Healing Isn’t Linear

If you’ve ever found yourself spiraling in guilt over a food choice—eating something “off plan,” skipping a supplement, or not making the nutrient-dense meal you meant to—you’re not alone.

For so many of us on a healing journey, especially as mothers navigating chronic illness, nutrition can become another source of pressure, shame, and perfectionism.

But here’s the truth no one says enough: healing isn’t linear, and that includes how you nourish your body.

The Myth of Perfect Eating

We’ve been sold a lie that there’s one “perfect” way to eat. That if we just follow the right protocol—whether it’s Paleo, AIP, Low FODMAP, vegan, or something else—we’ll feel better fast. And if we don’t, it’s our fault.

But the reality is far more nuanced.

Healing is not a straight line. It’s a series of pivots, pauses, flare-ups, and deep lessons. What works one season might feel impossible the next. Your body’s needs shift. Your energy, time, hormones, stress levels, and even your kids’ schedules all influence what ends up on your plate.

And that’s okay.

There have been certain times when I could not tolerate just a few wild blueberries, not to mention spirulina or barely grass juice powder and other times I’ve been able to do the full heavy metal detox smoothie.

From Restriction to Relationship

When I was at my lowest with chronic illness, I followed every diet my practitioners recommended—strictly. No sugar, no grains, no fruit, no dairy. I was trying to “do it right,” to earn my healing through control. And it worked… until it didn’t.

My adrenals crashed. My digestion worsened. I was afraid of food and terrified of feeding myself the wrong thing.

That’s when I realized: I needed to stop fighting food and start listening to my body.

Now, I don’t see food as a battlefield. I see it as a relationship—one that needs trust, compassion, and flexibility.

 What Healing Looks Like in Real Life

Sometimes healing looks like a colorful plate of raw of steamed veggies.

Other times?
It looks like an oatmeal packet and wild blueberries because that’s all I had the energy for.
It looks like sitting with my child and eating something joyful.
It looks like choosing peace over panic at the dinner table.

There is no gold star for making the “perfect” meal—especially if it costs your mental health or burns you out even more.

 Let’s Stop Glorifying Sacrifice

As mothers, we’re conditioned to sacrifice ourselves—our time, our rest, our nourishment—for the sake of others. And sometimes that mentality seeps into our healing.

We believe if we just try harder, restrict more, research longer… we’ll finally be worthy of wellness.

But your body doesn’t heal from punishment.
It heals from love.
From safety.
From enoughness.

You are doing enough!

Gentle Reminders for the Journey

If you’re in the middle of a messy, unpredictable season with food and health, I want you to remember:

• You are not failing—your body is communicating.

• Nutrition isn’t about rigid rules—it’s about rhythm and relationship.

• What you feed yourself emotionally matters just as much as what’s on your plate.

• You can come back to center, over and over again.

 You’re Still Healing, Even When It Feels Like You’re Not

You’re healing when you rest, not spiraling in guilt.
You’re healing when you offer yourself grace.
You’re healing when you feed your body something rather than nothing.
You’re healing when you throw the “perfect” plan out the window and choose what’s right for right now.

Because healing isn’t linear.
And neither is motherhood.
You are still on the path, even if today looks different than yesterday.

Interested in starting your healing journey with Natalie?