“Comfort, Casts, and Chicken Cutlets: My Journey With Food in a Broken System”

I’ve had a complicated relationship with food for as long as I can remember.

Growing up with arthrogryposis, I spent much of my childhood recovering from surgeries or in casts. I watched other kids run, jump, and play while I sat still — healing, hurting, and waiting. While others turned to sports or physical activities to release energy and emotions, I turned to food. It became my comfort, my escape, and my reward when so much else was out of reach.

I still remember those family dinners — clear as day. My mom would make the most delicious chicken cutlets, mashed potatoes, and a fresh salad. Food was always served family-style — big bowls in the middle of the table, no measuring, no guilt, just love and second helpings. I always wanted more mashed potatoes. It felt like warmth and safety in a world where my body often felt like a battleground.

But as I got older, the comfort of food became more complicated. My body never “caught up” or got easier to live in, and weight became another layer of struggle. I didn’t just feel trapped by my condition — I felt trapped by my cravings, my habits, and the way our culture feeds us lies through convenience and chemicals.

Today, as a wife and a mom to four growing boys, I try so hard to do things differently. We make almost everything from scratch. We’ve stopped putting food in the middle of the table and started plating portions intentionally. We aim for fresh meals by 6 p.m. sharp because football practice ends at 5:30 and my boys come home starving.

But it’s hard. It’s so hard.

Because even when you try to cook clean, avoid processed food, and make time — the system is working against you. Our food supply is full of preservatives, hidden sugars, inflammatory oils, and ingredients most of us can’t even pronounce. Then, when we get sick from it all — the pharmaceutical industry steps in to “help”… and the cycle continues. Make us sick, then medicate us, then sell us more.

I hear people talk all the time about how they feel amazing when they travel to Italy, Greece, or even parts of South America — where food is fresh, minimally processed, and more lovingly prepared. But the second they return to the U.S., the bloating, inflammation, and fatigue creep back in. I believe them — because I feel it too.

So where do we go from here?

I’m not sure I have all the answers, but I know this:

We can start by being aware — reading labels, cooking at home when we can, and supporting local food when it’s available. We can teach our kids what real food is — not by preaching, but by showing. We can speak up, even when it feels like no one’s listening. And we can give ourselves grace. Because this isn’t just a willpower issue. It’s emotional, systemic, and deeply personal.

For me, this blog is part of breaking the cycle. I don’t want to stay silent anymore about the things that have held me back — physically or emotionally. If you’re stuck in the same circle, please know you’re not alone. And if you’ve found a way out, I’d love to hear your story.

💬 Let’s Keep This Conversation Going

Have you struggled with food, weight, or navigating our broken food system?

Do you have tips for making healthy meals while juggling family and life?

Drop a comment below, share your story, or message me directly.

And if this post speaks to you, please share it with someone else who might need to hear it.

We’re stronger when we stop pretending everything’s fine — and start being real together. 💛