Why Your Relationship with Food Matters (More Than You Think!)

What Does “Relationship with Food” Even Mean?

“Food relationship” have you heard this phrase and wondered what on earth does that even mean?

I get it. In my early days of practice, even I thought this was something “in my head.” It wasn’t taught in college or even spoken about in nutrition circles. But in reality, it does exist!

I’ve not only personally experienced it but also seen most of my clients (in different ways) explain how some foods make them feel comfortable, safe, joyful, satisfied… or others may make them feel, uncomfortable, overwhelmed, guilty, sad, or just empty.

👉 Does this happen to you too? Tell me in the comments if you have felt this but not been able to articulate it.

Why Your Relationship with Food Matters?

Just like your relationships with people, your food relationship is shaped by experiences, beliefs, and emotions.

And here’s the truth: the way you feel about food will influence every single food decision you make. Which in turn impacts your gut, hormones, and overall health.

Let’s break it down with some examples:

1. Not Eating Enough or Overeating

If food makes you feel guilty or if you’ve been subconsciously told to “eat less to lose weight,” you may delay meals, undereat, then end up hungrier and stuffing yourself later. This cycle becomes chronic. Over time, undernutrition messes with your gut bacteria, triggers inflammation, acidity, period pain, and even irregular bowels.

2. Eating only specific foods

If you stick to a strict list of “allowed” foods, thanks to diets, social media trends, or even family advice, you end up limiting variety. But your gut thrives on diversity! Different foods bring flavonoids and antioxidants your gut bacteria love. Without that variety, you miss out on key micronutrients your hormones need to do their job properly. This is why your relationship with food matters for even your gut & hormones.

3. The Mental Load

A poor food relationship often comes with constant chatter in your head:“Should I eat this? Should I skip it? Should I order this or that? Maybe just a little more since I’m not ‘supposed’ to eat this anyway?''

This endless back-and-forth keeps you from being fully present. Whether at a meeting, a family dinner, or even while resting. Over time, it gets exhausting. And ironically, you often end up eating whatever comes your way just to rebel against your own thoughts.

4. Self-worth Tied to Food

You may find yourself judging not just others, but also your own body and food choices. Thoughts like, “I deserve this only if I meet my protein goal” creep in.

And the “this” can be anything: a holiday, a new bag, even something as practical as an insurance policy. These thoughts are subtle and often go unnoticed, but they quietly tie your worth and joy to food rules.

5. Lack of Joy

Food turns into a strict strategy instead of a natural Mind-Body flow. The emotional, cultural, social even spiritual joy of eating gets lost. Meals become all about counting macros and obsessing over protein. Instead of feeling light and nourishing, food starts to feel heavy, rigid, and bland.

6. The Ripple Effect

When food no longer brings joy or peace, and your mind is crowded with constant thoughts about eating, it’s tough to focus on rebalancing your gut and hormones. You end up stuck in circles, frustrated, unable to find real solutions. And it doesn’t stop with you. This struggle spills over into your relationships too (hello, hanger and snapping at loved ones).

So basically, a poor food relation not just takes away the joy but also keeps you in the prison of your symptoms and root causes!

This Is Why It Matters

Healing your relationship with food is not just about eating “better.”

Healing on your relationship with food is about:

• Releasing food guilt

• Supporting your gut & hormones

• Bringing lightness and joy back into meals

• Creating peace in your body and mind

P.S. A personal note: I have lost someone very dear to me due to chronic disorders that actually stemmed from this but nobody understood this then. This pain is why I want you to know: a different outcome is possible for you.

This is why I am offering a FREE MASTERCLASS to help you understand your hormones, gut, body & food relationship.

If your hormones feel messy, your gut keeps calling for help, and you long for a calmer, safer relationship with food & self, this program is for you.

To ask any questions and join the program:

DM me on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/undietwithnamrata/