Nutrition: Can We Heal Our Relationship with Food? My Conversation with Dr. Ben Schuff.
Our relationship with food is one of the most complex and deeply personal aspects of our lives. For many, it’s not just about nourishment—it’s tied to identity, emotions, and societal expectations. In a recent conversation with Dr. Ben Schuff, a naturopathic doctor and nutritionist, we explored why food feels so complicated and what we can do to heal.
From cultural narratives to personal habits, Dr. Ben offered insights and tools to help us better understand and trust ourselves. Whether you’ve struggled with diet culture, emotional eating, or simply want to build a healthier relationship with food, this conversation offers a fresh perspective.
What makes food so complicated?
Unlike habits we can quit, food is part of our daily lives and tied to everything from culture to emotions. Dr. Ben explained how societal pressures, like diet culture and idealized body images, create disconnection from our internal cues and fuel unhealthy cycles.
This complexity is compounded by the stories we inherit—about how we should look, eat, and behave—and the external advice we consume. These layers make food one of the most challenging relationships to navigate.
Can awareness help?
Dr. Ben believes that healing starts with paying attention. Many of us eat on autopilot, influenced by habits or emotions we don’t fully understand. A simple but powerful first step is tuning into hunger and fullness cues.
By noticing where you fall on a scale of zero (starving) to ten (overstuffed), you can begin making choices that align with your body’s needs rather than external rules. This practice of mindfulness can transform your relationship with food from one of restriction to one of trust.
How does our lifestyle impact our food choices?
Healing isn’t just about food—it’s about how food fits into the broader context of our lives. Dr. Ben emphasized that things like sleep, stress, and boundaries all influence eating habits.
Integrative practices, such as acupuncture, movement, and mindfulness, can also help regulate the nervous system and address underlying triggers. By taking a whole-person approach, it’s possible to create lasting, sustainable change.
Curious About Building Trust with Food?
If this conversation sparked your curiosity, here are a few ways to start reconnecting with your body and food:
Tune into your hunger and fullness cues: Where are you on the scale, and what does your body truly need?
Observe without judgment: Notice your habits and emotional triggers without labeling them as good or bad.
Create space for yourself: Build time into your schedule for mindful eating and self-care.
Try new tools: Explore practices like mindfulness, movement, or acupuncture to support your journey.
Focus on direction, not perfection: Healing is a process, not a quick fix.
Let’s Stay Curious Together.
This episode offers an invitation to think differently about food—not as a source of stress, but as an opportunity to reconnect with yourself.
If you enjoyed this post, listen to the full episode for more insights. And don’t forget to share it with a friend who might love it or follow Curious Life of a Childfree Woman on Instagram at @curiouslifeofachildfreewoman.
