As March brings us the first whiffs of fragrant spring air, it is my favorite time of the year—it feels like Christmas! We absolutely love to be in nature, preferably with our hands in the soil cultivating and growing something yummy and nutritious to eat. We are especially excited about the asparagus we planted last spring. Asparagus can keep producing for up to 25 years, well worth the time and effort.

A growing number of Americans are moving toward plant-based foods. Most come to a plant-based diet for personal, planetary or animal welfare reasons, but stay for the flavorful foods that they discover along their dietary journey—and the health benefits they reap.

Our main feature shares the secrets of making this a seamless transition in “The Roots of Good Health: Thriving on a Plant-Based Diet,” a development that comes with the promise of glowing health and expanding culinary horizons.

We take this concept a step further with “Meatless Makeover: A Plant-Based Spin on Classic Dishes,” complete with a mouth-watering recipe for Walnut Meat Tacos.

Plants also play a starring role in other important aspects of our lives in “Vegan Fitness: A Healthy Choice for Body and Planet,” which explains how eating lower on the food chain benefits body, soul and the environment.

The use of cannabidiol (CBD) is a hot topic; the popularity of tinctures, capsules and lotions has grown exponentially along with the science to prove their efficacy in remediating physical pain. Newer, but equally as robust, is the viability of CBD as a remedy for mental health-related issues, experts say, pointing to anxiety, depression and stress as the top three applications. Our Healing Ways department article, “CBD’s New Frontier: Help for Mental Health,” reveals the healing powers hemp-based oil.

Be sure to check out all that Natural Awakenings has to offer this month, from pointers on pet diets to inspiring words about “synchronicity” and how we can encourage the sometimes life-changing coincidences that have a profound influence on our lives. Author Ronnie Cummins, founder of the Organic Consumers Association, talks about the future of regenerative agriculture and the power of growing a movement.

And dearest readers, if you have a friend or family member who you feel is a good fit for our growing Natural Awakenings network, please encourage them to participate. Those involved will be showcased year-round, in print and online at our website at HealthyLivingMichigan.com.

Here’s to awakening the world, one reader at a time!

Trina & John