In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, let’s dive into the significant connection between our mental wellbeing and the food we eat. The intricate relationship between what we eat and how we feel—both emotionally and cognitively—is fundamental to understanding how to care for our minds.

Does it often feel overwhelming to think about nutrition or food? Is it hard to keep up with the latest health recommendations? Food doesn’t have to be challenging or boring to be “healthy.” In fact, we may be making things worse for ourselves by focusing on the little things with every new suggestion that gets thrown our way.

As the new year unfolds, many of us consider resolutions like weight loss, dieting, or cutting out certain foods. However, before stepping onto these paths, pause and ask yourself, “Why? What is my true purpose?” Often, you’ll find that your true purpose extends beyond any specific goal or number on the scale. It calls for a more profound exploration and dedicated time for self-reflection.

The fall season can bring great pleasure as the leaves transition from green to vibrant oranges, reds, and yellows– orchards teem with apples to pick, pumpkin patches to wander, and hay bales to provide a place to rest your feet. Fairs begin to pop up in town after town, sharing a rich history of agriculture, familiar foods, and grin-worthy rides.