Getting OUT of Your Comfort Zone With Food

Let’s get real for a minute: change doesn’t happen in the comfort zone.

That might be a hard truth, especially when it comes to our food. But if you’re on a journey to feel better, reduce inflammation, or simply eat in a way that supports your body—not just your cravings—you’re going to have to challenge what’s familiar.

So let me ask you…

Where is your comfort zone?

Is it the daily Diet Coke you swear you “need” to function?
Is it the family casserole recipe that uses canned soup and processed cheese?
Is it skipping breakfast altogether because that’s just how you’ve always done it?

These habits might feel comforting—but they may also be keeping you stuck.

Trying new ingredients, adjusting recipes, cutting back on sugar, swapping out oils—it can feel uncomfortable at first. You might miss the old flavors. Your family might complain. You might mess up a recipe or two.

But that discomfort? That’s you building a new muscle.

It’s just like starting a workout. The first time you try it, it’s awkward. You’re sore. You question everything. But you come back. You try again. And before you know it, you’re stronger.

Healthy eating works the same way.

Each small action—
Swapping Diet Coke for sparkling water with lime.
Choosing avocado oil instead of canola.
Making grandma’s famous dish with real food upgrades—
…it all builds over time.

One of the biggest traps I see is assuming that because something is “homemade” or “how we’ve always done it,” it must be good for us.

But the truth is, many of our family recipes and food habits were built in a time when ingredient quality wasn’t a priority—and when processed, shelf-stable shortcuts were sold as kitchen miracles.

It doesn’t mean we throw away tradition. It means we evolve it.

We can keep the comfort of those meals… but give them an upgrade.

And yes, it may feel strange at first. But that’s where beautiful change begins.

This is the part no one talks about:
That feeling of being unsure in the kitchen, of questioning your go-to snacks, of not knowing what to eat at first—it’s normal.
It’s also temporary.

The more you practice the discomfort, the more it becomes second nature.

  • You begin craving how good your body feels.
  • You reach for real food without overthinking.
  • You build a rhythm that supports your energy, your hormones, your digestion—everything.

But you have to be willing to start. Even if it’s messy. Even if no one else in your house gets it yet.


If you’ve been thinking about making some changes, or maybe you’ve started and feel a little stuck—come join me inside The Healthy Hub.

This is where I open up my kitchen, show you what I’m making, and help you take small steps toward a healthier plate—without perfection, without overwhelm.

You’ll find healthy tips, support, and women just like you stepping out of the comfort zone and into something so much better.


Want to learn how to cook more meals that actually support your energy, gut, and hormones—without cutting all the joy out of food?

Introducing…

Kitchen Culture cooking class is all about simple, anti-inflammatory treats you’ll actually want to make again. My next Kitchen Culture class is coming up, and it’s the perfect place to learn with me in real time.

Come join me for the next Kitchen Culture class, where we make real meals that taste good and support how we want to feel. 

👉 Save your seat here

Change starts in the kitchen—but it transforms your whole life. Let’s take the first step together.

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I’m Shelley Loving, a home cook who healed through food. Now I share simple, delicious recipes and kitchen tips to help you cook with more confidence.

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