Food for thought

by KAL

I recently spent a couple of days with Debbi. During that time, she was following the healthy eating approach that now forms part of The Rainbow Sanctuary Health and Wellbeing support offering. This naturally flowed into the meals we ate, the conversations we had, and the knowledge she shared along the way.

I’ve spoken to Debbi before about how uncomfortable I’ve been feeling with my weight recently. Some of that is connected to perimenopause, some of it is inflammation, and some of it is the impact that extra weight is having on my joints and overall wellbeing.

What I really appreciated was the way Debbi shared her knowledge. There was no preaching, no pressure, and no sense of being told what I should or shouldn’t do. It was very much, “This is what I’m doing, this is why I’m doing it, and these are the benefits I’m noticing.” Very clear and very simple.

As Debbi prepared meals, she explained what she was putting into them and why. We ate clean, nourishing foods that weren’t necessarily things I would automatically choose for myself. Lots of vegetables, soups, wholesome meals, and healthier alternatives for those moments when you fancy something sweet. Debbi even made little treats that were so yummy, yet they were a healthy alternative to what I would usually think of as treats.

What is most inspiring is this isn’t presented as a diet. I’ve done diets in the past and, for me, they always felt like something temporary that you eventually come off. This felt different. It felt more like learning a different relationship with food and understanding why certain choices support your health, energy, inflammation levels, and overall wellbeing.

In just two days I genuinely noticed a difference. I felt lighter, cleaner, more alert, more awake, and I had more energy. I also noticed that the joint pain I had been experiencing was minimal and, in most cases, had disappeared. I could feel the benefit in my body.

Debbi offers more than just information. It’s gentle encouragement, inspiration, and guidance. She gives you the knowledge, explains the science in a way that makes sense, and then leaves the choice with you. There is something incredibly empowering about that approach because it allowed me to make informed decisions for myself rather than feeling pressured into change. Debbi also provides guidance with the food choices, the planning and the preparation to suit your budget and lifestyle.

I’ve already found myself looking at food differently and, inspired by what she shared, I’ve even bought a soup maker so I can start bringing more of these simple, nourishing foods into my own routine.

For me, this is the start of creating new habits and a healthier relationship with food. Through understanding, encouragement, and choice, it feels like the start of something I can sustain rather than it being temporary or a fleeting fad. It feels like something I can genuinely integrate, step by step, into my everyday life.

This most certainly is food for thought.