Nutrition: It’s about food, but it’s not all about food
Megan Miller
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For many of us (myself included), food plays a central role in how we plan our day. But too often, we think of food only as something we consume, when in reality, it's so much more than that.
During a recent continuing education session, I was introduced to the concept of deep health, a whole-person, whole-life approach to thriving. Deep health encompasses our physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being. That got me thinking: how often do we stop to consider the deeper story behind our eating habits?
Today, I want to talk not about what we eat, but about the factors that shape our eating experiences: why we eat, how we eat, where we eat, and how we feel about what we’re eating.
Why We Eat
I like to compare it to fueling a vehicle. We put gas in our cars so we can get where we need to go and without it, we’d be stranded. Our bodies work the same way. At its core, eating is about fueling ourselves so we can be present and functional in all areas of life: as parents, friends, partners, coworkers, and humans.
But beyond fuel, we may also eat for comfort, habit, boredom, celebration, or even avoidance. Recognizing why we’re reaching for food is the first step in creating a healthier relationship with it.
How We Eat
How we eat can affect everything from digestion to satisfaction to long-term habits.
Are we rushing through meals in the car, multitasking while standing at the kitchen counter, or skipping meals altogether, only to overeat later when hunger hits hard? Or are we eating slowly, mindfully, and with intention?
Slowing down can make a huge difference in how satisfied we feel and how our body processes food. It’s not just what we eat, but it’s how we experience it.
Where We Eat
Environment matters. Eating in front of a screen, at your desk, or on the go can disconnect us from the act of eating. When we’re distracted, we’re more likely to overeat or feel unsatisfied afterward.
Compare that to sitting at a table, whether alone or with others, where we’re fully present with our meal. That intentional space can help reinforce healthier habits, support digestion, and even foster connection with those around us.
How We Feel About What We’re Eating
Our mindset around food plays a powerful role. Let’s say you eat a cookie. If you immediately feel guilty or tell yourself it was a “bad choice,” that negative self-talk can do more harm than the cookie ever could.
I often say, “We need to talk to ourselves, or we’ll end up listening to ourselves.” The narrative we create around food matters. When we approach eating with judgment or shame, we risk damaging our relationship with food and with ourselves.
Practice talking to yourself in a way you would talk to a friend or a child - with kindness.
None of what I’ve shared today has to do with calories, food groups, or what’s on your plate. And yet, it all matters just as much.
Taking a step back to consider why, how, where, and how we feel about eating can be an important piece in your health journey. So take a moment for a self-audit. Reflect on your habits and ask yourself:
Am I eating with purpose?
Am I giving myself space to enjoy my meals?
Am I being kind to myself in the process?
And if you ever need support or want to talk it through, the Rise team is always here to help you. You can set up a time to meet with our team here.