Food Isn’t the Enemy: Intuitive Eating Talk Resonates at LCCC

Ryan Gillott | Writer

Photo Credit: Ryan Gillott

“If a doctor gave you medication with a 95% chance of it not working, would you still take it?” Megan Luybil, MS, RDN, LDN, owner and registered dietitian at A Soft Place to Land, asked attendees.

Megan Luybil presented the “Intuitive Eating and Mental Well-Being” workshop during LCCC’s Spring 2025 Nourish to Flourish, held April 8 to 10 at all three campuses. 

Luybil’s workshop focused on intuitive eating and diet culture.

Luybil offered the following tips:

• Pair snacks like pretzels and cheese to get both protein and carbs.

• Don’t view convenience foods, like frozen or fast foods, as only “bad” — they have their place.

• Follow social media accounts that make you feel positive about yourself.

She also shared key information:

• The BMI system is based on white European men and does not accurately reflect other populations.

• “Dietitian” is a protected term requiring credentials, while “nutritionist” is not — potentially making it risky to follow advice from unqualified individuals.

• There is no strong proof that body weight is correlated to chronic illnesses.

Some attendees think this information is useful for future health choices.

“She gave us some great tips and some knowledge that I didn’t think about or know,” said Tina Dowling-Hackett, a LCCC college relations staff member.

Other attendees gained mental solace in their body and food choices. 

“What I took away from today was to be a little bit less judgmental about body positivity and also to be more body positive for myself,” said Peter Gerregano, a current student.

This is the second year of Nourish to Flourish workshops.

“What we’re trying to do is just build an awareness of different kinds of healthy ways of eating, but also how it impacts mental health,” said Elizabeth Rivera, M.A., Community Resources and Basic Needs Specialist at LCCC.

Information about future Nourish to Flourish events could be found in the student newsletter, social media, and flyers around campus.

If you want to learn more about intuitive eating, visit asoftplacetolandllc.com.