Did you know the average person spends roughly 32,098 hours eating and drinking in their lifetime?

That is a staggering amount of time. If we spend that much of our lives at the table, why has eating become a source of “drama and trauma” for so many?

Food is More Than Fuel

On a fundamental level, we need food to keep our engines running. But food isn’t just biological—it’s logical, emotional, and cultural. It is the thread that weaves through:

  • Traditions & Families: Recipes passed down through generations.
  • Celebrations: The cake at a wedding or the feast at a holiday.
  • Connection: A shared meal during times of both happiness and sadness.

The “Good vs. Bad” Trap

Somewhere along the way, we lost the plot. The modern world has categorized food into “good” and “bad,” turning a natural instinct into a source of guilt.

  • The Problem: When we only describe food by its nutrients, we lose the value of comfort food and cultural identity.
  • The Result: Confusion and a distorted sense of balance.

Trusting Your Instincts

While social media tries to dictate what and how you should eat, your natural instincts are still there. It is okay to:

  1. Listen to your body: It knows what it needs better than a generic diet plan.
  2. Embrace your culture: Food is an essential part of your identity.
  3. Be kind to yourself: Your relationship with food doesn’t have to be perfect.

The Bottom Line: Food is not the enemy. It is an essential part of our existence that goes well beyond the vitamins on a nutrition label.

Ready for a Change?

If you’re looking to heal your relationship with food, remember that change doesn’t happen overnight. Consider working with a professional who respects your pace and your personal preferences. You deserve to enjoy those 32,000 hours to the fullest.