Our Intimate Relationship with Food
When I operated our nutritional counseling firm, MediCorp, in Newport Beach, CA, I would always “reframe” things to help clients better understand the importance of nutrition.
One of my favorites was to open up a session #3 with this:
“Today, I want to talk to you about intimacy.”
Oh… the looks on their faces was priceless! 😅
Of course I would quickly qualify that I was talking about our intimate relationship with FOOD.
The Most Intimate Relationship of All…
Yes, our relationship with food is one of the most intimate relationships we ALL have. Maybe even more intimate than, well…. you know.
Think about it.
We put food into our mouths, chew it, swallow it and ultimately it breaks down and literally becomes part of us. Now THAT’s intimate!
And we do it multiple times a day!
But that’s just the top line.
Let’s dig a little deeper, shall we?
The Sensual Beginnings
Our relationship with food begins long before it hits our taste buds. Just like any passionate encounter it starts with a flirtation.
But, be careful. Are you flirting with the “bad girls” or “bad boys” (sugary, over processed foods)? You know it will end badly!
The aroma of seasoned grilled chicken, the sizzle of veggies in a hot pan, or the sight of a beautifully plated dish—these are the signals that ignite our senses and draw us in.
It’s the foreplay of the culinary world where our senses are tantalized, and our anticipation builds.
More Than Just a Bite
Then comes the act itself — eating.
We open our mouths, take a bite and let the flavors dance on our tongues.
The act of chewing, savoring and finally swallowing is where the magic happens.
This isn’t just about sustenance; it’s about enjoyment, satisfaction and sometimes even a little indulgence.
We might be professionals who preach balanced diets and macronutrients, but let’s be honest — sometimes, that piece of dark chocolate is pure bliss.
The Ultimate Commitment
Once you swallow whatever you put into your mouth… that’s when things get serious. There’s no going back!
Our body takes over and begins the intricate process of digestion.
It’s like saying “I do” in the world of food.
That morsel is now on a journey to become a part of us.
It’s a Deep Connection
As food travels down our esophagus and into our stomach, enzymes and acids break it down.
Then, our amazing digestive system extracts the nutrients that our body needs.
It’s a symbiotic relationship where our body works tirelessly to absorb the good stuff — and discards what it doesn’t need.
Becoming One with Us
Finally, the nutrients from our food enter our bloodstream.
And, then they are delivered to every corner of our body.
This is where the real intimacy takes place.
Those macros, including proteins, carbs and fats as well as micro nutrients all become part of our muscles, our organs and our cells.
They literally become us.
Think about that next time you eat anything.
Are those vegetables going to fuel your heart with high octane fuel?
Will the grilled chicken become part of your quads or biceps?
The Ultimate Comparison
Just for fun, allow me to address the elephant in the room.
Is our relationship with food more intimate than sex?
Well, while sex is undoubtedly a significant part of human intimacy, food is a constant companion.
We eat multiple times a day, every day, for our entire lives.
Each meal is a new opportunity to connect with our bodies and nourish ourselves.
Food sustains us in a way that’s fundamental and enduring. It’s a relationship that requires attention, care and a little consistency.
Embrace the Intimacy
I hope you enjoyed this little “riff” about the intimate role nutrition plays in our lives.
The latest research shows that not only do most people NOT know how their bodies function, but they also don’t really know what foods are healthy and why.
By re-framing our relationship with food as an intimate, lifelong connection — perhaps your clients will find new appreciation for what you are teaching them.
Next time you advise a client on their menu, remember this love story.