What is Food for Thought?
Every single thought in your mind serves as a source of mental fuel—propelling you toward your destiny. Okay, got that out. We’re going to do some lifting because today, mental weight training is the soupe de jour.
Thoughts are not just fleeting notions; they are our sustenance. And if thoughts are food, then we’ve already answered one of the oldest existential questions: What came first, the chicken or the egg?
The answer? The chicken.
Why? Because created things don’t begin in a state of transformation; they start as fully realized manifestations of reality. Our thoughts shape the world we most identify with. To tie a bow on the chicken-and-egg theory—before an egg comes into existence, the chicken first envisions itself and then reproduces through that vision. But this is just one perspective (admittedly, I have many) because I enjoy challenging my own theories, and testing them from all angles.
That was just a warm-up. Now, let’s get into the real question: What kind of thought diet creates the world we dream of living in?
A Balanced Mental Nutrition Plan
Contrary to popular belief, a mental diet of only happy, positive thoughts will leave you malnourished. Were you expecting that? Just as our bodies need more than just fruits and vegetables, our minds require a diverse range of thoughts to function optimally.
Let’s break it down:
Vegetables: Thoughts centered on self-improvement and healing.
Fruits: Thoughts that cultivate gratitude and appreciation for the present moment.
Grains: Thoughts about the people we love and care about.
Protein: Thoughts that fuel a powerful and positive future.
Dairy: Thoughts that focus on enhancing our skill sets and growth.
But we don’t just live on food, right? We need hydration. Think of the content you watch as your water—the more positive and thought-provoking it is, the purer and more balanced, like clean, high-pH water that nourishes and sustains you.
Not all thoughts are meant to feel good. That was a shocking realization for me. Ten years ago, I immersed myself in positivity—motivational speeches, good vibes, uplifting sermons—only to find myself burnt out. Why? Because just as a diet consisting solely of fruits and vegetables will eventually leave you weak and depleted, so too will a mental diet devoid of challenge and variety.
The Importance of Variety in Thought
Our brains crave both consistency and variety. A steady stream of positivity is essential, but without contrast, there is no balance—no depth of perspective to advance personal growth.
Here’s what “variety thoughts” can look like:
Checking in with yourself – Allow yourself to fully feel your emotions. Acknowledge them, but don’t let them settle permanently. Just because a feeling visits doesn’t mean it gets to build a house in your mind.
“What If” Course Correction – Use your imagination to visualize the consequences of not pursuing your best self. What happens first? Then what? And after that? Mentally walking through these scenarios provides clarity and motivation.
Spiritual Digging – Self-improvement is a collaborative effort between you and God. Growth often doesn’t feel good, but the discomfort is the best kind—the kind that molds and refines you.
The Power of Scaling Your Thoughts
Unlike food, which we consume a few times a day, thoughts are constant. Studies show that the average person has 60,000 to 80,000 thoughts per day—that’s about 2,500 to 3,300 thoughts per hour!
This is why our choices are critical. A mere 5% of undeserving thoughts may seem insignificant in small doses but scaled up, that equates to over 4,000 negative thoughts per day.
You might ask, “Maria, didn’t you say variety is part of a balanced mental diet?” Yes—but not all thoughts qualify. Some are just mental junk food. Let’s call them Cheeto thoughts—they taste good but provide zero nutritional value.
Examples of Cheeto thoughts:
“Why me?”
“I hate when they…”
“Why did I used to…?”
“I just need [X], and then I’ll be happy.”
No doctor would ever tell you that your diet is lacking Cheetos. The same goes for these thoughts.
Back to the Chicken… all roads, right?
Everything you desire—everything—already exists within a version of you that believes it to be true. It is scientifically impossible to live in a reality inconsistent with the thoughts you consistently hold. Your thoughts align with your reality, and reality responds accordingly.
Our Challenge for This Week
Let’s choose one thought per day and take immediate action on it.
Have fitness goals? Think about your dream body and work out.
Desire a meaningful relationship? Write a letter to that person.
See your dream career? Take a course, or watch a video about it.
Thought. Action. Life. That's our beautiful cycle of growth.
This journey isn’t easy. Trust me—I love hot Cheetos, okay? But your destiny is more important than any fleeting indulgence in undeserving thoughts.
Close your eyes… and imagine a burgundy door with your full name written in glittering gold, the edges glow around the door frame. It’s waiting for you to walk through. Right under your name, there’s a sign hanging. It reads: Welcome home. Behind the door exists, your people, your person, your best life ever. That’s the door you get closer to as you maintain a balanced mental diet.
Until next time,
Maria 🌹
