Transform Your Relationship with Food: How I Learned to Truly Enjoy Eating Again

My kitchen cabinet once resembled a mini pharmacy, filled with jars and bottles boasting promises of wellness. I had supplements for everything: stress, sleep, digestion, and more. Every payday, I’d dive into wellness sites, convinced that the next blend might finally cure my fatigue or anxiety.

It all began when I felt weak on my plant-based journey and turned to iron supplements. But soon, any discomfort made me chase the next pill—magnesium for a good night’s sleep and adaptogens for stressful days. It felt like a proactive choice, but I realized I didn’t trust food to nourish me. Instead, I relied on numbers—milligrams and blends. Meals turned into a math problem.

Despite my effort, the supplements didn’t fix my anxiety or energy issues. I found myself googling “how many vitamins are too many?” That’s when a phrase struck me hard: You can’t out-supplement a bad relationship with food.

From Mindful Eating to Nutrient Obsession

Growing up in a Mexican-Filipino household, food was joy. Sunday mornings were for sharing pan dulce, and family gatherings revolved around delicious dishes. But somewhere along the way, I let wellness culture turn food into a checklist. I counted macros, and feared certain foods instead of enjoying them.

When I felt tired, I blamed those missing nutrients instead of recognizing my stress. The more I bought into wellness culture, the more my meals lost color and flavor. I’d avoid family meals or special treats, thinking I was being responsible.

Then, at a friend’s cabin getaway, I faced a turning point. I skipped homemade cinnamon rolls for “bad macros” and opted for a supplement instead. My body reacted poorly. I felt jittery and disconnected while everyone else enjoyed the moment. That night, I realized my obsession with perfection was robbing me of joy.

A Simple Three-Step Reset

I didn’t give up supplements entirely. As a vegan, I still take some essentials, but I made changes using three steps: audit, anchor, and add.

1. Audit: For weeks, I tracked my supplements and the reasons behind each. If it felt vague or driven by trends, into the “trial separation” box it went.

2. Anchor: I shifted my meals toward whole foods. Instead of pills, I incorporated nutritious foods—lentils for iron, dark leafy greens for magnesium, and tempeh for protein.

3. Add: With vibrant, balanced meals, I assessed my energy and mood before slowly reintroducing supplements, focusing only on those I actually needed.

The Rewards of Trusting Food

The first week was tough; giving up capsules felt uncertain. But soon, I noticed flavors I’d forgotten. Grapefruit tasted lively, and meals became colorful and satisfying. My digestion improved, sleep deepened, and energy returned. Follow-up blood tests showed my nutrient levels were good, and my grocery bill even dropped.

The biggest win? Without the pressure of counting capsules, I regained time at the dinner table—enjoying conversations and sharing dishes with friends and family. Food came to represent nourishment, community, and heritage once more.

Practical Tips for a Healthier Approach

If you find yourself trapped in the supplement spiral, consider these steps:

• Start with a Checkup: Get bloodwork done to uncover any real deficiencies. Consult with a registered dietitian for personalized advice.

• Limit Physical Clutter: Keep all daily supplements in a small weekly pill organizer. If it overflows, it’s time for an audit.

• Color Your Plate: Aim for vibrant meals with a variety of colors. More colors often equal more nutrients, reducing the urge for capsules.

• Enjoy Food Again: List your favorite foods each week and explore why you might avoid them. Replace fear with curiosity.

• Use Supplements Wisely: Think of supplements as safety nets, not replacements for food. Essentials like B-12 and omega-3s can complement a well-rounded diet.

Broader Impacts of Trusting Food

Improving our relationship with food isn’t just good for us—it’s good for the planet. Whole, minimally processed foods usually have a lower carbon footprint than supplements shipped in plastic. Choosing seasonal produce supports local farmers and lessens packaging waste.

Communal meals build social ties and can even combat stress, an overconsumption driver. My reset extended beyond personal health; buying from farmers’ markets and exchanging recipes with neighbors became part of my routine.

Final Thoughts

I still have a few trusted supplements, but they no longer dominate my kitchen or thoughts. My meals are now about joy rather than numbers. Breakfast is fresh fruit; lunch is shared with colleagues; dinner is whatever fresh produce catches my eye at the market.

I feel nourished in body and mind. The space once filled with supplements now holds spices and family recipes, reminding me that true nourishment comes from joy, culture, and connection.

By transforming how we interact with food, we can create a positive ripple effect—for ourselves and our community.

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