When we think of food, our minds often jump straight to what’s on our plate. As multidimensional beings, we are nourished by much more than just the food we eat. Our health and well-being are influenced by various aspects of our lives—some of which have nothing to do with what’s on our plate. These aspects can be categorized into two types of “foods”: primary foods and secondary foods. Let’s explore what they are and how they play a role in our health.


What are Primary Foods?

Primary foods are the essential elements of life that nourish us in ways that food on our plate simply can’t. There are twelve key areas of primary food: creativity, finances, career, education, health, physical activity, home cooking, home environment, relationships, social life, joy, and spirituality. These facets are vital contributors to our happiness, fulfillment, and overall well-being.

Think about a time when you were truly happy. Maybe you were surrounded by loved ones, doing work that you were passionate about, or simply enjoying a peaceful moment in nature. During these times, you likely felt “full” in a way that had nothing to do with food.

Here’s how primary foods might show up in your life:

• Creativity: Spending a few minutes each day journaling, doodling, or playing a musical instrument, allowing yourself to unwind and express yourself without judgment. 

• Finances: Feeling secure and stress-free because you’ve established a budget, set up auto-payments, are saving for future goals, or have paid off debt, giving you peace of mind.

• Career: Experiencing a sense of fulfillment and purpose in your job because it aligns with your passions and values, making work feel rewarding rather than draining.

• Education: Pursuing a new course, workshop, or self-study that stimulates your mind and personal growth, keeping you curious and engaged in learning.

• Health: Practicing self-care, and making lifestyle choices that support your physical well-being, leading to a vibrant and energetic life.

• Physical Activity: Finding movement that feels good for you, brings you joy, and makes you feel alive. It could be through activities like yoga, dancing, or hiking, which not only get you moving, but also boost your mood and relieve stress. 

• Home Cooking: Preparing meals at home with whole, fresh ingredients, allowing you to connect with the food you eat and create nutrient-dense dishes that fuel your body and soul.

• Home Environment: Creating a living space that feels like a sanctuary, whether through decluttering, adding personal touches, or incorporating elements like plants and natural light that make you feel calm and at peace. 

• Relationships: Building strong, supportive connections with loved ones who uplift you, provide companionship, and add richness to your life.

• Social Life: Engaging in social activities that bring you joy and a sense of belonging, whether it’s attending gatherings, joining clubs, or simply spending quality time with friends.

• Joy: Prioritizing activities that bring you happiness and laughter, such as spending time with pets, watching your favorite shows, or engaging in spontaneous fun, reminding yourself to enjoy the simple pleasures in life.

• Spirituality: Practicing meditation, prayer, or other spiritual rituals that help you connect with a higher purpose, providing a deep sense of peace and fulfillment.


What are Secondary Foods?

Secondary foods are what we typically think of as “food”—the meals and snacks we consume to fuel our bodies. While these are obviously important for our physical health, they’re called “secondary” because they support our well-being, but don’t necessarily drive it.

The idea is that when your primary foods are in balance, you’re less likely to rely on secondary foods to fill the gaps. For example, if you’re feeling lonely or stressed, you might reach for comfort food. But if your relationships are strong and your stress is managed, you might not have that same craving.


How do Primary and Secondary Foods work together?

Imagine your life as a plate. If your primary foods are abundant and satisfying, your plate is full, and you’re less likely to make unhealthy food choices. But if your primary foods are lacking, you might try to fill that emptiness with secondary foods—often leading to overeating or choosing foods that don’t serve your health.

For instance, a fulfilling job and happy relationships might mean you feel less need to indulge in sweets to feel good. On the other hand, if you’re feeling unfulfilled at work, you might find yourself reaching for that extra cookie to compensate.


Finding balance

The key to a healthy, happy life is balancing both primary and secondary foods.
Here’s how you can start:

• Assess your primary foods: Take some time to reflect on all of the areas we explored above. Are there areas where you feel nourished? Are there areas where you feel lacking?

• Make small changes: Start with small, manageable changes to improve your primary foods. Maybe that means reconnecting with an old friend, finding a new hobby, or setting aside time each day for a spiritual practice.

• Listen to your body: Pay attention to how your food cravings might be linked to your primary foods. Are you reaching for snacks when you’re bored, stressed, or lonely? Understanding these connections can help you make more mindful food choices.

• Eat the rainbow: When it comes to secondary foods, focus on whole, vibrant, unprocessed foods that support your overall health. 


Remember, it’s all connected. Nourishment isn’t just about what’s on your plate—it’s about how you feel in your everyday life. When you nourish your life with love, purpose, and joy, the food on your plate becomes a complement to your already full and vibrant life. If you need support in finding this balance, I’m here to guide you every step of the way! 


💛 Gaëlle, Health & Wellness Coach