From Surviving to Thriving: Choosing Fuel Over Fix

I think you’ll like this story.

Jake (name changed for privacy) is a dad of two who thought he had it all figured out. He works hard, squeezes in workouts when he can, and tries to make it home for dinner. But lately, he’s been noticing something strange. He’s eating on autopilot. Not when he’s hungry, but when he’s stressed, tired, or trying to get through another long day.

Sound familiar?

When we started working together, Jake admitted he wasn’t sure what his body actually needed anymore. Between work deadlines, school pickups, and trying to be present for his family, he’d lost touch with himself. His meals were less about nourishment and more about survival.

So we slowed down. We went back to the basics: checking in before eating, noticing real hunger, and giving his body a chance to speak before his mind jumped in to solve a problem with food.

What happened next wasn’t magic, but it was powerful. He began to feel calmer. He started eating when he was hungry and stopped when he was satisfied. The funny thing is, his kids noticed before he did. One night, his daughter said, “Dad, you seem happier.”

That’s what I love most about this work. When you start listening to your body, the people you love notice the shift, too.

This Week’s Mini Challenge

Notice one meal or snack where you choose food to fuel your body instead of fix your mood.
Could you write it down or share it with someone? Then observe how your energy feels afterward. Small shifts add up quickly. I would love to hear how you are doing.

Quiz: Are You Fueling or Fixing?

Check in with yourself with these five questions. Choose the answer that feels most like you.

1. You’re tired mid-afternoon. Do you:
   A) Grab a sugary snack to wake up
   B) Eat a balanced snack with protein and fiber
   C) Push through until dinner

2. You’re stressed after a long day with the kids. Do you:
   A) Raid the pantry for comfort food
   B) Take a few deep breaths and choose a nourishing snack
   C) Skip eating and try to “tough it out”

3. You’re craving something comforting after work. Do you:
   A) Eat straight from the bag or box
   B) Portion a small serving and enjoy it sitting down
   C) Ignore it and feel guilty later

4. You wake up tired. Do you:
   A) Rely on coffee or energy drinks
   B) Eat something nourishing before caffeine
   C) Skip breakfast completely

5. You’re feeling anxious about tomorrow’s schedule. Do you:
   A) Snack without thinking
   B) Pause, check in with your hunger, then eat if needed
   C) Ignore your hunger entirely

Primarily A’s: You are leaning on fixes. Awareness is your first win.
Primarily B’s: You are fueling. Keep noticing your energy and body signals.
Primarily C’s: Your body is asking for attention. Pause and check in with yourself.

A Thought to Keep

Your body whispers to you every day: hunger, fullness, fatigue, calm. When you listen, even just a little, your energy, mood, and focus improve.

If you love stories like Jake’s, I am starting to share similar ones every week here in my newsletters and on my Substack. Each week includes new stories, mini challenges like this quiz, and practical ways to fuel your body and trust yourself again.

✨ With love and curiosity,

Kim🫶🏼