Columbia professor discusses new book at Bloomingfoods

Food helps people connect a fork to their feelings, said Drew Ramsey, assistant clinical professor of psychiatry at Columbia University.

This was Ramsey’s message Tuesday at Bloomingfoods Market and Deli about the link between diet and people’s emotions.

“I have always been interested in food,” Ramsey said. “Food is the factor that we have the most control over in terms of health. There are genetics, but dietary health is also the intricate interplay of genes and environment.”

Ramsey lectured at Bloomingfoods about his new book, “The Happiness Diet.”

Attendees were served a brain-food gourmet dinner presented in his book, including grass-fed meatballs marinara and a watermelon desert. Signed copies of the book were available for purchase.

“Everything you need for a happy brain can be found on a farm,” Ramsey said in a press release.

“Plants and animals provide the vitamins, minerals, fats and phytonutrients that are needed for optimal brain function.”

Ramsey, an IU School of Medicine graduate, is one of the nation’s top lecturers about the effects of diet to balance moods and improve mental health.

Growing up on a farm in Crawfordsville, Ind., Ramsey expressed the advantages of farm-grown food for optimal brain functions.

Bloomington residents Bob and Penny Austion said they have always been interested in nutrition, where their food comes from and what food is the best for a healthy life.

“The key seems to be to buy and eat local,” Bob Austion said. “Where your food comes and what happens to it is very important. It is a big circle.”
 
Penny Austion said she looks forward to reading “The Happiness Diet” and is curious what Ramsey has to say in it.

Using modern psychological concepts, Ramsey connected the latest discoveries in nutrition and health with brain science, according to Ramsey’s website, drewramseymd.com.

Ramsey is also a certified diplomat of the American Board of Health.

Though he is a psychologist and supports pharmaceuticals, Ramsey believes in retaining physical nutrients from foods that have a positive effect on the brain, said Jean Kautt, member services director of Bloomingfoods.

“Growing up as an Indiana farm boy, his studies appeal through nutrition first before
pharmaceuticals,” Kautt said. “Ramsey is Bloomingfoods member number 955 and has promoted Bloomingfoods since (he was) a student at IU.”

Ramsey said the agriculture and availability to fresh food in Indiana provides momentum to living a healthy life.  

“I am a very proud Hoosier, and it is very special to be back,” Ramsey said. “Bloomington sets a great example to the rest of the nation.”