The Pablo Diaries

Unlearning the Past, Nourishing the Future

One of my earliest childhood memories is sitting in my Aunts dining room in Puerto Rico, unable to leave until I had finished every bite of food on my plate. I was often reminded that there were children in Africa who went hungry, and that I needed to eat on their behalf. While I can appreciate the intent behind that lesson, it wasn’t a realistic expectation especially considering the large portions I was served.

As I grew into my teenage years and early twenties, my relationship with food was shaped by indulgence and ease. With a fast metabolism on my side, I rarely thought about the long-term effects, food was simply something to enjoy in the moment. But now, in my mid-thirties, I’m beginning to see the deeper imprint those years have left behind.

This journey has shown me that our connection to food runs deeper than hunger or taste. It’s often tied to moments from our past, some joyful, some complicated. Many of us carry childhood memories that quietly guide how we eat today. And while we can’t go back and change those early experiences, we do have the power to shape what comes next.

It starts with small, thoughtful steps, like learning to stop when we’re comfortably full, or simply paying attention to portion sizes. These gentle shifts can transform how we relate to food, from something we battle with to something we care for ourselves through.

A big part of my growth has been making sure my children have a healthier relationship with food than I had. In our home, I don’t enforce the “clean your plate” rule. Instead, I encourage them to listen to their bodies, to recognize the difference between hunger and fullness, and to stop when they feel satisfied rather than obligated. I also try to model balance by showing them that all foods can be enjoyed in moderation, without guilt or restriction. My hope is that these lessons will follow them into adulthood, giving them a foundation of mindful eating and self-awareness.

In this way, I’m not just breaking old patterns for myself, I’m creating a healthier legacy for my children as well.

And more than anything, I’ve realized that choosing better, for our bodies, our minds, and our habits, isn’t just about us. It’s about being around longer, more present, and more whole for the people we love. A healthier version of ourselves means we’re better able to show up for those who count on us most. And that, above all, is a legacy worth building.

I’d love to hear from you, what childhood experiences have shaped your relationship with food? And how are you working to heal, grow, or break those cycles?

Are you making these changes just for yourself, or are you planting seeds of change for your family, too?

Your stories matter, and I’d be honored to read them. Together, we can continue learning, healing, and building something better, for ourselves and for those we love.

With warmth and gratitude,

Stay well and stay blessed.