How Aromatherapy Freed Me From My Love-Hate Relationship With Food

Hey y’all,

The Olympics are in full swing! I’m still shook about how badass Paris’s Olympic Ceremony was—romance! Louis Vuitton! don’t forget we’re the home of the ménage à trois! Mona Lisa! the minions are French?! Celine Dion!

It was magical. Apparently some people are mad about it, but they can stay mad. Celine Dion and Lady Gaga were my favorite parts. Can Gaga do no wrong? Her French was giving, and I was enamored by the subtlety of the props and how much impact they had on the performance. Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta gave us choreo, red lip, and vocals—the mic was on!

And Celine?! Don’t get me started. She hasn’t performed live in over three years due to her battle with stiff person syndrome, but she came out that night like a wrecking ball. I’m not a diehard Celine fan, but as the performance went on, the goosebumps on my skin were up and stuck. You can tell how proud she was to be able to achieve what some may call the performance of a lifetime.

I’m tuned in and ready for our girls Simone Biles, Coco Gauff, and Sha’Carri Richardson, amongst all the other powerhouse Black women, to pop out and show the Olympics how it’s done.

This Week’s Story

I’m the furthest thing from a picky eater. I have a handful of things that I absolutely do not like (olives, mushrooms—why), but in certain circumstances I may eat them if they’re part of something I love (pizza, burgers—yes). This week’s author, Millicent Zighe from Kenya, shares how her picky eating habits have taken over her life in a way that has affected her social, physical, and mental health. What did she do to overcome this? Aromatherapy.

Take care,

Anayo Awuzie
EIC of Carefree Mag

I Got Over My Picky Eating Habits Through Aromatherapy

Food is a powerful tool in society, serving as a source of joy and happiness. Its more than nourishment. Our connection with food begins in the womb, where we start to develop preferences that continue to shape our palettes well into adulthood.

While we possess the power to choose what we consume, it's important to recognize that not all foods are beneficial for our bodies. Similarly, not all eating habits contribute to overall well-being. Despite consistent advice from nutritionists to adopt healthy eating habits, many still find it challenging to do so, myself included. This struggle is a battle that I know all too well. 

Over the years, I have had a love-hate relationship with food, a journey that began in childhood. As a toddler, I exhibited a sensitive palate, often being quite selective about what I would eat. Initially, my parents dismissed this as typical childhood behavior, considering that many kids go through a phase of being picky eaters at some point in their development. Little did they know that this habit would progress into adulthood and I would become a notoriously fussy eater.

With the habit deeply ingrained, this meant the list of foods I deemed acceptable was short, and anything outside my preferred choices was met with a resounding "no." This selective approach to meals not only limited my nutritional intake but also hindered social experiences centered around food. I avoided social events and gatherings that involved food and often felt uncomfortable and anxious about attending such events. In addition, I faced a lot of criticism and judgment from my family members and friends who didn’t fully grasp the reasons behind this terrible habit. 

As I grew older, the desire to break free from these shackles became more apparent, leading me to explore ways to curb this behavior. Frustration led me down various paths, from trying new diets to cooking experiments, but nothing seemed to shake the habit. It wasn't just about being selective, it was about breaking free from the monotony and experiencing the joy of different flavors that seemed forever out of reach. My diet lacked variety, and I knew it was affecting my overall health. Determined to make a change, I sought the help of a nutritionist who specialized in overcoming food aversions.

During our first session, my nutritionist, Naledi, took the time to understand the root causes of my picky eating habits. She didn't just focus on the nutritional aspect, she looked into the psychological and sensory aspects of my relationship with food. Together, we identified that my aversions were rooted in sensory sensitivities, making certain textures and smells unbearable for me.

This is where aromatherapy entered the picture. Naledi suggested incorporating essential oils into my daily routine to help desensitize my aversion to certain smells. The idea was to create positive associations with new scents, gradually making me more open to new flavors.

I began my aromatherapy journey with a carefully curated selection of essential oils. Peppermint for its freshness, lavender for its calming aroma, cinnamon oil, and lemon oil for their uplifting scents. Naledi recommended diffusers, candles, and even scented oils to use in cooking.

The process wasn't an instant fix. It required patience and consistency. Each day, I would expose myself to a new scent while incorporating a corresponding food into my meals. The goal was to build a positive relationship with food through scents.

The breakthrough came when I paired a citrus aroma with a dish that included a variety of colorful vegetables. As I inhaled the scent, I took a brave bite. To my surprise, the combination of the aroma and the flavors on my palate was a game changer. It was a moment of excitement, a realization that I could use the same tactic to enjoy different foods.

Over time, I experimented with different aromas and flavors such as oregano oil, and clove oil. As I embraced the newfound joy of culinary exploration, my once picky palate transformed into an adventurous one. The journey wasn't just about overcoming picky eating it was a testament to the power of aromatherapy and the guidance of my skilled nutritionist.

Today, I find joy in trying different cuisines, experimenting with bold flavors, and appreciating the unique aromas in every dish. Aromatherapy became the bridge that connected me to a world of culinary wonders, and with Naledi's support, I not only conquered my picky eating habits but embraced a healthier lifestyle.