Freedom: Rethinking Food This Summer

Healthy eating has improved over the past decade, but optimal nutrition is still something many of us are striving toward. In a fast-paced world full of options, it is easy for nutrition to slide into the background—especially when convenience takes over.

We live in a complex food environment that feels like freedom but often funnels us into routines filled with highly processed, high-fat, low-fiber foods. Many Americans, for example, now eat less fresh fruit than they did 100 years ago. That can be hard to believe, especially if your fridge is overflowing with strawberries, peaches, and blueberries like mine. But it is a reminder that freedom in food choices only works when it is matched with awareness.

The good news? More people are trying to make better food choices. The challenge? Social media is now one of the top sources for nutrition advice, and not all of it is reliable. True food freedom—the kind that helps you feel good in your body and mind—takes more than just “clean eating” trends. It means understanding your own needs, learning how to read labels, shop smart, and prep meals that fit your goals and your lifestyle.

This is where Stacked Intent comes in. Stacked Intent is about layering small, intentional choices that align with your values. This applies to your nutrition as well. Instead of trying to overhaul your diet all at once, you build one intentional habit at a time—like adding one new vegetable to your weekly grocery list, swapping sugary drinks for infused water — I am thoroughly enjoying lemons in my water, or prepping snacks that actually keep you full. These small shifts stack up to create long-term freedom—because you are choosing based on what supports you.

Summer naturally brings a sense of food freedom—cookouts, late-night snacks, iced lattes, and spontaneous ice cream stops. That joy should be celebrated. But sometimes, the “anything goes” mindset can make it easier to ignore what your body truly needs to feel its best.

Even when your plate is full, it can still lack the nutrients that matter most—especially if your days run on caffeine, quick carbs, or ultra-processed foods. This is not about cutting out everything fun or following strict rules. It is about checking in, not checking out. Ask yourself:
Am I fueling my body to feel strong, or just getting through the day?

Micronutrients like iron, magnesium, and B vitamins play a big role in energy, mood, and focus. When levels are low, everything—from workouts to concentration to emotional balance—can feel harder. And because summer gives you a little more flexibility, it is the perfect time to reset. Not with restriction—but with reflection.

So yes, enjoy the treats. I still love a good non-dairy ice cream run. Say yes to the snacks with your friends. And also say yes to learning what truly fuels you. That is food freedom: choosing what helps you feel clear, strong, and supported—physically and emotionally.

Being intentional about what you eat is not about giving up freedom. It is about creating it—with better tools, more knowledge, and the confidence to make choices that are stacked in your favor.

You deserve to feel energized, focused, and balanced—this summer and in every season that follows.