Fueling is one of the core principles of PaceWell. We are dedicated to simplifying wellness through foundational practices. At PaceWell, our goal is to help you reengage with your intuition, empowering you to listen to your body’s needs and respond accordingly. By focusing on fueling, rather than just eating, you can begin to transform your relationship with food. You’ll start to see food as a means to power your day, enhance your life, and support your journey toward optimal health.
When we think about food, it’s easy to get caught up in the latest diet trends, counting calories, or indulging in whatever cravings hit us. But what if we shifted our mindset? What if instead of focusing on what we’re eating, we focused on how we’re fueling our bodies?
Fueling is Nourishment
Fueling your body is about more than just satisfying hunger. It’s about nourishing every cell in your body to create the energy you need—not just to get through the day, but to live a long, healthy life. When we approach food as fuel, we begin to see it differently. It’s no longer just something to consume; it becomes a powerful tool to support our health, energy, and longevity.
Mindset Shift: From Eating to Fueling
Changing how you think about food can transform your health. Rather than asking, “What do I feel like eating?” try asking, “What does my body need to function at its best today?” This subtle shift in mindset can help you make choices that support sustained energy and overall well-being. Fueling is about thinking strategically—considering how what you eat impacts your energy levels, mental clarity, and physical performance, not just today, but for years to come.
My mindset shift into this concept occurred while training for a long-distance triathlon, where at its peak, I was training for up to 20 hours a week. This was in addition to my responsibilities as a parent and my professional duties. I realized I had a training plan that I followed, and that in order to successfully complete it, I needed a fueling plan to support my energy expenditure and performance. I began seeing the items in my refrigerator and on my plate as vitamins, minerals, and nutrients—salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which support brain health and help reduce inflammation, crucial for recovery after intense training. Blueberries are packed with antioxidants that help reduce inflammation and fiber to maintain proper gut health. Spinach is another powerful antioxidant and a source of iron, which carries oxygen to the blood to support my legs for running and biking, as well as magnesium, a natural muscle relaxer. When you see food for what it provides to your body and not just as something you enjoy, your relationship with food shifts, and a new appreciation for how our body uses food for fuel emerges.
Hydration and Supplementation: Essential Components
While what we eat is crucial, what we drink is equally important in supporting our body’s needs. Fueling your body isn’t just about solid food. Hydration plays a crucial role in how our bodies function. Water is essential for digestion, nutrient absorption, and overall cellular health. Staying hydrated helps your body process the nutrients you take in, keeps your skin healthy, and ensures that your body can perform at its best.
But hydration isn’t just about drinking enough water. Electrolytes are also key to maintaining proper hydration and overall health. Electrolytes, such as sodium, potassium, and magnesium, are minerals that help balance the fluids in your body, regulate nerve and muscle function, and maintain acid-base balance. They are especially important during periods of intense physical activity or when you’re exposed to heat, as they help prevent dehydration and maintain optimal performance.
In this way, electrolytes can be seen as part of your overall supplementation strategy. Just as you might take a vitamin or mineral supplement to fill in dietary gaps, ensuring you have adequate electrolytes is crucial for maintaining the delicate balance your body needs to function optimally. Water is my primary beverage, and I make sure to drink plenty throughout the day. Even on days when I’m not exercising, I add electrolytes to my water. Sodium helps the body retain water, calcium is great for your bones, potassium helps regulate blood pressure, and magnesium is essential for proper muscle and nerve function.
Fueling for Optimal Health
Ultimately, fueling your body is about striving for optimal health. It’s about making choices that support your well-being, not just for today, but for a lifetime. It’s about being intentional with your nourishment, recognizing that what you put into your body has a direct impact on your energy levels, your health, and your quality of life.
Have a Happy, Healthy Day!
-Lauren Ramsey, Founder, PaceWell
P.S. If you want to learn about the other core principles of PaceWell, check out these blogs!
The Importance of Moving: Embracing Everyday Motion
Recovering: The Foundation for Rejuvenation and Longevity
