Joyful Eating

Student Health and Wellness provides programs and services around food, nutrition, and body image - we call these ideas "Joyful Eating".

Joyful Eating is a non-diet, weight neutral approach to food, nutrition, and body image. Programs and services from Student Wellness do not focus on weight loss, good and bad foods, or eating specific calorie amounts. Instead, programs and services are based on Health at Every Size®, which is a holistic definition of health that includes principles of weight inclusivity, health enhancement, respectful care, life-enhancing movement, and eating for well-being. This philosophy is directly linked to our department’s vision, which is to create a campus culture of wellness and student success so that all students can innovate at Iowa State.  

These services and programs are driven by our Medical Nutrition Team. They are a team of professionals that connect on a regular basis so that our physicians, dietitians, and therapists are up-to-date on the best ways to supports the wellness of individuals in eating disorder recovery.

  • Dietitian Services

    If you feel that something is not right in your relationship with food/your body OR if you actively engage in food restriction, binging, purging, laxative use, compulsive exercise, or feel extreme shame or disgust when you look in the mirror – please complete the dietary intake form to receive help here on campus. Once the form is completed, a campus dietitian will reach out to schedule an appointment.

  • Meal Planning and Grocery Budgeting Group

    Learn how to easily create a staple grocery list then meals from that list that are quick, nourishing, budget-friendly, and unique to you.  You will leave the group with several resources and app recommendations that will help you along the way! 

  • Body Respect: How to Develop a Better Relationship with Your Body (Student-Led)

    Body Respect + Body Neutrality = Body Liberation!  Explore what it means to nourish your body, meet its basic needs and more.  Discover resources to develop body respect which is one of the Intuitive Eating Principles.

  • Self Guided Programs

    We offer self-guided food, nutrition, and body image courses through Canvas.

  • Counseling Services

    Student Counseling Services provides support to individuals navigating negative food, exercise, and body image concerns.