How I Transformed My Relationship with Food

My relationship with food has been a journey, to say the least. As a child, I dreaded mealtime. I’d often find myself in tearful battles with my parents and older siblings at the dinner table. Part of the issue was physical—I struggled with tonsillitis, which made swallowing painful. But even after my tonsils were removed, my negative feelings toward food didn’t disappear.

As I grew older, though, things took an unexpected turn. I began to choose foods I actually enjoyed, and that simple change transformed my approach to eating. Over the course of a few months, I gained over 10 pounds, and my parents were thrilled to see me finally enjoying my meals.

I believe our bodies communicate with us, sending signals about what foods make us feel our best. Tuning into these signals can help us find balance and satisfaction in what we eat. Here are a few ways to help you reconnect with your body's natural preferences and enjoy food in a healthy, positive way:

Experiment with Different Foods.Trying a variety of foods and observing how they make you feel can be incredibly eye-opening. Some foods leave you feeling energized, while others might make you feel sluggish. Take note of what fuels you and what doesn’t—this insight can shape your eating habits in a powerful way.

Try Fasting. Fasting can help reset your taste buds and tune you into the foods you truly enjoy. By abstaining from food for a set period, you’ll bring more awareness to your hunger cues and cravings. (I’ll be posting a more detailed blog on fasting soon, so stay tuned!)

Explore Different Diets.Experimenting with various dietary approaches can open your palate to new ingredients, flavors, and routines. Whether it's the Mediterranean diet (my personal favorite), ketogenic, or paleo, each offers unique benefits and emphasizes different types of foods. Exploring these options can help you discover what best supports your energy and wellbeing.

Make It Fun.Food exploration doesn’t have to be a solo journey. Invite friends or family to join you for a themed dinner, or try a new diet together. Having a fasting buddy or accountability partner can make the experience more enjoyable and keep you motivated.

Developing a healthy relationship with food allows you to reduce cravings and curb unnecessary snacking. Once you’re in tune with what your body needs, you'll build lasting discipline and find real enjoyment in every bite