In this insightful interview, we delve into the inspiring journey of Dekeira Horne, a passionate mental health dietitian and the founder of the “Anxiety-Free Dietitian” movement. Drawing from her personal experiences with anxiety and a deep understanding of the subconscious mind, Dekeira has crafted a unique approach that integrates nutrition counseling with subconscious reprogramming. Her story is a testament to the power of mindset and the profound impact it can have on our overall well-being. Through her work, Dekeira empowers others to overcome their mental health challenges and transform their lives, one thought at a time.
- What inspired you to combine nutrition counseling with subconscious reprogramming in your practice?
Throughout my life, I’ve grappled with undiagnosed anxiety. Following a challenging breakup last year, I sought to better understand my anxious attachment style. My research led me to explore the concept of healing wounded feminine and masculine energy, which in turn introduced me to the topics of subconscious reprogramming and manifestation. These areas of study have profoundly impacted me, igniting a deep passion for learning about both. I firmly believe that mindset is everything—our outer reality mirrors our inner thoughts. By changing our thoughts, we can transform our reality.
This realization made me recognize the potential of applying these concepts to nutrition counseling. Many individuals hold deep-rooted subconscious beliefs about their health and nutrition goals. By integrating mindset work with nutrition counseling, I discovered a powerful approach that has since become a game changer in my practice. - Can you share your personal journey that led you to become a mental health dietitian?
I’ve always been passionate about nutrition, holistic health, and overall wellness. However, when I began to take my business seriously about a year ago, I realized I hadn’t identified a niche. During a period of self-discovery following a breakup, I started considering what niche would align with my expertise and experiences. While researching mental health dietitians, I found that most specialized in ADHD. This led me to consider focusing on anxiety, as it’s something I’ve personally managed for years and have learned how to improve through nutrition. This is how the concept of “Anxiety-Free Dietitian” was born. - How did your own experiences with mental health influence your approach to nutrition counseling?
My personal experiences with mental health have significantly shaped my approach to nutrition counseling. I recognized that while many health issues originate from gut health, mindset is equally important due to the power of the subconscious mind, which harbors our limiting beliefs. I now place a greater emphasis on mindset, understanding that it influences our nutritional choices through a part of the subconscious mind known as the Reticular Activating System. - What are some common challenges people face when trying to manage anxiety through diet, and how do you help them overcome these challenges?
Some challenges people encounter when managing anxiety through diet include lifestyle adjustments and certain eating habits, such as drinking coffee on an empty stomach, skipping breakfast, and missing out on essential vitamins and minerals necessary for optimal mental health, like healthy fats and probiotics. I help clients overcome these challenges by teaching them how to incorporate these nutrient-rich foods into their diet in an enjoyable way, focusing on adding more nutrient-dense options rather than restricting foods. - Can you describe a particularly impactful case or success story from your work?
I once had a coworker who was constantly stressed and sought my advice on managing it through nutrition and supplementation. I explained how magnesium can be highly effective for mental health, particularly in alleviating anxiety and depression. I recommended a specific magnesium supplement, and after trying it, he experienced remarkable results, feeling noticeably calmer the very next day—more so than he had in years. - How do you integrate subconscious reprogramming into your nutrition counseling sessions?
I incorporate subconscious reprogramming into nutrition counseling because our limiting beliefs are deeply rooted in the subconscious mind. To address these beliefs effectively, I focus on uncovering the core issues that shape our current perceptions, as these beliefs directly influence our external reality. For example, if someone struggles to lose weight, they may harbor a deeply ingrained belief that weight loss is too difficult or that they will always be overweight. These beliefs can keep them stuck. However, by identifying and clearing the underlying belief, they can begin to lose weight more effectively. To achieve this, I ask probing questions to uncover the root cause of their challenges with weight loss. I then use subconscious reprogramming tools, such as affirmations, meditation, hypnosis, subliminals, and journaling, to help shift their mindset. This approach facilitates a more positive outlook on weight loss, leading to tangible results. - What role has mental health played in your own life, and how do you maintain your own well-being while helping others?
Mental health has played a significant role in my life, teaching me the importance of prioritizing it rather than ignoring it. I maintain my own well-being while helping others by engaging in daily self-care activities. Spiritually, I incorporate practices such as meditation, prayer, journaling, and spending time in nature. I also make it a point to stay active, aiming for 10,000 steps a day during my walks. - What advice would you give to women who are interested in pursuing a career in mental health and nutrition?
My advice to women pursuing a career in mental health and nutrition is twofold. First, consider becoming a dietitian, as it provides a strong foundation for this field. Second, focus on deepening your knowledge of the gut-brain axis, as it plays a crucial role in mental health. Additionally, invest time in learning about subconscious reprogramming. Explore the teachings of experts like Dr. Joe Dispenza, Louise Hay, and other notable figures in the field through YouTube, books, and courses. Expanding your understanding in these areas will significantly enhance your ability to impact mental health through nutrition. - How do you stay motivated and inspired in your work, especially when faced with setbacks or challenges?
I stay motivated and inspired in my work by understanding how the subconscious mind operates. I know that what you focus on expands—by focusing on positives, I attract more positivity, whereas focusing on negatives brings more of the same. Recognizing that everything is energy, I strive to maintain a high-vibe, positive energy, as this is reflected back to me. I avoid dwelling in negative energy because it can impact my well-being.
For my mental health, I find it essential to cultivate emotions like abundance, positivity, happiness, and joy. When faced with setbacks and challenges, I don’t see them as problems but as opportunities for growth. I ask myself what lessons I can learn from these experiences and use that knowledge to propel my future growth. - What are some common misconceptions about the link between nutrition and mental health?
One common misconception about the link between nutrition and mental health is that many people are unaware such a connection exists. The gut-brain axis plays a crucial role in this relationship, and more education on the subject would help people understand that what we eat directly impacts how we feel. - How do you manage the emotional demands of working with clients who are struggling with mental health issues?
I have my own app available on the Apple App Store & Google Play called The Anxiety Free It Gworl app, which includes an affirmation track and a subliminal track for energy cleansing. When I sense someone’s energy is particularly heavy, I listen to these tracks or do a meditation focused on clearing energy. Additionally, I might sage my home and myself or burn incense and Palo Santo. - Can you share any strategies or practices that have been particularly effective in your own self-care routine?
Having a morning routine really makes a huge difference for me. When one wakes up, the mind is highly impressionable because is transitioning from delta waves to theta waves, so I avoid social media and checking texts or emails first thing. If I encounter anything negative, it can affect my entire day. Instead, I focus on positivity in the morning by praying, journaling, and meditating on affirmations as I prepare for the day. This helps me cultivate a positive mindset that lasts throughout the day. Additionally, I make sure to avoid social media, texts, and emails before bed and follow a nighttime routine to go to sleep with a positive mindset, which leads to better dreams and supports my goals. - What future goals or projects do you have for your practice, and how do you plan to achieve them?
Besides running my app and podcast, *The Anxious It Gworl Podcast*, my future goals for my practice include developing a course that covers mental health, subconscious reprogramming, spirituality, and nutrition. I’m currently working on it, though progress is slow as I’m not fully focused on it at the moment. Nonetheless, it’s definitely my next big goal. - How do you approach educating clients about the importance of nutrition in mental health without overwhelming them?
I meet clients where they are and build from there, rather than overwhelming them with information all at once. This approach allows me to gauge their current level of understanding, cooperation, and acceptance. - What advice do you have for other women who are trying to balance their professional aspirations with personal challenges?
Balancing professional aspirations with personal challenges as a woman requires a lot of inner and mindset work. I strongly recommend working with a coach, whether it’s a life coach, subconscious reprogramming coach, feminine energy healing coach, manifestation coach, or a spiritual coach. These professionals can help you stay motivated, teach you strategies for balance, and develop a mindset that turns challenges into growth opportunities. A positive mindset makes it easier to view challenges as helpful rather than punitive, and it supports your progress and learning for future personal and professional endeavors.
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Linktree: https://linktr.ee/dekeirahorne
