The Senses We’ve Lost: Why Eating Well Is About More Than Nutrition

Today in class, our breakout room discussed the question: “What barriers might a client be experiencing when trying to eat healthy?” Two people brought up how challenging it can be when a spouse isn’t in alignment with their health goals. One participant said that it didn’t matter to him—he was going to drink his raw milk regardless. 

After I mentioned that people are overwhelmed with information and losing trust in their own intuition, he followed up with a comment about "common sense." Interestingly, the way he emphasized “sense” resonated with me. It made me reflect on how people really are losing their internal sensing abilities, relying heavily on external data that might not even suit their individual needs.

Can we blame them? Health advice is everywhere—often conflicting—and many people feel stuck and confused. They're victims of a system that offers quantity over quality when it comes to nutrition guidance. My hope is that, in time, more people will shift toward intuitive eating and reconnect with their natural instincts.

One suggestion our teacher shared was the importance of helping someone build a connection with their meals. That could be something as simple as setting the table nicely, maybe adding flowers, and creating an environment that brings joy to the eating experience.

I wasn’t very enthusiastic about food when I was younger. My friends often thought I just didn’t enjoy eating, but the truth was that most of the food around us didn’t feel healthy or right for me. It felt like I was going against my body’s values. That changed during my time in the South of France, where I rediscovered a love for food. 

Everything there felt clean, nourishing, and holistic. People ate slowly, enjoyed their meals, and truly connected at the table. I realized it wasn’t that I didn’t enjoy food—I just didn’t connect with unhealthy eating.

I also love cooking. When we were asked in the first week of class why we were here, the first thing that came to mind was private chef. I love cooking with beautiful, intentional ingredients that carry a sense of love and care. For me, cooking isn’t just about making a meal—it’s about energy, presence, and connection. I find it hard to cook without that, and I need to be in a space that feels safe and supportive to truly enjoy the process.

So, if you’re having a hard time eating or cooking healthy, maybe it’s not just about discipline or knowledge—it could be about connection. Find your connection. Start small. It could be as simple as lighting a candle at dinner or choosing one fresh ingredient you enjoy. Little things can make a big difference in how we relate to food and to ourselves.