What My Grocery Cart Says About My Mental Health

I’ve noticed that my grocery cart is a pretty accurate snapshot of where I’m at in life. I do keep a gratitude journal, but I’m not yet one of those people who meditates every morning for mental health.

When my cart is full of fresh produce, good cuts of meat, specialty cheeses, and ingredients for recipes I’ve been meaning to try, it usually means I’m feeling creative and inspired — both in the kitchen and in general. I’ve got energy, a clear plan, and maybe even a theme for the week’s meals. My new favourite place in North Bay is Penokean Hills

Other times, my cart is a mix of things that make sense together and things that don’t — like kale next to instant noodles, or a bottle of prosecco tucked in with a bag of tortilla chips.

(I love Mama Rositta chips with fresh salsa from Orchards Fresh Food Market).

This isn’t about chaos; it’s about balance. It means I’m busy, juggling work and life, but I still want comfort, convenience, and the option to make something delicious when I can slow down.

I don’t really go for premade desserts. They’re just not me. I’d rather pick up fresh bread and desserts from a local bakery like:

The Culture Club in North Bay

Homemade bread Culture Club North Bay

Artisan Cheese at the Culture Club North Bay

Breads and Pantry Items Culture Club North Bay

Chez Jean Marc in Sturgeon Falls

Regency Bakery in Sudbury

Home Bakehouse in Sault Ste. Marie

Sanremo Bakery and

St. Lawrence Market in Toronto.

Carousel Bakery St Lawrence Market Toronto

Seafood Lobster Sandwhich St Lawrence Market Toronto

Fresh Local Produce St Lawrence Market Toronto

I’ll happily grab coffee while I’m out, but I also love grinding beans, fresh at home!

My current favourite beans come from Farmers Daughter in Muskoka and NEO in Toronto off King St.

Almond Florentine Bars Neo Coffee Bar Toronto

Neo Coffee Bar Toronto Yuzu Lemonade

Matcha Mochi at Neo Coffee Bar Toronto

My grocery cart is less about revealing a “good” or “bad” week and more about showing what I value in the moment. Sometimes it’s a reflection of a busy filming schedule; sometimes it’s the product of spending an afternoon reading cookbooks and planning something new to share with my family.

In the end, it’s not about judgment — it’s about patterns. My grocery cart tells the story of what I’m craving, how I’m feeling, and how I’m choosing to spend my time. And honestly? I like the story it tells!