At 22, fresh from becoming a mum, life threw me a curveball: endometriosis. My specialist advised me to avoid foods with added hormones, like oestrogen, as they could worsen the condition. I remember thinking, wait—why is there oestrogen in my food at all? That question sparked a journey of awareness about what I was putting into my body.
Let me be clear—this wasn’t some smooth, graceful epiphany. Sobriety became part of the equation (a total game-changer, by the way), and what I’ve come to realise is this: what you put into your body truly matters. Good food and nourishment are foundational to healing—whether it’s physical, emotional, mental, or even spiritual. While I managed my endometriosis through mindful eating and regular exercise, the real breakthrough came when I stopped drinking alcohol. It was as if my body had finally been given the space and permission to heal itself. That one shift unlocked a cascade of positive changes, allowing me to break free from patterns that no longer served me and to step fully into a life of balance and transformation.
A challenge we face in the modern world, however, is the sheer amount of information bombarding us about what we should eat. From fad diets to the latest nutritional breakthroughs, the internet is flooded with advice—and if you look hard enough, you can find evidence both for and against just about anything. So, how do we navigate this overwhelming overload of information?
We need to learn how to discern what works for us. And that starts with getting to know—and listening to—our bodies. Your body holds the wisdom to guide you if you’re willing to tune in. By observing how different foods make you feel, paying attention to cravings, and noticing energy shifts, you can build a personal blueprint for nourishment that supports your healing and transformation.
Breaking habits and healing patterns aren’t just about eliminating what doesn’t serve you; they’re about tuning into what does. And that begins with awareness, curiosity, and a commitment to prioritising your well-being.
Fuel Your “Accomplished Asset”
If we think of our body the same way a car enthusiast thinks of their vehicle, would they ever dump low-grade fuel into it and expect peak performance? Absolutely not! They’d give it premium care. The same goes for your body. Food isn’t just about survival—it’s about thriving.
Historically, food was sacred—it healed, nourished, and sustained us. Fast forward to today, and our modern diet is littered with processed junk, added sugars, and chemicals that provide little nutritional benefit. Combine this with environmental stressors like toxins, depleted soils, and even constant Wi-Fi exposure, and it’s no wonder our bodies are crying out for balance.
Here in New Zealand, we have access to incredible whole foods. Fresh, locally sourced fruit, vegetables, and other unprocessed foods are treasures that can form the backbone of a healing diet. These aren’t just ingredients; they’re tools for resilience.
Your Body Wants to Heal
Here’s the beautiful part: your body is designed to heal itself. It’s always working to bring you back into balance—given the right support. Hydration, whole foods, and essential nutrients help rebuild what destructive habits or substances may have depleted.
For example:
Alcohol disrupts gut health and depletes key nutrients.
Sugar keeps you trapped in cycles of cravings.
But when you nourish your body with whole, living foods—vibrant fruits, vegetables, and healing herbs—you fuel natural detoxification and regeneration processes. The transformation isn’t just physical; it’s emotional and mental, too.
The Mind-Body Relationship: Two Sides of the Same Coin
One of the most profound lessons I’ve learned is how deeply the mind and body influence each other. Your thoughts, emotions, and stress levels shape your physical health, just as the state of your body can impact how clear-headed, calm, or energised you feel.
Stress, for instance, shifts your body into “fight or flight” mode. In this state, digestion, immune repair, and healing take a backseat to survival. The antidote? Enter the “rest and digest” state, where your body feels safe enough to focus on restoration. Practices like deep breathing, mindfulness, and even pausing before meals can work wonders.
It’s not just your mind influencing your body; the relationship is reciprocal. Your gut—often called your “second brain”—communicates directly with your mind, influencing your mood, energy, and resilience. By healing your gut through good nutrition, you’re not just aiding digestion—you’re supporting emotional well-being, too.
Breaking Free: It’s More Than Just Willpower
When I began to “dissolve” out of addiction, I realised it wasn’t just about stopping behaviours—it was about rewiring my thought patterns. For years, I’d relied on substances and habits to numb pain, override reality, or chase fleeting pleasures. Letting go meant facing my emotions, rebuilding coping mechanisms, and redefining my relationship with myself.
Science backs this up. Fields like psychoneuroimmunology and epigenetics show how interconnected our systems are. Your mindset can influence gene expression and immune function. Negative thought patterns or chronic stress can suppress your body’s natural ability to heal. On the flip side, gratitude and mindfulness can boost resilience.
One of my lightbulb moments came from reading The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey. It made me realise how much the stories I told myself shaped my reality. By shifting my mindset, I noticed tangible changes in my health and happiness.
How to Tune In: Practical Steps
Pause and Breathe: Before meals, take a deep breath to activate your parasympathetic nervous system, preparing your body for digestion and healing.
Listen to Your Gut: Pay attention to how foods make you feel—not just immediately but hours later. Does it give you energy or make you sluggish? Your body’s wisdom will guide you better than any fad diet.
Shift Your Mindset: Explore how your thoughts influence your habits. Challenge negative thought patterns without judgement and replace them with affirmations or reflections that support your goals. Shifting your mindset can ripple through your entire being.
Your Life as a Masterpiece
When you break free from habits that no longer serve you, something magical happens. You start to feel more vibrant, connected, and alive. It’s not just about what you remove—it’s about what you add: more nourishment, more self-love, and more awareness.
Your mind and body are partners on this journey. By cultivating deeper awareness of this relationship, and by nourishing and listening to them without judgement, life can open up in ways you may not think are possible.
So, what are you feeding your body and mind today? Whatever it is, make sure it adds life, not just fills space.
Much love,
Bec x
A Final Thought to Leave You With...
“Our happiness becomes a pattern. If something suits that pattern, we are happy; if it doesn’t, we are unhappy. In this way, we become slaves to our habits. But as we grow, we can redefine our comforts and reclaim our power.”— Yogi Bhajan
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