Food isn't the problem.
You might be shocked to learn what is!
I questioned if I could do a topic like food freedom justice in this five-day mini-series, but honestly, I think that’s all it needs.
I know the “food problem” may feel huge and insurmountable. I’m not here to minimize that. But I do want to help you embody change. That begins when you stop giving the problem so much attention and start shining a light somewhere new. You start focusing on what you want.
I know I’m coming in hard, but talking about the problem only accentuates it. It’s why most “health messaging” doesn’t work. In typical messaging, the problem remains the focus, which only gives it energy to grow.
If you want something different, you have to focus on something different.
It’s the infamous move-toward-versus-move-away strategy. We need to be people who are willing to move toward something better, not constantly trying to move away from what we don’t like.
That’s the problem with labeling food as the problem.
It distracts you from the real issue.
When it comes to food freedom, the issue isn’t food. It’s you.
And that’s the best news ever! Because it’s in your control. You are the only thing you can actually change. When you realize that it makes change so much easier.
I say this with love because I honestly don’t believe anyone chooses to have a problem with food. You don’t willingly walk yourself into binge eating or obsessing over food without reason.
They may not be the healthiest reasons, but you have to offer yourself grace and be willing ot look at your current food beliefs without judgment.
In many cases, what you believe about food isn’t even yours. It’s borrowed — passed down from your mom, shaped by the health space, or scared into you by culture. No matter what, shame and guilt only make things worse. They certainly don’t help you change your view of food.
As we start this mini-series, I’m asking you to show up with a fresh perspective. Take a seat outside your mind — what many call the witness seat — and simply observe what you believe. Only then can you begin influencing it in healthy ways.
So let’s get back to you being the problem, not food, and do so without shame and guilt.
Tomorrow, we’ll start the series by understanding what problem you’re trying to solve with food.
For now, I want to give you a glimpse of what it looks like to take back your power from food. To stop allowing food to decide if today is a “good” day or “bad” day.
It looks like:
Eating a cookie because you want one, not because you’ve “earned” it.
Walking away from the scale and noticing how you feel in your skin instead.
Letting yourself eat without rehearsing guilt.
Being okay with not tracking, measuring, or perfecting your meals.
No longer apologizing for your appetite or labeling it “too much.”
Understanding that how you feel in your body is about more than what’s on your plate.
But it’s also:
Choosing healthy foods, not because you have to, but because you want to.
It’s making health choices from love, not fear.
It’s noticing your emotions without immediately numbing them with food, trusting you can handle them.
It’s letting your body guide you rather than a plan, a rule, or an influencer.
It’s pausing before you eat and asking, “What do I need right now?” instead of “What can I have?”
Most importantly, it’s realizing food is fuel for your life, not your whole life.
It might not be easy, but it’s certainly not complicated. Most of food freedom comes from taking back your power (owning your responsibility for the problem) and choosing how you want to feel (not letting food do that for you).
It’s taking action based on choice.
Over the next five days, I’ll give you both a shift in perspective and practical action to start living it. Tomorrow I’ll help you name the power you’ve given to food so you know what you need to take back.
The rest of the week, we’ll dive into:
Rewriting your food story
Using food as a gift
Falling out of love with food
Enjoying the holidays without stress or restriction
Note:
This mini-series is for subscribers only. Subscribe now to get the full series delivered straight to your inbox. As a bonus, you’ll get free access to The Holiday Walking Challenge starting November 23rd.
Food for thought:
Before tomorrow, think about this: You are not what you eat. You are what you believe about what you eat. Start pondering: What are you believing about food? What power have you given it?
I’ll see you back here tomorrow!
