Watch What You’re Feeding Yourself
By Kateb Nuri-Alim Shunnar
You ever find yourself just grabbing whatever’s right in front of you? Like, you’re not really thinking, just snacking on chips, scrolling through social media, or letting people dump their problems on you for the hundredth time? I mean, we all do it. We’re constantly consuming stuff—food, news, other people’s drama—and half the time, we don’t even realize what we’re letting in. It’s like, “Eh, it’s just one more episode,” or “It’s just a snack,” or “It’s just one text from that friend who always brings chaos.” But have you ever stopped and asked, “What am I actually feeding myself?”
It’s wild how we’re drawn to stuff that’s not good for us. Like, you see that perfectly golden burger or a slice of cake, and it’s practically calling your name. Or you scroll through someone’s Instagram, and their life looks perfect—better than yours, anyway. So you take a bite, you scroll a little more, and next thing you know, you’re feeling lousy. It’s that quick fix that never fixes anything, you know? We’re drawn in by stuff that looks good, feels good, or makes us forget about our mess for a while, but then we’re left with the same old empty feeling.
This got real for me recently when I ended up with the worst case of food poisoning. Seriously, it humbled me big time. I’m talking stomach cramps like someone’s twisting you up inside, and you’re glued to the toilet for days. Sleep? Forget about it. And solid food? That was out of the question. It was like a full-on war zone, and it really made me stop and think about what I’ve been feeding myself—literally and metaphorically. Because it wasn’t just some bad meal; it was a wake-up call. Like, what else am I letting into my life that’s messing me up without even realizing it?
We’re all consuming things constantly—what we eat, watch, listen to, even the people we hang out with. It’s like grocery shopping when you’re starving; you just grab whatever looks good, and you end up with a cart full of junk. Then, when you get home, you’re like, “What am I even supposed to do with all this?” There’s no real substance there, just a bunch of stuff that looked good in the moment but leaves you feeling unsatisfied.
And let’s be real: it’s not always obvious what’s good or bad for us. Sometimes, the stuff that looks the best on the outside is rotten on the inside. I mean, have you ever met someone who seemed like the perfect friend or partner, only to realize later that they were nothing but drama and toxicity? Or picked up a habit because it seemed cool or because everyone else was doing it, only to find it was dragging you down? That’s how it happens. We consume without thinking because something looks easy, comforting, or fun, and we end up paying the price.
It’s not just about food or people, though. What about all the other stuff we take in without even noticing? The endless scrolling, the mindless TV, the news that gets us all riled up? We don’t think of it as consumption, but it’s all going in. And just like eating junk food every day, it adds up and starts to weigh us down. It clogs up our minds, messes with our emotions, and leaves our spirits feeling heavy.
It’s funny how we’ll read labels on food but won’t bother to check what we’re feeding our minds and souls. Like, when’s the last time you took a good look at what you’re really consuming? Not just the calories, but the vibes, the energy, the ideas? I think a lot of us, me included, don’t always stop to ask, “Is this really good for me? Is this lifting me up, or is it just numbing me out?”
Sometimes, we consume things because we’re looking for an escape or a quick fix. We think if we eat this, watch that, or spend time with this person, it’ll make everything better—even if just for a moment. But the truth is, it’s all just a Band-Aid. It’s like slapping some paint on a wall when there’s mold underneath. It might look better for a minute, but it’s not fixing the problem. We keep reaching for the easy stuff, the shiny stuff, because it’s right there. But deep down, we know it’s not what we really need.
So, how do we start feeding ourselves better? Not just with food, but with everything? I think it starts with slowing down a bit and being more intentional. It’s about asking yourself, “Is this nourishing me, or is it just filling up space?” And it’s hard because the junk is everywhere and it’s so easy to grab. But we have to start making choices that feed our souls, not just our cravings. It’s choosing the real conversation over the gossip, the quiet time over the endless scroll, the genuine connection over the superficial stuff.
And look, I’m not saying I’ve got it all figured out. I still catch myself reaching for the easy stuff—the comfort food, the quick distractions. But I’m learning that the things that really feed me, the things that make me feel alive and connected, are usually the simplest. A walk outside, a deep conversation, a few moments of quiet with the Creator. Those are the things that actually fill me up in a way that lasts.
At the end of the day, we’re not just what we eat or what we buy; we’re what we consume in every part of our lives. And if we’re not careful, we’ll end up with a life full of stuff that doesn’t truly satisfy. So, maybe it’s time we start treating our souls like we’re supposed to treat our bodies, paying attention to what we let in and making sure it’s actually good for us. Because what we consume shapes us, and we deserve to be shaped by the things that bring us closer to the Creator, to each other, and to the best versions of ourselves.
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