Three weeks alone on the Camino de Santiago taught me more about food than I expected.
When I set out to walk across Spain back in 2019, I thought I’d learn about endurance, solitude, maybe even spirituality. What I didn’t anticipate was how much it would shift my relationship with something as ordinary, and as sacred, as a meal.
Most of my days were spent walking in silence. Just me, the path, and my thoughts. But every now and then, I’d meet someone whose presence lingered long after we parted ways. One of those people was Dorian.
Dorian had been walking for six months, all the way from Poland. He wasn’t just crossing physical terrain, he was moving through something deeply internal. There was a quietness to him, like he moved slower on purpose. Before every meal, he would sit, close his eyes, and check in with himself. He didn’t say a quick thank you. He paused, scanned his body, and took a moment to feel present and grateful for what he was about to eat. It was simple, but deeply intentional.
I didn’t realize how much that ritual would stay with me. Ever since, I’ve made it a habit to pause before dinner, even on my busiest days. I reflect on where my food came from, the people who helped create it, and the nourishment it gives me. That small moment has become one of the most grounding parts of my day.
To me, this is what it means to eat with intention. It’s not about being perfect, or sticking to rigid health rules. It’s about awareness. About choosing meals that feel aligned with your body, your values, your energy.
For me, that means food grown responsibly, meals that support local farms and sustainable practices, and dishes that make me feel alive and connected. It’s about slowing down enough to enjoy the food in front of me, and remembering that eating is more than a transaction, it’s a relationship.
So this June, I’m returning to that idea: eating with intention. If life feels rushed or off-balance, maybe try a pause. One breath before a bite. One moment of gratitude. Let that be enough.
Because food isn’t just fuel. It’s one of the most personal, powerful choices we make every day. And sometimes, a small shift in how we eat can lead to a bigger shift in how we live.
