I have been a student of the University of Gastronomic Sciences, and hence a SlowFood cadet, for a few years in my past. And during those times I have been brainwashed on everything that regards good, clean and just food. A beautiful concept but one that is still too far to easily be understood in its full sense. What is good food for us? How can we really have certainty that is clean? And especially, what the heck does it mean it’s just?

Choosing a Purposeful Relationship with Food

When it comes to food, most of us fall into one of two categories: we either eat to survive or we eat to thrive. For us aiming to optimize performance, mental clarity, and overall health, eating to thrive is a powerful choice. By understanding how different foods affect our minds and bodies, we unlock new potential, tapping into a higher level of productivity and energy.

I experienced this shift firsthand. By aligning my eating habits with my goals and physiological needs, I noticed a significant improvement in focus, energy, and even mood. Rather than viewing food as a mundane necessity, I began to see it as a partner in my pursuit of performance and personal growth. This shift in mindset is available to anyone willing to make a conscious change. Food can become a powerful ally in your personal and professional success.

The Pitfalls of Our Current Food System

Our current food system prioritizes convenience and profitability over health, resulting in nutrient-depleted foods that are often far from their original, natural state.

Industrialized farming practices have led to a dramatic decline in the nutritional quality of produce, with today’s fruits and vegetables containing a fraction of the vitamins and minerals they once did (I wrote a dedicated article about this some weeks ago).

But even the traditional ways of eating, while more aligned with nature, aren’t perfect, at least not anymore. The myth of the Mediterranean diet or Japanese one where eating lean fish and carbs so often is no longer suitable for our lifestyle. Carbs are making us crave for them (we will discuss these in a dedicated series of articles later) and fish is so full of micro-plastics and heavy metals that no well-updated and documented nutritionist should be suggesting them with the frequency they currently do.

Biohacking and Scientific Insights into Nutrition

With recent advances in nutritional science, we’re now able to personalize our diets in ways that maximize health, energy, and mental clarity. Approaches like the Bulletproof Diet, low-sugar, high-fat eating, and anti-inflammatory foods have shown promising results in improving physical and mental performance.

Biohacking—using data-driven, science-based strategies to optimize our bodies—can provide insight into which foods best support our individual needs. From genomic studies to blood tests, we now have access to an array of methods to better understand how our bodies respond to different nutrients. While biohacking can seem complex, even simple changes, like reducing sugar or increasing healthy fats, can lead to meaningful improvements in energy and focus. If you are interested in exploring further, then working with professionals who have a clear future-proof and longevity mindset is the best way to gain a deeper understanding of what diet best suits your body.

Personalized Nutrition: Moving from “One Size Fits All” to “Specific Tips to Specific People”

The idea of a universal diet doesn’t hold up well under scrutiny. Each of us has unique health needs, preferences, and metabolic profiles, which means that personalized nutrition offers far greater potential for improving health outcomes and performance. Rather than sticking to a single, rigid plan, a “specific diet to specific profile types” approach encourages us to choose foods and eating patterns that align with our specific goals, seasonal changes, and overall lifestyle.

Consider the analogy of switching tires for different seasons. Just as we adjust our equipment to match environmental conditions, our diet should reflect our body’s changing needs throughout the year (or even month if you are a woman with a regular menstrual cycle). Incorporating seasonal ingredients, adjusting macronutrient ratios, and selecting foods based on current goals allows us to tailor our nutrition to what best supports our health at any given time.

Taking Control of Our Food Sources

One of the most empowering actions you can take in your relationship with food is regaining control over its source. Eating locally where possible, knowing your producers, and sourcing high-quality ingredients are simple yet impactful ways to ensure the food we consume is safe, nutrient-rich, and supports a sustainable ecosystem. When local options aren’t available, we can leverage online resources to find quality spices, oils, and supplements to enhance our meals.

Cooking at home is another powerful way to control our diet’s quality. Contrary to popular belief, cooking doesn’t have to be a complex, time-consuming task. With basic kitchen tools and appliances—like a blender for homemade nuts butter or a dehydrator for snacks—we can prepare nutritious foods with minimal effort, avoiding processed ingredients and harmful additives. As we build these habits, we become more confident in our ability to fuel ourselves in ways that support optimal health and performance.

Building Food as a Performance Habit

Ultimately, our relationship with food isn’t a static choice but a dynamic habit that requires ongoing practice and commitment.

So, consider the first step you can take today to transform your approach to food. Whether it’s choosing to cook one more meal at home, sourcing from a local farmer, or exploring a high-fat, low-sugar approach, every step brings you closer to a healthier, more empowered life. Have you experienced a positive change by tweaking your diet? Share your journey in the comments below, and let’s keep building a community dedicated to health and resilience through food.