “Why are Women Undernourished?”. Or, listen to Lisa Glaister talk about rewiring the mind, delving deeper into Neuroscience, Health & Transformation. Or, if Reclaiming Your Gut Health is where you want to begin, listen to HCA Graduate Health Coach, Chris Robert speak about healing conditions like colitis.
Continue Your Health Journey:
If you’re interested in all things health and wellness-related, consider a career in health and wellness coaching with our Level 5 Diploma training course. Click here to learn more or join a free introductory webinar with our senior team.