Our celebrations revolve around it. It's taken over reality shows, social media posts and travel guides... and of course, you need it to live. But food can have surprising effects on our sense of self and well being. This weekend, Piya explores how food can lead to fulfillment... and detract from it.

Here are the stories from this week's episode...

Why a financially strapped Calgary mother turned down food banks

When Julie Alati-it and her husband found themselves in financial hardship, she went to a food bank to feed her family. But the lack of nutritious options left her feeling stuck, until she discovered a food centre where she found healthy choices and community. She tells Piya how feeling full for her wasn't about simply accessing food, despite their level of insecurity.

'I ate to avoid dealing with life': A compulsive overeater's journey to conquering food addiction

For years, Lynda Brown struggled with addiction to food. She would compulsively overeat to cope with pain and stress, but it only left her feeling worse. Lynda tells Piya about the roots of her compulsion, how bad it got, and the struggle to overcome an addiction to something you need to live.

How a young woman who can't eat found purpose beyond food

Due to a combination of chronic illnesses, Michaela Shelley can no longer eat. Instead, she receives intravenous nutrition via a tube that pumps nutrients through her veins. She tells Piya about the difficulty of living without food in a food-obsessed culture, and how she's had to adapt her family life and social life as a result.