The Mindset Around Food: Nourishing Your Body and Soul
- SKC Community
- Jan 31
- 5 min read
Food is so much more than fuel. It’s a connection to life, a way to nourish ourselves physically and emotionally, and a mirror of how we feel about our own bodies. Yet, for many, the relationship with food is fraught with guilt, shame, and restrictive thinking.
For me, my mindset around food was shaped by my father’s words when I was a child. I was an athlete from the age of five, practicing martial arts, and I’d often ask my dad, “What if this food makes me fat? What if this isn’t good for me?”
His response was simple yet transformative:
“You should never be ashamed of eating. Food is good for you. Food makes you beautiful.”
These words stuck with me, creating a foundation of trust and gratitude toward food. Even though I’ve faced challenges like food poisoning, stomach issues, and intolerances over the years, I’ve always returned to this belief: food is not the enemy—it’s a partner in my journey of health and well-being.
Healing Through Mindset and Natural Remedies
Over the years, I’ve encountered many clients and colleagues who struggle with their relationship with food, from fitness trainers afraid to take photos after eating to coaches who worry about bloating or digestion. This mindset saddens me because food is meant to nourish, not punish.
As a psychologist and someone deeply connected to natural healing, I’ve come to understand that our relationship with food often reflects our relationship with ourselves. Here’s what I’ve learned:
Food and Emotional Health Are Linked
Our gut is often referred to as the “second brain” because it’s closely tied to our emotional state. Conditions like IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) or stomach discomfort often arise not just from diet but from stress, trauma, and suppressed emotions.
When we experience trauma, our bodies sometimes store that energy in the gut. Purging or digestive discomfort can be a form of release, especially if you’re going through deep emotional healing or trauma work. This is why as coaches, empaths, or highly sensitive individuals, we may notice physical reactions to emotional intensity.
A Personal Journey: From Intolerance to Healing
I’ve personally struggled with stomach issues, intolerances, and even food poisoning at times. But through practices like fasting, herbalism, frequency music, and other natural remedies, I’ve been able to restore balance in my body.
It wasn’t just about the physical treatments; a lot of it came down to belief. I believed my body could heal itself, and I trusted that food would support my healing. This mindset shift allowed me to work with my body instead of against it.
The Psychological Factor: How We Feel About Food Matters
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that how we feel about food impacts how it affects us. If we eat with guilt, shame, or stress, those emotions can interfere with digestion and absorption. On the other hand, eating with joy, gratitude, and mindfulness transforms food into true nourishment.
Mindset Tips for a Healthy Relationship with Food
Here are some practices that have helped me and my clients transform the way we think about and interact with food:
1. Bless Your Food
Take a moment before eating to express gratitude. Bless your food, thank the earth for providing it, and affirm that it will nourish and heal you. This simple act shifts your energy and helps you eat with mindfulness and appreciation.
2. Use Affirmations for Your Metabolism
Affirmations like “My body processes food with ease and joy” or “Everything I eat nourishes my body and mind” can create a positive association with eating and support healthy digestion.
3. Eat Mindfully
Avoid distractions while eating (e.g., phones, TV).
Focus on the flavors, textures, and smells of your food.
Chew slowly and enjoy the process.
4. Pay Attention to Patterns
Notice how your body reacts to certain foods and emotions. Is your digestion worse after a stressful day? Do you feel energized or heavy after certain meals? Use these observations to build a routine that works for you.
5. It’s What You Do Most of the Time
Your health is the result of consistent habits, not one-off indulgences. Enjoying a slice of cake or a hearty meal won’t derail you—it’s the daily choices that matter most.
6. Let Go of Food Shame
Whether you feel bloated after a meal or eat something outside your usual diet, don’t let shame creep in. Remember, food is nurturing, and it’s okay to honor your cravings or enjoy treats.
Food, Trauma, and Healing
Trauma can manifest in many ways, including through our relationship with food. The gut is deeply connected to the nervous system, and unresolved emotional pain can show up as bloating, discomfort, or cravings.
Healing this relationship requires a holistic approach:
Emotional Work: Journaling, therapy, or trauma release practices.
Physical Support: Herbal remedies, fasting, or detoxifying foods.
Mindset Shifts: Cultivating gratitude and trust in your body.
The Power of Routine
As much as I believe in allowing flexibility with food, I also recognize the importance of a nourishing routine. A balanced diet, regular meals, and incorporating natural remedies like herbal teas or fasting days can work wonders for your overall health.
But the key is to approach it with love, not restriction. Eating isn’t just a necessity—it’s a celebration of life.
A Global Perspective on Food Shame
One of the most heartbreaking things I’ve noticed in my work with clients around the world is how many people, especially in fitness or coaching industries, feel ashamed of eating.
I’ve had clients tell me they don’t take photos after eating because they’re worried about looking bloated. This pressure to constantly look a certain way creates a toxic relationship with food and body image.
We need to shift this narrative. Food is not the enemy. It’s a source of energy, beauty, and joy.
Embracing Food with Gratitude
Your mindset around food has the power to transform not just how you feel physically but also how you experience life. By shifting your focus from restriction to nourishment, from shame to gratitude, you can create a relationship with food that supports your health and happiness.
Whether you’re healing from trauma, working on your fitness, or simply trying to eat more mindfully, remember:
Food is your ally, not your enemy.
You deserve to enjoy and celebrate every meal.
Your body knows how to heal and thrive when you trust it.
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