The curious connection between food and work

Improve your relationships to both by taking the same approach

By Zoe Bingley-Pullin

Improve your relationships to both by taking the same approach

By Zoe Bingley-Pullin

Previous article Why mid-life investing can make all the difference (especially for women)

Next article Meet the leaders: Sussan Ley MP

When we think about food, many of us imagine the need to control or restrict. We focus on avoiding the “bad” and are often overwhelmed by the pressure to be perfect. But what if we approached our food choices—and our work—differently? What if we embraced curiosity as the foundation for building a healthier relationship with both?

Curiosity has the power to shift our mindset, turning food and work into opportunities for exploration and joy. Instead of worrying about what we shouldn’t be doing, we can open ourselves up to what we can discover, learn and enjoy. This is the key to building a sustainable and positive relationship with both food and work.

Why curiosity works: reframing our approaches

Curiosity, at its core, is about asking questions and seeking new experiences. It moves us away from judgment and rigidity and instead invites us to explore, learn and enjoy the process. When we apply this mindset to food, it allows us to let go of restrictive dieting and instead embrace the joy of discovering new flavours, ingredients and cooking techniques. It’s no longer about avoiding certain foods—it’s about exploring what makes us feel good.

Similarly, in our work lives, curiosity can be a game changer. Instead of approaching tasks with a sense of dread or obligation, curiosity invites us to ask: How can I make this more enjoyable? What’s an interesting way to approach this challenge? Curiosity reframes work from something to avoid or push through, to something we can engage with, learn from and grow within.

Key hacks for harnessing curiosity

Ask questions: When you approach food, ask yourself: What does this meal have to offer me? What new flavours, textures or benefits could I explore today? Similarly, with work, inquire: What can I learn from this task? How can I find meaning in what I’m doing?
Experiment and explore: In the kitchen, be open to trying new ingredients or cooking methods. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes—curiosity thrives in an environment of trial and error. In your career, try tackling tasks in new ways. Experiment with how you organise your day, how you approach meetings or how you engage with your colleagues. You may find a sense of excitement in unexpected places.
Focus on the process, not just the outcome: Too often, we are focused on results. We want to eat the “perfect” meal or finish a project flawlessly. But curiosity is about embracing the process—the learning, the experimentation and the discovery. Enjoy the journey rather than fixating on the end result, whether in food or in your work.
Practice mindfulness: In both food and work, being present is key. Notice the colours, smells and textures of the food you’re eating. Engage fully with the task at hand, and allow your curiosity to guide you to new insights. Mindfulness helps us truly savour both the food we eat and the work we do, allowing us to find more joy and satisfaction in everyday activities.

The power of reframing: making a difference in our lives

Reframing our relationship with food and work through curiosity can make all the difference. It moves us away from a mindset of restriction and dread, and instead opens the door to discovery, joy and personal growth. By embracing curiosity, we allow ourselves to engage fully with the things that nourish us, whether that’s a nutritious meal or a challenging project at work.

When we stop focusing on what we’re trying to avoid and start focusing on what we can learn, we open ourselves up to a world of possibilities. We improve our relationship with food, we find meaning in our work and we make lasting, positive changes in our lives.

The first step to improving your relationship with food and work is simple: embrace curiosity. Whether you’re exploring new ingredients, trying a new recipe or tackling a new work challenge, curiosity will guide you toward a deeper understanding and appreciation of both.

So, take a deep breath, open your mind and get curious. There’s so much to discover and the journey will make all the difference.

Zoe Bingley-Pullin is one of Australia’s most trusted nutritionists – a chef, author and media personality with more than 20 years of experience in the wellness industry.

Zoe has authored three books; Eat Taste Nourish, Falling in Love with Food and Eat Your Way to Healthy Hormones. She also runs transformative retreats that blend cooking classes, wellness workshops, nourishing meals and more, the next of which is in mid-May 2025 – sign up here.

Work In Progress is an FW series in which people we admire turn their specialist knowledge and leadership wisdom into practical, accessible advice that you can tap into.