Mental Wellbeing Association Expands Education on How Nutrition Impacts Mental Health and Training
TIMONIUM, Md., July 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Mental Wellbeing Association (MWA), a leading force in educating fitness professionals to integrate evidence-based mental well-being strategies into their training, is expanding its curriculum to focus on the crucial—but often overlooked—link between nutrition and mental well-being.
Backed by extensive research from the John W. Brick Mental Health Foundation, MWA is advancing the message that food is more than fuel—it's a tool for emotional resilience, cognitive clarity, and mood regulation. The organization is training fitness professionals to understand how nutrition affects not only a client's physical health but also their motivation, stress response, and emotional capacity to engage in training.
"As fitness professionals, we're on the frontlines of our clients' health journeys," said Jessica H. Maurer, Director of Education for the Mental Wellbeing Association. "Trainers don't need to be dietitians to make a difference—but they do need to understand how food impacts mood and how to point clients toward healthier, evidence-based choices."
This initiative highlights "powerful foods for mental wellness"—nutrient-dense options known to support neurotransmitter function, gut-brain communication, and inflammation regulation, such as:
- Fermented foods in supporting gut microbiome diversity
- Fruits and vegetables in energy metabolism and mood regulation
- Whole foods in reducing brain fog and fatigue
Rather than offering meal plans or medical nutrition advice, MWA-certified professionals are equipped with conversational tools and awareness of referrals. They also learn how to create inclusive, psychologically safe environments where food and wellness are discussed without shame, stigma, or misinformation.
As part of its commitment to both the public and its professional members, MWA also offers an online educational library. The organization provides a growing archive of free resources and articles to help the public better understand how movement, food, mindfulness, and connection can support mental health. For Association members, MWA publishes monthly mini-courses, research-driven articles, and continuing education content that support practical application in the field.
"We're not just training bodies—we're supporting whole humans," Maurer said. "And mental well-being isn't optional anymore. It's essential."
To learn more about MWA certifications or explore public resources visit
www.mentalwellbeingassociation.org.
About the Mental Wellbeing Association
The Mental Wellbeing Association, an initiative of the John W. Brick Mental Health Foundation, certifies professionals to integrate practical, science-based mental wellness strategies into their work. MWA empowers coaches, trainers, and wellness professionals with the tools to create inclusive, supportive environments that promote vitality—not just the absence of illness.
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SOURCE John W. Brick Mental Health Foundation