You’ve heard it: We are what we eat.
But let’s be real – when you’ve got kids clinging to your leg and a work Zoom in 20 minutes, that becomes:
“We are… whatever we can microwave in 90 seconds.”
Still, the truth sticks.
Food affects how we feel.
How we act.
How we parent.
How we function.
And if your toddler’s on a cheddar goldfish rampage while you’re powering through coffee #3… you’re not alone.
🍓 Food = Mood
There’s this old-school wisdom from Ayurveda (an ancient health system) that breaks food into three vibes:
- Sattvik – The good stuff: fresh fruits, veggies, whole foods. These keep you clear, calm, steady.
- Rajasik – Spicy, fried, exciting. Fun in the moment, but maybe not before naptime.
- Tamasik – Heavy, stale, processed. Feels good going down – but you know you’re going to pay for it.
The idea?
Some foods hype you (or your kids) up.
Some slow you down.
Some make you or your kids act like a golden retriever – happy, balanced, and ready to chase a ball.
👨👩👧👦 Feeding your crew (without losing your mind)
This isn’t about going full wellness monk or taking your kid’s fruit snacks away forever.
Start stacking the deck with stuff that helps – foods that support focus, better sleep, and moods that don’t snap like a crocodile.
Try this:
- Smoothie > Pop-Tart
- Real fruit > “fruit snacks”
- Roasted veggies with olive oil > greasy fries
- Cajun spice > alfredo sauce
Not every meal has to be perfect. Just aim for more of the good stuff. Enough to tip the balance.
🧠 What you eat = who you are (kind of)
Food doesn’t just fuel your body—it fuels your patience. Your focus. Your vibe.
Same goes for your kids.
So next time you’re standing in front of the fridge thinking, I’ve got no kiddie snacks left…
Pause.
Then ask:
Who do I want my kids to be right now?
Tired and whiny?
Or calm, clear, and reasonable?
Then feed them something that helps them be that kid.
Simple. Powerful. Real-life doable.
💥 Want to make better food choices without the overwhelm?
Check out our 3-step mini course made for busy parents like you.
[Get it here for $3] and start feeling like yourself again.
— Derek
To your health!
Derek Opperman
Chief Wellness Officer at LifeUP
I help parents reclaim their energy — not just physically, but emotionally too. Because when you feel better, everything in your life lights up: your parenting, your patience, your purpose. My approach is about small changes that ripple out into big transformation.
