Feeling Lost About Food?
How to Build a Kinder, Sustainable Approach to Eating
It’s one of the most common things I hear from women in my office:
“I just don’t know what to eat anymore.”
This isn’t said dramatically. It comes from a place of deep truth, with a mix of frustration, overwhelm, shame, and fear.
Why Does Eating Feel So Hard?
For some women, the confusion stems from digestive struggles. They’ve tried every book, probiotic, or elimination plan and still feel bloated, uncomfortable, or just off.
Others feel stuck in a changing body. The scale won’t budge. Energy is low. And everywhere they turn, they’re told to cut carbs, try fasting, fix their hormones, or work out harder.
The message is the same: restrict more, try harder, have more willpower.
But here’s what I see: brilliant, capable women feeling broken over cheese. Or chocolate. Or whatever food is being demonized this week in the wellness world.
A More Compassionate Approach
Food is one of the most complex and tender areas I support in my practice. I’ve studied nutrition and eating behavior through clinical training, advanced coaching, and years of working with women. Not to collect credentials, but because I know how layered this topic truly is.
Even with that, I continue to learn. I’m currently completing an Eating Intensive focused on helping women heal relationships with food through intuitive eating, mindful eating, and motivational interviewing.
At the heart of this work is a powerful idea: unconditional permission to eat.
Not permission when you’ve “earned it.” Not permission if you’re being “good.”
Just eat.
Without guilt. Without fear.
Because nourishment isn’t just about nutrients. It’s about trust. It’s about safety. It’s about being allowed to take up space and feel at peace with that.
Three Ways to Begin Rebuilding Trust with Food
If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed at mealtimes, these gentle shifts may help.
These are not practices to apply at every meal. They aren’t meant for times when you’re juggling other responsibilities or trying to feed your family.
Instead, try them occasionally, when you have space to slow down and check in with yourself.
Take three deep breaths.
Before you eat, place your feet on the floor and set down anything in your hands. Inhale gently, then exhale so that your breath out is about twice as long as your breath in.
This simple practice can help create a sense of calm and connection before your meal.
Ask what would feel satisfying.
Instead of focusing on hunger, take a moment to consider: What would feel satisfying right now? Think about the taste, texture, or temperature of a food.
Choose whatever would bring comfort and contentment.
Focus on how food feels.
After you eat, take a moment to reflect. Did the meal feel satisfying? How does your body feel now? Approach whatever you notice with curiosity, not criticism.
This gentle check-in can help you reconnect with your body’s signals over time.
You Deserve Clarity and Peace Around Food
If you’re staring at your plate lately, feeling unsure or overwhelmed, you’re not alone. And you’re not doing it wrong.
You deserve a relationship with food that feels calm, clear, and kind. When you’re ready, there is a path to health that can feel sustainable and truly yours.
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