Food labels can be confusing, overwhelming, and sometimes even scary. One of the most misunderstood terms you’ll see at the grocery store is GMO.

In this episode of Eat Your Seasons, I break down what genetically modified foods actually are, why farmers use them, and what they really mean for the food you’re feeding your family. No science degree required. No fear tactics. Just a calm, honest explanation.

We’ll talk about why GMOs were created in the first place, how they can affect food prices, food waste, and the environment, and why opinions about them are so divided, especially among parents. I also explain the real concerns people have, the benefits most of us don’t hear about, and how to decide what matters most for your own home without guilt or pressure.

This episode is for anyone who has ever stood in the produce aisle wondering if they’re making the “right” choice, or felt caught between conflicting food advice online.

You don’t have to care about farming to care about this. If you eat food, feed kids, or shop on a budget, this conversation matters.

Today’s episode is a replay from 2023—and it’s just as relevant now as it was then.

If months of gray skies leave you feeling “fine, but blah,” this episode is for you.

In this replay, I’m sharing my honest experience with what I call bad weather burnout—that drained, restless feeling that isn’t quite depression, but still weighs on you after long stretches of gloomy weather. I also share the simple mindset shift that helps me every year: finding or creating something pretty, even when the weather isn’t.

In this episode, we cover:

• The difference between seasonal depression and bad weather burnout
• Why seeing sunlight matters just as much as getting vitamin D
• Five practical coping skill categories you can build on good days to survive the gloomy ones
• Gentle, realistic ways to self-soothe, reframe, and regulate as a busy mom
• How creativity, beauty, and making something with your hands can shift your mood

If you’re craving more lightness, creativity, and emotional breathing room during long stretches of gray days, this episode will feel like a warm, validating reminder that you’re not alone—and that small shifts really do matter.

💛 Screenshot and share this episode with a friend who could use a little encouragement, and don’t forget to leave a quick review to help more moms find the show.

Enjoy this season and all the cozy moments it has to offer.

Food waste feels personal.

It’s money in the trash, guilt in your chest, and the quiet frustration of trying to do better.

In this episode of Eat Your Seasons, I’m sharing a real-life look at food waste—from forgotten pantry snacks and browning produce to a surprising homeschool field trip at a local apple orchard that completely shifted how I think about using what we buy.

We’re breaking down three simple principles farmers use to waste less—and how we can apply them at home without rigid meal plans, perfection, or overwhelm.

You’ll walk away with:

• A gentler way to plan for the food you already have
• Simple strategies to stop “losing” ingredients in your fridge
• A fresh mindset around sharing, storing, and actually using your groceries

If you’ve ever opened your fridge and thought, How did this go bad already? — this episode is for you.

LINKS:

Show notes for today's episode: http://ashtincopeseasonal.com/?p=28

SEASONAL PRODUCE GUIDE: https://ashtin-cope-seasonal.myflodesk.com/whats-in-season

ULTIMATE SEASONAL MEAL PLANNING GUIDE: https://ashtin-cope-seasonal.myflodesk.com/meal-planning-guide

JOIN MY EMAIL NEWSLETTER: https://ashtin-cope-seasonal.myflodesk.com/mealspiration-newsletter

JOIN MY PINTEREST SEASONAL MEAL BOARD: https://pin.it/7y9aDhtR5