How Depression Shapes Our Relationship With Food | Gina Worful, MS, RD & Dr. Achina Stein

Why is being healthy so hard, even when you know exactly what you “should” be doing? In this episode of What If It’s Not Depression?, I dive into one of the most common struggles I see in my patients: food cravings and the complicated relationship we have with food. This conversation goes far beyond diets, willpower, and discipline, and looks at what’s really happening in the body and brain when change feels overwhelming.
I’m joined by Gina Worful, founder of the Mastering Mindfulness Institute. Gina is a former registered dietitian who, despite having advanced training in nutrition, struggled herself with cycles of motivation, restriction, and self-sabotage. Through her own journey and years of working with clients, she realized that traditional diet approaches often miss the root cause. Her work now focuses on mindfulness, nervous system regulation, and rebuilding trust with the body.
In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why being healthy feels like such a struggle for so many people
• Gina’s personal story and how it shaped her approach to healing
• What’s actually happening in the body during low energy, emotional numbness, or overeating
• How to uncover the deeper root causes behind food cravings
• How your relationship with food can lead to deeper self-discovery and healing

Connect with Gina Worful:

• Website & Free Training: masteringmindfulness.institute

• Instagram: @gina.worful
• Facebook: Mastering Mindfulness Institute

If you’ve ever felt stuck with your health, know this: it’s not about willpower or failure. Your body is trying to help you. By paying attention and being curious, real change can happen. I hope this episode helps you see food and yourself with more kindness and understanding.