Stamina management is part of the game and it usually (but not always) goes hand in hand with health management. You've forgotten the other part of the equation there are (currently) no enemies that drain your stamina when they attack. Stamina is a tried and true mechanic in survival games just as mana as a resource is a tried and true method in wizard type games.

Are there better systems? Sure, but this is the system the devs decided on.

If you are having trouble managing your stamina either switch which foods you are using or carry stamina meads. Managing your health in the game occurs far less often than managing your stamina.