"FOOD" BUILD NEEDS TO UPGRADE: SUGGESTIONS

I am high-level (1000+) and have plenty of cards/perk points, but I have essentially been running a "weight carry / stim benefit" build - I believe known as a "food build" I use aristocrat weapons and armor now, since I am always at max caps.

As you can imagine, my effectiveness feels limited in the Burning Springs. I have accepted that I must actually have a synergistic "build" now, and not just cobble together cards that I enjoy.

Build? Weapons? Card synergy? What should I do?

EDIT: How bad is it? I run excavator Power Armor because I need the extra weight!