Food, Mood, and Ancestral Foodways
- Guest blog 39
- Therapy 23
- anxiety 13
- relaxation 13
- Events 12
- Recipe 12
- Food and mood 11
- Overcomer 9
- overall wellness 7
- wellness 7
- Roundup Blog Post 6
- affiliate/recommendations 6
- holistic wellness 5
- interview 5
- Acupuncture 4
- Overcoming Depression 3
- affirmations 3
- business 3
- resources 3
- Free Worksheets 2
- Specialty 2
- branding 1
- gardening 1
- meditation 1
By Reynelda Jones, LMSW | Interview on “Under the Scope” with Kimbralon B
Nourishing the Mind: How Holistic Nutrition Supports Mental Health for Women Leaders
By Reynelda Jones, LMSW | Interview on “Under the Scope” with Kimbralon B
In a world that praises the hustle and grind, women leaders and entrepreneurs often find themselves burnt out, overwhelmed, and mentally exhausted. But what if your mental clarity, emotional resilience, and energy levels weren’t just tied to your calendar—but to your plate?
That’s the powerful message I shared with host Kimbralon B on the Juneteenth edition of Under the Scope, where we explored how holistic nutrition and mental health go hand in hand. As a licensed therapist and holistic practitioner, I work with high-achieving women to help them feel better from the inside out—starting with what they eat.
Why Mental Health Starts With the Gut
We often think of mental health as something confined to the mind—but the body tells the story first. Common signs of nutritional imbalances or sensitivities can look like:
Brain fog
Anxiety or irritability
Mood swings
Digestive issues
Low energy
Poor sleep
These symptoms aren’t just inconvenient—they’re signals. Your body is asking for better support.
🧠 “Nutrition is medicine. The food we eat can either help heal us—or quietly harm us.”
And yet, most of us are never taught to tune into these signs. As a society, we’ve normalized reaching for quick fixes—coffee, sugar, fast food—especially in moments of stress.
But stress eating doesn’t serve us long-term, and that’s where holistic therapy offers something powerful: the integration of body, mind, and soul in the healing process.
Diet vs. Lifestyle: The Language of Healing
One of the most common things I hear from clients is: “I’ve tried every diet.”
Here’s what I tell them:
A diet implies restriction, punishment, and short-term results.
A lifestyle is about nourishment, empowerment, and long-term wellbeing.
In my practice, I guide clients toward whole foods—ingredients that are as close to their natural state as possible. Think: roasted sweet potatoes instead of fries, grilled chicken instead of fried, fresh berries over packaged desserts.
This isn’t about losing weight. It's about gaining clarity, energy, and balance.
🍎 “We’re not here to restrict—we’re here to restore.”
What Is an Ancestral Diet?
One of the most powerful concepts we explored was the Ancestral Diet—a way of eating that honors the foods and traditions of our heritage before colonization.
For Black Americans, this might include:
Okra
Black-eyed peas
Rice
Hot peppers
Watermelon
These were nutrient-rich, communal meals made from the land, not processed in factories. Eating this way is more than physical—it’s spiritual and cultural healing.
🌿 “Our ancestors weren’t just feeding their bodies—they were feeding community and connection.”
Yet modern food systems, especially in marginalized communities, have replaced these traditions with highly processed, nutrient-poor foods—many of which are banned in other countries due to health concerns.
Understanding Food Deserts and Food Swamps
🔍 Definitions:
Food Desert: An area with limited or no access to fresh, affordable produce.
Food Swamp: A place flooded with fast food and low-nutrient options, often in low-income or Black communities.
These aren’t accidental. They’re the result of systemic issues like redlining and economic neglect.
🍟 “Access to healthy food should be a right—not a privilege.”
How to Start Healing at Home
Here are a few ways you can start aligning your nutrition with your mental health:
Tune into your body – Notice how you feel after meals. Headaches, fatigue, or bloating may signal sensitivities.
Choose whole foods – Opt for minimally processed options whenever possible.
Start a small garden – Even a windowsill herb garden helps you reconnect with your food.
Cook with intention – Make meals a communal or mindful experience.
Explore dairy alternatives – Many people are unknowingly lactose intolerant, which can affect digestion and mood.
🌱 “Healing starts with awareness. Your body is talking—are you listening?”
Barriers We Must Break
It’s not enough to tell people to “eat better” without addressing the real barriers:
Lack of education about healthy cooking
Schools no longer teaching home economics
Parents unaware of nutrition's role in mental health
Reliance on quick, packaged meals due to time or finances
Even the “healthy” foods in grocery stores can be misleading—fortified with synthetic nutrients because our soil, and thus our food, is increasingly stripped of minerals like magnesium, vitamin D, and calcium—all linked to mood disorders when deficient.
Holistic Tools That Support Healing
In addition to nutritional therapy, I also use holistic approaches that help women leaders ground themselves emotionally, spiritually, and physically:
Auricular (Ear) Acupuncture: Stimulates five key pressure points to support detoxification, reduce anxiety, ease grief, and promote better sleep.
Tea Meditation: A calming ritual using herbal teas and mindfulness techniques to foster inner peace and reflection.
Blanket Solution™ Events: Community-centered wellness experiences where we combine education, therapeutic modalities, and sacred spaces for healing. These events offer women a safe place to pause, reconnect with their needs, and learn how to nourish themselves holistically.
🌸 “When women gather with intention, healing happens—not just individually, but collectively.”
Empowering Women to Take the First Step
The journey to wellness doesn’t require perfection—just curiosity and intention.
Whether you're a CEO, a mother, an entrepreneur, or all of the above, your wellness matters. It’s time to shift from surviving to thriving—not by doing more, but by nourishing more.
Here’s how you can get started:
Listen to your body – Your energy, skin, mood, and digestion are all forms of feedback.
Honor your roots – Reconnect with ancestral foods and rituals that nourish your soul.
Build a support system – Healing happens in community. Find professionals, peers, and practitioners who understand holistic care.
Give yourself permission to slow down – Rest and reflection are essential, not optional.
Final Words from the Heart
“Mental health is a whole-body conversation. We can’t afford to separate the mind from the body—or the body from culture, identity, and nourishment.”
As women leaders, we are often the backbone of our families, businesses, and communities. But we must remember: the backbone needs care, too.
If you're ready to explore how holistic nutrition and therapy can support your mental clarity, emotional balance, and long-term health, I invite you to connect with me.
📘 Ready to take the first step? Start nourishing your mind and body today with the Mood Boosting Foods eCookbook—packed with simple, nutrient-rich recipes to support your mental wellness. Download it now for just $5!
💬 Let’s Continue the Conversation
✅ Visit ReyneldaJones.com to book a consultation or explore upcoming events.
✅ Follow me on Instagram @ReyneldaHolisticTherapist for wellness tips, ancestral recipes, and inspiration.
✅ Watch the full interview on YouTube: "Under the Scope" Juneteenth Episode with Kimbralon B (insert actual link)
