Two free PDFs for dietitians studying psychonutrition.

Adapted with permission from Module 1, Lessons 1.1, 1.3 and 1.6 of CPsyN Level 1, and from the course's HFSC, Hunger, Fullness, Satiety and Comfort Scale. The guide shows how to separate four signals that clients often blend into one word: "full."

A fictional before-and-after

Lena, a teacher, rates a late lunch eaten between classes.

• Hunger8 → 3
• Fullness2 → 7
• Satiety2 → 5
• Comfort6 → 4

Reading each rating on its own

Hunger 8 to 3. She arrived very hungry, which is worth a question about timing earlier in the day.

Fullness 2 to 7. Her description of fullness helps the RD understand what a rating of 7 meant for her.

Satiety 2 to 5. Ask what felt satisfying and what was happening around the meal.

Comfort 6 to 4. She felt less comfortable afterward, despite eating. Rushing, a tight schedule or the food itself could all play a part, and she is the best person to say which.

Keep four separate ratings and interpret each alongside the person's description and meal context. Ask: What felt satisfying? What did fullness feel like? What was happening around the meal? Which part would you like to explore?

Source tool: HFSC, Hunger, Fullness, Satiety and Comfort Scale

A three-page summary for deciding whether the course fits your practice: what each module covers, how you are assessed and how the course is delivered.

Eight modules

1. Module 0Clinical attunement, scope, referral and ethical practice.
2. Module 1Gut–brain signals, heart rate variability, interoception, window of tolerance and the HFSC.
3. Module 2Chronic stress and eating, screening instruments within RD scope, documentation.
4. Module 3Diet culture, internalized weight bias, cultural humility, Functional Body Framework.
5. Module 4Attachment patterns, co-regulation and the clinician's own responses.
6. Module 5Motivational interviewing, OARS, change talk, autonomy and ambivalence.
7. Module 6Meaning-based food practices, radical acceptance, chrono-nutrition.
8. Module 7Floor Assessment Protocol, prioritization, a case from intake to discharge.

Assessment and format

Complete the eight modules and a case write-up to earn Certified Psychonutritionist™ Level 1 from New Approach Health, with a personalized completion certificate you can print or save. Complete Level 1 is $997, CDR-approved for 37 CPEUs, and includes 27+ clinical tools, weekly live Q&A with Emahlea Wilcher and lifetime access to self-paced online lessons.