The Journey from Deprivation to Nourishment: How I Learned to Listen to My Body

I was born in 1980, into a world where my mother’s obsession with being thin set the stage for my own tumultuous relationship with food. From an early age, I learned that being “skinny” was a non-negotiable pursuit. This belief led me down a path of constant deprivation: calorie counting, binging followed by days of starving, and trying every diet pill and fad that promised a smaller number on the scale.

Many of us grew up internalizing the mantra “eat less, move more”—or, worse, simply “eat less” without considering movement at all. We were conditioned to view food as the enemy, to ignore our hunger signals, and to believe that achieving the “ideal” body required a cycle of restriction and punishment. But, as I discovered through my own journey and my work as a nutritionist, this approach could not be further from what our bodies need.

You might wonder why I’m talking about years of deprivation in a discussion focused on autoimmunity. Here’s the connection: our hunger signals exist for a reason. When your body tells you it’s hungry, it’s not just asking for food—it’s asking for nutrients. The body’s call for nourishment is as essential as breathing, signaling that it needs fuel to keep you thriving.

Think of the often-cited example of a pregnant woman craving unusual things like chalk. It might sound strange, but cravings like that can indicate a deficiency in key nutrients such as iron, zinc, or calcium. Our bodies are clever; they communicate through cravings, hunger, and energy levels. Ignoring those signals can set off a cascade of problems that eventually catch up with us.

The Importance of Real Nutrition

Our bodies aren’t our enemies. They work tirelessly to keep us healthy, relying on us to provide the nutrients they need to function. Ghrelin, the hunger hormone, signals when we need energy, while leptin tells us when we’re full and satisfied. However, in today’s world, many of us consume food that lacks real nutritional value. We may feel full temporarily, but our bodies remain starved for the building blocks they require, leading to constant hunger and, eventually, chronic health issues.

In my practice, I see firsthand how the Western diet, rich in processed foods and poor in essential nutrients, can impact health. This diet pattern, paired with factors like genetics and environmental toxins, can contribute to the development of diseases—including autoimmune conditions. Nutrition plays an enormous role in keeping our bodies functioning properly, including regulating our immune systems.

Navigating Nutritional Confusion

There’s no shortage of confusion when it comes to nutrition. The media often fuels this by sensationalizing findings from scientific studies. I remember a case from the early 2000s when headlines proclaimed that barbecued and smoked meats could cause cancer. The truth, uncovered in one of my early nutrition assignments, was far more nuanced. The risk increase was 0.4% for individuals who consumed large amounts of these foods due to chemicals called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). While PAHs can pose a risk when meat is exposed to smoke and high heat, the media painted a picture far more dramatic than the reality.

The takeaway? Moderation and informed choices are key. Marinating meat can reduce the risk by creating a protective barrier, and consuming antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables alongside barbecued food can further offset potential harm. The notion that a single food or meal can make or break your health oversimplifies the complexities of nutrition.

Breaking Free from Food Labels

As a nutritionist, I avoid labeling food as inherently “good” or “bad.” This mindset can lead to guilt and confusion. Diet trends—whether calorie counting, intermittent fasting, keto, or paleo—come and go, each claiming to be the solution. But what works for one person may not work for another. Everyone’s nutritional needs are unique, shaped by their physiology, lifestyle, preferences, and environment. This is why personalized support is so important.

The internet is full of stories about how cutting out a food group or following a specific diet changed someone’s life. But just because it worked for them doesn’t mean it’s the right approach for you. Long-term dietary change requires understanding, guidance, and customization—something I strive to offer in my clinic.

Finding Nourishment and Clarity

When I work with clients, our first session is more than a conversation; it’s an in-depth exploration of their life, habits, and health history. My goal is to uncover not just what will benefit them nutritionally, but also what fits into their lifestyle. It’s pointless to recommend three elaborate meals a day if a client’s schedule can barely accommodate one. And dietary preferences matter too—there’s no point in suggesting steak to someone who dislikes it or broccoli to someone whose body doesn’t digest it well.

Real transformation takes time and trust. It’s a series of appointments, gradual changes, and a collaborative journey. But when those changes take root, the clarity and empowerment that clients feel are worth every moment.

Your body is always communicating. It’s time we learn to listen—not just to the noise around us, but to the wisdom within.

Are you ready to start your journey toward nourishing your body and clearing the confusion around nutrition? Reach out today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward reclaiming your health. Together, we can create a personalized plan that works for you and empowers you to feel your best.