At MINDiet, we are working on a healthy mental – and consequently physiological – balance that results in sustainable performance with my clients. The success of our program is always measured in objective results (eg. lab results, blood pressure, body composition, etc.) and in full ecological validity.

As a researcher, I’m investigating how basic and higher level cognitive and affective systems interact and determine the quality of individual decisions, currently within the framework of the Health Sciences Doctoral School at Semmelweis University, with the purpose of developing better diagnostic methods and create state of the art interventions for individuals and corporate clients. I regularly report on my results at conferences and in journals.

As university lecturer, my special courses and lectures cover the topics related to my field of research and expertise.
 

1. Where did you grow up?

Born and raised in Budapest, and I’ve also spent some years in Győr. Otherwise, I try my best staying curious and young in spirit.

2. If you could be an expat anywhere in the world, where would you choose?

During the past couple of years my schedule became quite centered around research and development that I feel like an expat even in Budapest sometimes. Also, this question is being discussed quite often these days as we’ve organically started to grow international with MINDiet, we let life provide answers soon. 

3. What would you miss most if you moved away from Hungary?

I’d definitely miss running spontaneously into friends to carry on with our conversations where we were months – or years – ago.

4. Friends are in Budapest for a weekend - what must they absolutely see and do?

Let’s see each other, and do anything together. Hungary is endless fun, especially when you are just visiting.

5. What is your favourite food?

Anything created with love, and obviously my mother’s chicken cake and my father’s venison steak shares the top of the list.

6. What is your favourite sport / form of exercise?

After completing my third marathon I can say running is more of a lifestyle for me, but technically speaking it is also my favourite form of exercise.

7. What is your favourite place in Hungary?

There are many, but the terrace of Akademia Italia is pure recharge, even for a short break during the day.

8. What career other than yours would you love to pursue?

That’s easy. None.

9. What’s a job you would definitely never want?

A “job” in itself. I’d never do anything for just a job.

10. Where did you spend your last vacation?

In my apartment, preparing for the final exam before my PhD dissertation. Success.

11. Where do you hope to spend your next one?

I’ve received a many invitations from friends around the world in the past years, hopefully perch fishing in Västerås is next.

12. What was your favourite band, film, or hobby as a teen?

That was a long time ago… Too long to remember…

13. Apart of temptation what can't you resist?

A good conversation is always hard to suspend, even I have had other plans.

14. Red wine or white?

It’s not the colour, but the bubbles that make a wine perfect for me.

15. Book or movie?

The books I’m reading rarely make it to the movies, but I’d love to see the face of a Hollywood director when ‘The principles of neural science’ or ‘’Psychobiology and human disease” come up as a title during a studio meeting. S tarring Sandra Bullock and Brad Pitt, of course. Did you see ‘Bullet train’, by the way? ...and... :)

16. Morning person or night person?

That depends, just be sure I have 7,5 hours of good sleep.

17. Which social issue do you feel most strongly about?

Right now I think the most important would be to find better ways to (re)connect people with each other and themselves, as the past years were really challenging for everyone, both mentally and otherwise, and predictably the next few years are also about to increase the distance between them. On the personal level, seeing a psychologist for an annual check-up should be as natural as health screening.

18. Buda or Pest side?

Margaret Island.

19. Which achievement in your life are you most pleased about?

I find it hard to acknowledge my own achievements, except for creating the early concept of MINDiet in 2014. That’s one of my longest journeys so far, with a rigorous research and development phase in the first 5-6 years for the core program, the 4 years training of the team of consultants, Emese & Réka, and continuous innovation for different client needs ever since. Still a long way ahead, but there are also a lot of breakthroughs, achievements, awards and joyous moments to remember already.

20. What would you say is your personal motto?

Ever since I’ve understood the meaning of omnia mea mecum porto, besides it’s original sense, I try to be able to carry everything I have on me and rather collect experiences than materials. 

Photo credit: Erika Lisztik