Most of us go through phases with the role food plays in our lives. In our teens, we eat junk or whatever we can get our hands on when our parents aren’t looking. We have almost no regard for nutrition. It’s all about taste. Food is fun. In our 20’s, with college life and small post-college budgets, we eat cheap food to survive. And, then we hit our 30’s & 40’s and finally start to appreciate food for its nutritional and enjoyment values, and we begin to go out for fine meals or learn to cook at home. That means this appreciation for cuisine kicks in JUST in time for pregnancy, post-pregnancy, metabolism change, and hormone fluctuation. Perfect, right!? Ugh. So, how can we now (for lack of better a term) “have our cake and eat it too?” How can we eat what we want without obsessing over gaining a pound or two? I feel like, with a lot of fluctuation and failure, I am finding balance and peace with food. Now, before you remind me that I’m thin and food shouldn’t be an issue for me, I hear you. First of all, it is an issue for me. I gain and lose weight just like anyone based on what I eat and my lifestyle. And I have insecurities and discomfort with my body just like anyone – both how it looks and feels at times. This post is my way to share my grounding food principles with you (and to remind myself of them!). I call it my True North.