Food Is More Than Fuel
March is National Nutrition Month, and this year’s theme is “Food Connects Us.” And honestly, it really does. Food brings people together—it’s a huge part of culture, holidays, celebrations, and even just everyday moments with friends and family. It’s not just about fueling our bodies; it’s tied to our traditions, identities, and shared experiences.
Food should be a love language.
I’m all about encouraging healthy choices, but let’s be real—eating isn’t black and white. A healthy relationship with food means balance, not perfection.
What I’m really saying is—it’s totally fine to have some birthday cake, snack on nachos during the game, enjoy those Christmas cookies, dig into sufganiyot during Hanukkah, or savor that creamy homemade mac and cheese. You don’t need to feel guilty about enjoying food!
Some people might cringe at this advice, but here’s the thing—being too focused on eating “clean” all the time can actually be unhealthy, just like constantly overindulging. That’s why balance matters.
A lot of us tie food to body image and self-worth without even realizing it. You might think that if you stick to salads, fruit, grilled chicken, veggies, and acai bowls—and skip the “junk”—you’re being “good” and will automatically be healthier or look better. But it’s not that simple.
On the flip side, you might feel like eating bread, pasta, dairy, sugar, or fried foods means you’re doing something “bad.” Maybe you’ve even caught yourself saying, “I was bad last night—I had a bowl of ice cream.”
The problem with labeling foods as “good” or “bad,” “skinny foods,” or “fattening foods” is that it doesn’t just define the food—it starts to define you. Over time, this can lead to guilt, a restrictive mindset, and even self-punishment, like skipping a treat next time or pushing yourself extra hard at the gym. Worse, it can create resentment—toward yourself, the food, or even people who seem to eat freely without guilt. That kind of restriction often leads to under-eating or falling into binge-restrict cycles.
And honestly, it’s no surprise that so many people think this way—diet culture has drilled it into us. We’re taught that strict food rules equal results. But let’s be real—has restriction ever truly worked for you or anyone you know? Sure, maybe it led to short-term results, but were you happy? Were you satisfied? And most importantly—was it sustainable?
I get it—nutrition is complicated, and labeling foods as “good” or “bad” might feel like an easy way to simplify things or stay in control. But real control doesn’t come from avoiding “bad” foods—it comes from understanding how to eat in a way that supports both your physical health and mental well-being.
So, how do you find that balance? Start by shifting your focus from what you shouldn’t eat to how you can build a well-rounded way of eating that works for you. Instead of strict rules or putting food into categories, aim for a more flexible approach—one that includes variety, nourishment, and enjoyment.
A great way to start is by adding more water, veggies, fruits, and lean proteins to your meals, rather than stressing over what to cut out. When you focus on including more nutrient-dense foods, there’s still plenty of room for your favorite treats. The goal isn’t to eliminate the foods you love—it’s about enjoying them in moderation while making choices that feel good for your body.
What about eating out? One simple strategy is to plan ahead. If you know you’re grabbing fast food or going out for a nice meal at the end of the week, try focusing on more nutrient-dense meals leading up to it. That way, you can fully enjoy your night out without stress. Instead of randomly indulging throughout the week, you can look forward to your planned meal and savor it guilt-free. It’s all about balance, not restriction.
If meal planning isn’t really your thing, you can still practice moderation in other ways. Consider sharing an appetizer or dessert with your dinner companions, or simply listen to your hunger cues—most restaurants are happy to box up leftovers, so there’s no need to clean your plate if you’re already satisfied.
At the end of the day, eating exists on a spectrum. Some foods fuel our bodies, some bring us comfort, and some connect us to culture and tradition—and they all have a place in a balanced diet. Shifting away from the “good” vs. “bad” mindset takes time, but when you focus on eating well most of the time, there’s always room for the foods you love.
If you want to work with me personally, you can contact me here.
Remember this post is for informational purposes only and may not be the best fit for you and your personal situation. It shall not be construed as medical advice. The information and education provided here is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. Always check with your own physician or medical professional before trying or implementing any information read here.