To watch the video of this episode, please go to: https://youtu.be/mlQkLjre8SM   What if your brain fog, low energy, and mood swings weren’t just “in your head?” What if your mental health and the food you eat are more connected than you think? What role does your metabolism play in shaping both your mind and your body?   In this episode of Kaleidoscope of Possibilities – Alternative Perspectives on Mental Health, Dr. Adriana Popescu sits down with Michelle Pitot, a licensed clinical social worker, certified professional coach, and expert in the intersection of metabolic health and mental wellness. Drawing from over 35 years of experience, Michelle shares how imbalances in metabolic health can create a cycle of fatigue, brain fog, mood disturbances, and other symptoms that affect daily life. Together, they explore how looking at the food you eat can help you heal your body and mind, all through science-based strategies and compassionate self-awareness – restoring clarity, resilience, and joy.   In this episode: • How trauma impacts both mental and metabolic health • The role of metabolic health in supporting mental wellness • Common ways nutrition and physiology can impact mood, focus, and resilience • Why looking at what you eat is essential for mental and emotional well-being • Practical tools to begin improving metabolic and mental health • How an integrative perspective can enhance recovery outcomes   Resources mentioned in this episode: • Michelle’s website: https://www.michellepitot.com/ • HeartMath Institute: https://www.heartmath.org/   About Michelle:Michelle Pitot is a licensed clinical social worker and certified professional coach, with a doctorate in Multicultural Education from the University of San Francisco. She is certified in Metabolic Psychotherapy by Dr. Georgia Ede and is a licensed HeartMath practitioner. Michelle has over 35 years of experience across diverse settings including addictions treatment, higher education, social and racial justice work, corporate leadership, and private practice, and she brings a uniquely integrative lens to healing. Her work connects the dots between metabolic health and mental wellness, helping people reclaim clarity, resilience, and energy by addressing the deep interplay between the body, brain, and emotional experience. Integrating biology, emotional insight, and mind-body practices, she offers a pathway to healing that is both grounded in science and attuned to each person’s inner wisdom. She is a therapist, teacher, author, and coach—and above all, Michelle is most fulfilled by her roles as a mother, sister, friend, and devoted dog-mom. These relationships ground her in the real meaning of healing: connection, compassion, and the courage to grow.   “Metabolic health is really about how your body creates and uses energy, and when that’s disrupted, it shows up in the brain as mood, focus, and memory issues.” – Michelle   Would you like to continue this conversation and connect with other people who are interested in exploring these topics? Please join us on our Facebook group! (https://www.facebook.com/groups/kaleidoscopeofpossibilitiespodcast/)   About your host: Dr. Adriana Popescu is a clinical psychologist, addiction and trauma specialist, author, speaker and empowerment coach who is based in San Francisco, California and practices worldwide. She is the author of the book, What If You're Not As F***d Up As You Think You Are? For more information on Dr. Adriana, her sessions and classes, please visit: https://adrianapopescu.org/ To find the book please visit: https://whatifyourenot.com/ To learn about her trauma treatment center Firebird Healing, please visit the website: https://www.firebird-healing.com/   You can also follow her on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrAdrianaPopescu/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dradrianapopescu/?hl=en LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adriana-popescu-ph-d-03793 Soundcloud: https://soundcloud