I used to think “eating healthy” meant following a long list of strict rules: no carbs after 6, drink this before that, no more than 1,200 calories a day, count every gram of protein, fat, and carb and definitely no dessert unless it was made with dates and almond flour. I tried almost everything. Some of it worked—for a little while. But mostly? It left me feeling stressed, guilty, and like I was failing at something as basic as feeding myself.

For most of my twenties, I was stuck in that cycle. Then came life as a mom to two energetic boys, plus running a home baking business — life was already full. Trying to juggle it all while following a mountain of food rules? It felt impossible. It wasn’t sustainable, and honestly, it left me feeling more anxious than empowered.

Then my health started to quietly decline. If you’ve followed my journey, you know my long-standing battle with Trigeminal Neuralgia—a condition marked by sudden, agonizing jolts of facial pain. At first, I didn’t connect the flare-ups to my lifestyle. I just thought they were just side effects of pregnancy or the physical toll of motherhood. But over time, as the episodes became more intense and my energy kept dipping, I knew something wasn’t right. Something had to shift. I needed to take a step back and look at the whole picture — especially the impact my daily choices were having on my body.

I always knew food was important – we hear that all the time – but I don’t think I truly grasped just how powerful it could be when it comes to our health and healing. What really surprised me was how much my relationship with food was impacting my body.

As I started digging deeper, I learned that chronic pain conditions like TN can be influenced by things like inflammation and overall body balance. Highly processed foods and too much sugar can actually feed that inflammation, making symptoms worse. But on the flip side, nourishing the body with real, whole foods – the kind packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds – can help calm things down, support healing, and reduce flare-ups.

This was my turning point. I stopped obsessing over the “rules” and started asking myself: What does my body really need? How do I feel after eating certain foods? What brings me joy and nourishment?

Another thing I learned was the importance of tuning into hunger and fullness cues instead of following external rules. Mindful eating isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a practice backed by science that helps reduce overeating and improves digestion and satisfaction with meals. When we slow down, enjoy our food, and listen to our bodies, we’re more likely to make choices that truly nourish us.

Alongside nutrition, I’ve also spent years studying Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), which has helped me connect so many dots in my healing journey. TCM sees food as medicine and focuses on balance, energy flow, and how what we eat impacts not just the body, but also the mind and emotions. Blending this ancient wisdom with modern nutrition has helped me create a more holistic approach to managing my TN and supporting my overall wellness.

These days, my approach to food is pretty simple: I eat what makes me feel good, I stay flexible enough to actually enjoy life, and I’ve officially retired the guilt. Living with TN means I’ve had to learn where my limits are, but it hasn’t stopped me from thriving. I’ve found my rhythm through real food, real rest, and a lot of self-grace.

If you’re currently drowning in food rules or just exhausted by your own health battles, I see you. Healing isn’t a straight line, and there’s no ‘perfect’ way to eat. So, take a breath. Let go of the shame, slow down, and just listen to what your body is asking for. Let’s stop overthinking every single forkful and remember how to enjoy a meal again—even if that means the dessert is ‘real’ flour and tastes a whole lot better for it.

Simply Salt & Soul Tips

The Salt (The Science): When we are stressed by “food rules,” our body stays in a “fight or flight” state. This actually shuts down proper digestion and increases inflammation—the very thing we are trying to avoid! By practicing Mindful Eating (simply slowing down and breathing before a meal), you lower your cortisol levels. This tells your body it’s safe to focus on absorbing nutrients rather than managing stress.

The Soul (The Wellness): Healing your relationship with food starts with self-grace. If you’ve spent years viewing food as “good” or “bad,” try shifting your language to “supportive” or “joyful.” Some meals are there to support your physical healing (the Salt), and some are there to nourish your memories and connections (the Soul). Both are necessary for a healthy life. Giving yourself permission to enjoy a “real” dessert without guilt is often the most healing thing you can do for your nervous system.