NOURISH: The Final Pillar
NOURISH is the third and final pillar of Heather Martin Nutrition, and it may be the most important one. It represents the intersection of all the parts of my journey—athlete, recovering from an eating disorder, and now, nutritionist. While the concept of nourishment may seem straightforward, the reasoning behind it is much deeper than it appears.
My relationship with food and what it means to nourish myself has changed drastically over the years.
Early Days as an Athlete
Growing up as an athlete, my relationship with food was simple: I loved food and ate a lot of it. I didn’t pay much attention to the nutritional content or even know the difference between carbs, proteins, and fats. I simply ate what I enjoyed, without giving it much thought.
The Shift in University
Fast forward to my university years, when food started to feel more complicated. I still didn’t focus much on nutrition, but I became curious about how food affected my body. I often felt “blah” and wondered if the food and alcohol I was consuming were part of the problem. I started cooking more at home, prioritizing fresh fruits and vegetables, and packing my own meals for long days on campus. This shift, combined with a new movement routine (as I mentioned in my last post), made a huge difference in how I felt. It was my "eureka" moment—the spark that eventually led me to become a nutritionist.
The Struggle with an Eating Disorder
A few years later during COVD,, my eating disorder began. What started as curiosity about how food impacts our bodies evolved into an obsession with "healthy" food. I started scrutinizing every food label, tracking the calories in everything I ate—even down to the cucumbers (yes, really). I calculated whether each meal would push me past the arbitrary calorie limit I set for myself. Food became about numbers, not nourishment, and the joy I once found in eating disappeared.
Rediscovering Joy in Food as a Nutritionist
Eventually, I realized I needed to reclaim my love for food. I wanted to nourish myself in a healthy way without becoming consumed by it. As I studied nutrition, I gained a deeper understanding of food—not just as calories or a way to control my body, but as something essential to overall health and well-being. I learned that food isn’t just about fitting into a certain size or appearance; it's about fueling our bodies for daily functioning and long-term vitality. All of the sudden using food as a way to stay “small” seemed silly in comparison to its actual purpose.
But this realization posed a new challenge: how could I prioritize healthy eating without becoming obsessive? How could I find balance—giving my body the nutrients it needs while still enjoying life and food? How could I create a flexible routine instead of rigid rules? These questions are still a work in progress, and the answers will continue to evolve.
To help define what nourishment means to me now, I created my own “NOURISH recipe”:
-
While food is about much more than its nutritional content, nutrients still matter. I’ve learned what my body needs and when, and I make it a priority to nourish myself with the right balance every day.
-
I allow myself to experiment with food, trying new things without worrying about whether I’ll like them. It’s important to focus on how food makes me feel, not on labels like “good” or “bad.”
-
There’s no one-size-fits-all definition of “healthy.” What’s healthy for me will change throughout my life. I’ve learned to embrace flexibility and let go of guilt when I don’t always follow my healthy habits. True health comes from balance, not from rigid rules.
-
I eat the way I do because I know what makes me feel my best. It’s incredibly rewarding to nourish my body and feel the positive impact on my energy and well-being.
-
The food I eat is for my body, not anyone else’s. What works for me may not work for someone else, and that’s okay.
-
Food should be fun! I try new dishes, experiment with recipes, and make meals that excite me. Life’s too short to eat food that doesn’t bring me joy.
-
Food is just one part of the picture. True nourishment comes when food, movement, and healing are all prioritized in a way that suits me.
This "recipe" is a reminder that food serves many purposes. It can fuel us, bring us joy, and provide comfort. Nourishing ourselves is a deeply personal journey—one that’s unique to each individual. The key is to explore, experiment, and discover what makes you feel your best. It is a recipe that only you can write.
I challenge you to reflect on how you nourish yourself. What does the word "nourish" mean to you? How do you incorporate it into your daily life? What’s your NOURISH recipe?