Ahead of IMEX Frankfurt, we caught up with nutritionist and IMEX speaker Helene Hall to talk functional nutrition, mental well-being and “hverdag”.
Q. You speak about functional nutrition. What exactly is functional nutrition and how did you come to be interested in it?
A. Functional nutrition is a holistic approach to improving, preventing or reversing health conditions. It’s treating the cause and using natural remedies first. I grew up in a home where food was always part of healing, and the body and mind interconnected. The belief is—the better we eat, the better we feel and the more good we do. It creates a full circle of goodness. After reading research on Mediterranean diets improving depression, I explored nutritional psychology—and the focus on how food can improve your mood.
Q. At IMEX a couple of your sessions focus on the connection between nutrition and mental well-being. In what ways does what we eat affect our mental health?
A. Our mood is more physical than we think. Think hormones, neurotransmitters and inflammation. These are all signals going straight to our brains. Deficiencies or poor gut health can increase anxiety, low mood and brain fog. Emerging research shows that supporting the gut can even impact conditions such as ADHD and depression. Eating well helps build a biological foundation for clearer thinking and emotional balance.
Q. There has been raised awareness recently of the potential dangers of UPFs (ultra processed foods). Can UPFs affect mental wellbeing?
A. They sure can! Ultra-processed foods are linked to inflammation, insulin resistance and hormonal imbalances—all of which affect mental well-being. They’re designed to be addictive, and they lack the nutrients our brains need to function well. The result is overconsumption and undernourishment, which can disrupt our mood, stress response and energy levels. Overall, they make you feel good short term rather than long term.
Q. One of your sessions explores the concept of “hverdag”, can you tell us what this is? And why it matters?
A. “Hverdag” means everyday life in Norwegian. It’s the idea that most of our days are ordinary—and that’s where magic lives. In our session, Josh Stinton (link to https://imex-frankfurt.com/newfront/participant/163292) and I explore how to re-romanticize those moments: dancing in your kitchen, noticing joy in the small things, and taking ownership of your daily rhythm.
Q. If you could attend just one education session at IMEX Frankfurt 2025 (apart from your own!) what would it be and why?
A. IMEX has brought together such an incredible line-up of speakers. I’m looking forward to hearing Jo Fuller’s session on cyclical leadership (link to https://imex-frankfurt.com/newfront/sessions/58915). I recently talked to her, and her passion is contagious. It’s a topic I’ve never seen on an event agenda before—and I’m excited to learn how we can support ourselves and others by working with, not against, our cycles.
Q. We all know how difficult it can be to maintain healthy habits and good nutrition on the road, and at events. What are your tips for not letting good habits slide when traveling?
A. Set a few non-negotiables: drink water, get fresh air, and start your day with enough protein. I travel with a journal, tea and supplements—and always aim to add color and veggies to every meal. One of the amazing IMEX team members told me, “I don’t eat beige food.” I loved that. You don’t need to be perfect. Have fun and then focus on doing more of what helps you feel good long-term.
Q. What are you most looking forward to at IMEX Frankfurt 2025?
It’s my first IMEX, so I’m excited to take it all in! I’ve heard the energy is incredible. I’m especially looking forward to sharing the stage with my partner Josh. It’s meaningful to bring our two worlds together on stage—and we hope to leave people feeling inspired, grounded and energized.
Helene Hall at IMEX
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