Nutrition

Jaclin Leontiev
Jun 30
2 min read

Updated: Jul 3

Why Nutrition Goes Beyond Simply “Eating”

Nutrition is not just about filling your plate. It’s a complex interaction between what we eat, how our body absorbs it, and how it influences our cells, hormones, energy, and overall well-being. Every food triggers a cascade of internal reactions — some beneficial, others less so. That’s why it’s helpful to ask yourself a simple question before eating: “Does this food support my body or make its work harder?” By better understanding this connection between nutrition and health, we regain control over our physical and mental state — far beyond just counting calories.

The body operates according to deep biological principles

Everything in our body is built from fundamental building blocks: proteins, fats, carbohydrates, minerals, vitamins... Each system — digestive, immune, nervous, hormonal — relies on these elements to function properly. For example, gut health is at the core of our immunity, and an imbalance there can cause digestive issues, inflammation, or even autoimmune reactions. Similarly, our muscles influence how we manage energy, blood sugar, and calorie expenditure. Understanding this biological architecture helps us make choices that better align with the true needs of the body.

Nature, Evolution, and Digestive Balance

Our modern diet is often very different from what our bodies are adapted to. Historically, humans ate what they could gather, hunt, or find in nature. Today, much of our food is processed, enriched, or altered, which complicates the digestive system’s work. Some natural components in plants, for example, have defense mechanisms (antinutrients) that can sometimes interfere with nutrient absorption. This doesn’t mean they are “bad,” but simply that how we prepare and combine foods influences their impact on our health.

It’s all about transformation and assimilation

Eating healthily isn’t just about choosing foods that look “good” on paper — the body also needs to digest, transform, and use them effectively. Processes like fermentation, sprouting, and gentle cooking can improve the digestibility of many foods and unlock their benefits. The balance of the gut microbiota, digestive enzymes, liver health, and hydration all strongly influence our ability to assimilate nutrients. So, it’s not only about what we eat, but also about what the body is truly capable of doing with it.

Conscious Nutrition for Lasting Well-Being

Adopting a more conscious approach to nutrition means reconnecting with simple signals: satiety, energy, digestion, and mood. It also means respecting the body’s circadian rhythm (the natural day/night cycle) and recognizing that when we eat influences us as much as what we eat. Eating slowly, in a calm state, connected to nature, and observing how foods affect our body becomes a form of self-listening. More than rigid rules, nutrition turns into an ongoing dialogue with our deeper needs — a holistic lifestyle practice, far beyond just a diet.