From seed, to earth, to table

​The air is slightly crispier as July turns into August. The morning dew feels cooler between my toes as I stroll across the grass towards the rubbish bin. The sight of small green tomatoes that have slowly but surely turning red has brought a smile to my face throughout the summer. There is something pleasantly earthy and healthy about watering, weeding and tending to the vegetable bed in front of my porch. Watch the tiny seeds that were dropped into the soil this spring, turning into big green plants. Cucumber, lettuce, tomato and herbs ready to hit the plate. Peppers and chili that are just around the corner. The Halloween pumpkins need a few more months. The only reluctant occupant of the bed is the butternut squash, which unfortunately does not seem to have female flowers.
 
I feel a little healthier and my shoulders automatically drop, when I step onto the grass to pick myself a plate of greens. Especially when my appetite is nowhere to be found. It's so easy to let go of the healthy habits and reach for the junk. Like today, when my  appetite is completely gone and that icky feeling never quite lets go. When the bowl of Friday's potato chips leftovers starts to look like a perfectly fine dinner option. It helps to have a vegetablebed bursting with salad begging to be eaten before it is too late. It makes it a little easier to choose wisely. Amazing how much joy, well-being and health can be found in a single bed of vegetables.