After nearly three decades of working in the field of nutrition and seeing clients every week, I’ve come to recognize a powerful truth: the way we relate to food often tells a deeper story. The more I listen to my clients, the more I see how their relationship with food shapes their health, well-being, and even their emotional landscape.

Our relationship with food needs to be a healthy one. So often, chronic health conditions are deeply tied to how we’ve used—or misused—food throughout our lives. Food isn’t just fuel; it’s emotional, cultural, nostalgic, and personal.

The connection between lifestyle and disease has been studied for decades—and time and again, research confirms one thing: a healthy relationship with food and an active lifestyle are key to preventing chronic diseases.

But let’s be honest, changing food habits isn’t easy. Eating behaviors are deeply ingrained, shaped by culture, comfort, convenience, and emotion. Shifting those habits is a big deal. Still, as human beings, we’re driven by goals.

We all want to eat healthy and we should. But this change needs to be easy so we can fit it in our busy lifestyle or we will not stick with it.

Health claims are picked up from scientific studies and packaged into appealing food products. Media picks up the headlines and sensationalizes the study. All of these daily and contradicting news items leave consumers confused and guessing at what truly is good for them and what will negatively impact their health.