Beyond the Plate: Nourishing Your Inner Circle for Holistic Well-Being

Have you ever considered that the concept of "diet" extends beyond what we consume on our plates? Indeed, the idea that "you are what you eat" applies not only to food but also to: the music we listen to, the media we consume and the people we surround ourselves with. Just as we carefully choose the nutrients that fuel our bodies, we should be mindful of the influences that shape our minds and spirits. The first of these concepts that I personally focused on was the people I surround myself with.

Growing up, my mother often reminded me that we become like the five people we spend the most time with. While initially, this notion seemed unrelated to nutrition, it eventually became clear that our inner circle plays a significant role in our overall well-being. This is a concept that is spoken about as fact in psychology. Eventually I came to learn for myself that this is true: our inner circle helps shape us.

Think about it: the folks closest to us impact not only our actions but also our mindset and emotional state. If we are fed love, we learn to accept love. If we are fed fear, stress, anxiety, dysregulation and dysfunction we learn to accept fear, stress, anxiety, dysregulation and dysfunction. Just as a balanced diet nourishes our bodies (and our mental health), surrounding ourselves with positive, supportive, and uplifting people nourishes our souls. Some of us are lucky enough to have been born surrounded by people we want to be like, the rest of us have to carefully craft our circle - sometimes over decades. I was lucky enough to find at least one person that I resonated with everywhere we moved as I was growing up.

I vividly recall a friendship from my middle school years that taught me valuable lessons about emotional nourishment. This friend was unafraid to communicate her feelings and expectations, fostering a relationship built on honesty and accountability. In contrast to the toxic dynamics I witnessed at home, her friendship provided a nourishing environment where emotions were acknowledged and respected. While I very much loved and appreciated her in my life, we were torn apart by the experiences of the adults around us. I remain thankful that she was one of my five at an age where I was learning how to be a human. (And I am excited that we recently reconnected!)  However, I found the most benefit in making sure one of them was me. 

Nourishing our inner circle goes beyond choosing the right people, however —it also involves nurturing our relationship with ourselves. Just as we should pay attention to the quality of the food we consume, we must prioritize self-reflection and self-care. By including ourselves as one of the five people we spend the most time with, we recognize the importance of cultivating a healthy relationship with ourselves. Cultivating a healthy relationship with ourselves isn’t always easy or intuitive. If you have been diagnosed with CPTSD for instance, your brain likely makes this harder:  sorting through the internal monologue that was never yours, unpacking the trauma (which, let’s be so fucking real - feels like reliving it), secretly - or not so secretly - hating yourself. All of which can manifest as poor diet, over-thinking, social anxiety, self-harm, poor self-talk, feeling lost, broken and like you can’t trust yourself.

This self-awareness serves as the foundation for setting boundaries and discerning which influences to invite into our lives. I found that meeting myself where I was - consistently - and wading through the decay of my soul helped me fertilize the things within myself that I wanted to grow. Just as we strive to consume wholesome foods that nourish our bodies, we should surround ourselves with relationships and experiences that nurture our growth and well-being. If our relationship with ourselves is unhealthy we can’t expect to choose relationships that are healthy. Not just our relationships with people but: food, music, TV shows, celebrity influences, nature ect.

In essence, nourishing our inner circle is about recognizing that diet isn't just what we eat—it's also about the company we keep and the influences we allow into our lives. By choosing relationships that uplift, support, and inspire us, we empower ourselves to lead fulfilling and enriching lives. Word to the wise: you can start crafting a social media experience that does this for you.

So, the next time you consider your diet, remember that it encompasses more than just food. Take a closer look at the people you surround yourself with—are they nourishing your mind, body, and soul? Just as you carefully select the ingredients for a nutritious meal, choose your inner circle with intention and mindfulness. After all, true nourishment begins from within.

With Love and Compassion,
Mia Marie

Diet: Physical Health, Mental Wellbeing, and Spiritual Connection

In our quest for health and wellbeing, diet often stands at the forefront of our concerns. What we eat not only impacts our physical health but also influences our mental wellbeing and, according to some, our spiritual state. However, while the benefits of certain diets, such as veganism and vegetarianism, are widely recognized, the accessibility of these diets and healthy food in general remains a significant challenge in many parts of the Western world.

Our diet is the foundation of our physical health. Consuming a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help prevent chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and certain cancers. Nutrient-dense foods provide the vitamins and minerals necessary for the body's functions, supporting everything from cellular repair to immune function.

Conversely, diets high in processed foods, sugars, and unhealthy fats can lead to numerous health issues. The rise of fast food and convenience meals has contributed to an increase in lifestyle-related diseases. Emphasizing whole, unprocessed foods can lead to better health outcomes and improved quality of life.

The connection between diet and mental health is increasingly recognized by the scientific community. Nutritional psychiatry explores how food impacts our mood and cognitive functions. Diets rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins B and D are linked to lower rates of depression and anxiety. Conversely, diets high in refined sugars and processed foods are associated with an increased risk of mental health disorders.

For instance, the Mediterranean diet, which emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and olive oil, has been shown to improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression. This underscores the importance of diet in maintaining mental health, suggesting that what we eat can significantly affect how we feel and think.

For some, diet extends beyond physical and mental health into the realm of spirituality. Certain dietary practices are believed to enhance spiritual wellbeing and foster a deeper connection with the world around us. This perspective is often seen in various spiritual and religious traditions.

For instance, many people believe that a vegetarian or vegan diet can raise one's vibrational frequency, promoting feelings of peace and empathy. This idea, while considered "woo-woo" by some, aligns with the ethical considerations of non-harm and compassion found in many spiritual teachings. Eating clean, natural foods is thought to purify the body and mind, facilitating spiritual growth and clarity.

Despite the recognized benefits of healthy diets, access to nutritious food remains a significant barrier for many, particularly in the Western world. Food deserts—urban areas where residents have limited access to affordable and nutritious food—highlight the disparity in food accessibility. In these areas, fast food restaurants and convenience stores are more prevalent than grocery stores offering fresh produce.

Economic factors also play a crucial role. Healthy foods, particularly organic and non-GMO options, are often more expensive than processed and junk foods. This price disparity makes it challenging for low-income families to maintain a healthy diet. Additionally, the time required to prepare healthy meals can be a barrier for with demanding work schedules - which let’s be so fuck honest, is most of us.

Veganism and vegetarianism, while gaining popularity, can also be less accessible. These diets often require careful planning and sometimes more expensive specialty ingredients. In some regions, cultural norms and lack of availability further hinder the adoption of plant-based diets.

While navigating the challenges of food accessibility, it’s essential to be kind to yourself. Recognize that these barriers are not a personal failing but a systemic issue. There are resources available to help make healthier food choices, even when the demands of everyday life make it difficult. Local food banks, community gardens, and online resources can provide support and guidance. Remember, striving for a healthier diet is a journey, and every small step towards better nutrition counts. By being compassionate with yourself and utilizing available resources, you can make positive changes that support your overall well being.

With Love and Compassion,
Mia Marie

Opinion: Finding Common Ground: Reflecting on Christianity, Critique, and Compassion

Anyone who has met me in the last decade has most certainly discovered that I am vehemently anti-religion. I was once rabid about this, though now I strive to be less militant and more compassionate about it. I still have some heavy criticisms for Christians in particular (because I have the most first-hand experience with it) but I feel most if not all religions, either by design or by corruption, lean heavily on aspects of control by utilizing fear, shame, guilt and coercion. There are already tons of creators out there discussing the same criticisms I have, so for today I would like to focus on sharing some aspects of Christianity I like. I find common ground to be the most effective way to bridge any divide and this country is already divided on so many lines and I don’t think spirituality should be one of them. 

During my 17 years as a more-than-casual Christian, I picked up some key ideas that I keep with me now, more than a decade later. First and foremost, I like Jesus. I think he was a rebel with a great cause. He flipped the money changers tables in the temples, he performed miracles on the Sabbath, kept company with sinners, lepers, and women. From reading the bible and later the historical context I came to understand that he is really for the people. I think Jesus was truly revolutionary. My favorite passage, the one that I think succinctly sums up what Jesus  wanted us to learn was the Sermon on the Mount. (Matthew 5-7 for those following along at home.) 

The sermon on the mount starts off strong by talking about what is now known as “the Beatitudes”. Here Jesus talks about the qualities that will be rewarded in heaven. I don’t personally believe in heaven and hell anymore but I believe that these attributes will help us live a life that lessens suffering and serve to clear past negative karma and set us up for success in the next life by building positive karma. (Side note, a lot of my ideals and beliefs are rooted in Buddhism, which of course is rooted in Hinduism. I came to many of these beliefs on my own through observation. I later discovered they line up pretty well with Buddhism and of course Buddah teaches us that observation is a powerful tool.) Here on the Mount Jesus tells his followers that the following attributes are blessed: the poor in spirit, those who mourn, the meek, those who seek righteousness, the merciful, the pure of heart, the peacemakers, and the persecuted. 

Jesus goes on to ask his followers to ask, seek and find, to share their light. He affirms that he is fulfilling the law (Moses’) and the prophecy. He speaks out against murder, adultery (I particularly like that he asks men to pluck out their eye if it causes them to sin), divorce (excepting in cases of adultery, though I think Jesus would agree that you should leave your abusive spouse today), and making oaths. He goes on to ask us to give to those who hurt us, love our enemies, give to the poor (without making it a show), pray, fast (without making it into a spectacle), he reminds us that our possessions are not coming with us into the afterlife, and reminds his followers that they will be provided for. He tells us not to pass judgment on others and speaks about the golden rule. He warns against false prophets and disciples. 

I invite you to look up how a pastor of a mega church acted towards folks displaced during hurricane Harvey in Texas back in 2017 and reflect on if this is the kind of attitude you would expect from a disciple or prophet of Jesus. I invite you to look into the pastor that just a few months ago gave a whole sermon from the pulpit before sharing that his wife had killed herself and reflect on if that is what you would expect from a leader in the Christian faith. I invite you to look into how your local leadership speaks about politics and reflect on two things: Should they be speaking about politics from the pulpit? (By law and would Jesus approve?)  If they kept with Jesus’ teachings - do you think that what they are saying about different populations are loving, compassionate and just? 

I imagine that if we are objective, we might find that the most “Christ-Like” among us are not in the church leadership, and in my experience, are not often found in the church at all. I understand that we are not perfect - I do, but that doesn’t mean that we can’t all strive to live the truths that Jesus taught. 

With Love and Compassion,

Mia Marie