I think that a way of dealing with it would be to do like how Pathfinder Kingmaker does it, require rations to rest outside of certain zones like the Grove. It'd add a level of inventory management too, you'd actually have to plan ahead and it'd add a whole other level to the gameplay.
They could make the food utems count as a ration. Like an apple is 1/4 ration or something. And then remove the part where you can consume to regain hp.
Helps balance resting and the REEEEE'ing people that say food arent hp potions should also be satisfied
