My Nutrition journey: From Restriction to Freedom

As a child, I went through a chubby phase and even had to stop ballet classes. My mom always made sure we ate home-cooked meals with minimal sugar, but despite that, I developed a complicated relationship with food. I saw eating as something tied to how I looked rather than how I felt, believing that restricting food was the only way to stay in shape. Like many, I grew up thinking that being healthy meant eating less, not necessarily eating better.

I’ve always been an active person, but in my twenties, I wasn’t in great physical condition—it just wasn’t something I prioritised. I also didn’t pay much attention to what I was eating. I was traveling, enjoying life, staying up late, eating whatever was convenient, smoking, and drinking alcohol—without giving much thought to how it all affected me. I felt invincible but I didn’t realize the damage I was doing to my body. Traveling made it even harder to maintain a healthy diet. But after I hit 30, I started noticing changes. I felt tired more often, my body wasn’t as resilient, and I carried a little extra weight. I often felt bloated, sluggish, and disconnected, but I didn’t realise just how much my habits were catching up with me. It became clear that I couldn’t keep treating my body the same way.

It wasn’t until I discovered yoga that things really started to shift. As I deepened my practice, I naturally began craving healthier foods. Moving my body, focusing on my breath, and spending time on the mat made me more aware of what I was putting into it. I suppose it was because my body was getting healthier—it wanted real, nourishing food instead of things that drained my energy. Living in a hot climate also played a role; I needed lighter, hydrating meals, and I started drinking more water to keep up with the heat - something I hadn’t prioritised before.

This shift wasn’t about dieting—it was about learning to fuel my body in a way that gave me energy, strength, and balance.

The change didn’t happen overnight, but through small, consistent shifts, I started listening to my body instead of fighting it. I let go of old habits, overcame sugar cravings, and stopped relying on convenience foods. I found a way of eating that worked for me - nutritious meals during the week, staying active because it keeps me balanced, and enjoying my weekends without guilt.

Now, as a certified nutrition coach, I’m passionate about teaching nutrition because I know how powerful it is—not just for how we look, but for how we feel. As we get older, our bodies change, and the things that worked in our twenties don’t always work anymore. I want others to experience what it’s like to have real energy, to wake up feeling good, and to build habits that actually support their well-being in the long run.