HOW YOUR MIND, BODY, AND BEAUTY BENEFITS FROM FALL'S FABULOUS FOODS

Want to know one of my secrets to getting the MAXIMUM benefit from eating with the seasons? Fall is not only about cozy sweaters, the light shifting, the shorter days, and the changes in the colors, but rather a time to reap the health benefits of the foods Mother Nature provides. This shift in September is one of my favorites because if you take the time to notice, it naturally guides us in slowing down and gets us grounded after the lightness and brightness of summer. Not only does that feel good, it IS good for our mind, body, and soul.

Understanding the changes taking place from one season to the next and how certain practices can positively affect us, helps to establish a sense of stability, centeredness, and connectedness that can only be found at this time of year.

Add to that some seasonal mindfulness practices (I’m working to bring you the BEST ones in my arsenal!) and you will find yourself more than ready for all the “life” happenings that go on during these very busy months.

For now, here’s a sneak peek into some of FALL’S FABULOUS FOODS that you should be foraging for! In the class I’m working on, I’ll teach you how the foods of each season correlate to what is going on in each season and how YOU can benefit from it all!

🍎 Fresh Fall Fruits to Love
Fall fruits are packed with the health you need as the weather changes. They are loaded with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. These fruits help boost our immune system at just the right time, making them the great defender of colds and the balancer of stress. Here are my top 5:

• APPLES: Their sweet and crisp bite are a classic fall favorite, but did you know, apples are also packed with nutritional fiber that not only keeps your gut in check but keeps you happy and full.

• PEARS: These are another gem! Soft and juicy and great for your digestion.

• GRAPES: Small but mighty and full of antioxidants that keep you healthy and looking beautiful.

• FIGS AND PLUMS: These sweet treats give you a boost of energy and gives you the RIGHT kind of calcium and potassium for healthy bone density.

• Cranberries and pomegranates: Don’t knock these antioxidant powerhouses! They will do wonders for your immune and digestive systems, gives you strength and energy, and aids in the cleansing process.

🥕 Hearty Vegetables for Cozy Meals
Fall vegetables are perfect when it comes to creating warm, comforting dishes. The foods at the end of the calendar year grow well for a reason. They are meant to respond to your needs and provide us with powerful clues on how to be well, stay well, and thrive.

• Pumpkins and sweet potatoes: Want your skin to glow? Then you’ll want to eat this all season long. They help protect against disease but also play a big part in maintaining the integrity of your skin and mucous membranes. (Think anti-aging!)

• Squash: Whether it’s butternut, acorn, or spaghetti, the nutrients in these fall delights help keep your blood healthy, protects your vision, and aids against cellular damage from free radicals.

• Beets, eggplant, and carrots: Eat these colors for a variety of reasons but one of the main ones…your heart health.

• Brussels sprouts and kale: You won’t believe the BIG bang for the buck you get here. Anti-inflammatory, supports detoxification, provides antioxidant activity, and promote heart health all in one!

• Marvelous Mushrooms: They add a beautiful earthy flavor and are a great source of vitamin D for our cells, bones, and brain. You’ll want these in your dishes as we get less sunlight.

A lot of clients these days come to me with their fears, frustrations, and a lot of confusion around their health and food. For decades I’ve studied it and helped so many people understand their patterns and pitfalls and turned that into a purposeful way of eating, moving, thinking, and most of all living. The foods available at these times are there for a specific reason. They are here to help and support you, as am I.

I would love to hear what recipes you are craving, what health challenges you would like support with, and what fall activities keep you happy and healthy!

Summertime Secrets For Your Mind, Body, and Plate

Did you know that summer is the perfect time to rejuvenate your eating habits with seasonal, plant-based foods? As you enjoy longer days and warmer weather, transitioning to this kind of diet (even temporarily) not only taps into the nutritional abundance that summer brings but it can also shift and brighten up your mood, brain function, and how your whole body feels every day.

Seasonal hydrating foods add so much value to your health!

When temperatures rise, your body craves lighter, water-rich foods like fruits and vegetables. This is nature's way of ensuring you stay hydrated and can digest easily. These foods can also lower cholesterol, reduce BMI, decrease A1C, lower blood pressure, and give a super boost to so many anti-aging benefits. These benefits ultimately increase your happiness factor and is the reason many find summer a happier time of the year. I know I do !

Most of my clients maintain a semi-healthy diet but often find that even small changes during pivotal times of the year can lead to BIG improvements long term. Eating more plants is a win no matter what “diet” you follow so incorporating more of them during this season is a great way to go.

Ever wonder about the power of plant-based proteins? Here’s your answer!

Is protein from plants enough?
A common question clients ask: "Will I get enough protein from plants?" The simple answer is Absolutely! Plants can provide all the protein you need, but depending on your body, health history, and what your body, mind, and health need right now, finding the right balance and formula is critical. Taking dietary advice from the internet without understanding your specific needs can lead to nutritional imbalances and decreased health outcomes. This is where personalized guidance makes a world of difference.

Below is my short list of high protein plant-based foods. For the complete list and to learn how these plant focused foods can meet your specific health needs take advantage of my limited time offer below:

LISA’S PLANT-BASED PROTEIN SHORT LIST:

Whether you’re looking to make a permanent shift or just aiming to incorporate more plant-based foods into your diet, I’m here to guide you every step of the way so you can be on your path to your healthiest ever!

EAT COLORFULLY AND LIVE VIBRANTLY

Did you know that EVERY COLOR of the foods we eat in nature carries a code that unlocks levels of your health?  Your body needs a variety of essential nutrients to feed specific organs, functions, and energy systems that give your brain, body, and beauty life. When you hear sayings like “eat the rainbow” or “eat vibrantly” to some that may be a bag of Skittles but at Whole Body Beautiful we take that to heart for your health. When you see our recipes, food choices, or ingredients on social media, we’re not just trying to make your plate look pretty, we are making sure that your plate of food is wholesome, delicious, energizing, and giving you everything you need to thrive!

THE YELLOW BAG OF CHIPS OR THE YELLOW BANANA? Which do you think your body would actually benefit from?
Ok, I know this may seem simplistic and obvious but it’s there to make you take stock of what you’re putting into your body. The nourishment in a yellow bag of chips is next to nothing compared to a yellow banana. Not only have I seen the yellow bag of chips cause inflammation, weight gain and constant hunger due to the empty calories, but the processing alone can send your body into a tailspin. A yellow banana on the other hand, can improve blood sugar levels, keep you satiated and feeling full, is great for gut and digestive health and most of all is full of essential nutrients your body can actually use.

You see, your brain will know what to do with that banana, trust me. It will immediately put those nutrients to work - efficiently. Whereas, with a bag of chips, your brain will have to study and look up the paragraph of ingredients and try to figure out how to best use those things it cannot pronounce and are foreign in nature. In the long run that stuff can really hurt your health! 

When your eyes see a colorful plate of whole foods, your brain takes in so much information. It activates your taste buds anticipating a range of flavors, textures, and most of all nutrients. This sensory experience not only makes eating more enjoyable but also sends signals to your body that it's about to receive the full spectrum of vitamins, minerals, fiber, adaptogens, and so much more. Colors like that nourish everything in your entire body and over time it adapts accordingly. (Hopefully in the best way, if you’re doing it right!)

We all know what it’s like when someone we love experiences a major health crisis that could have been prevented with nutrition that works with your health rather than against it. Before that becomes a topic in our conversation, let’s explore the colors of real food and match them to your health needs. I promise you’ll think twice before reaching for the yellow bag of chips or the red wrapped candy bar when you see what these colors can do for you!

1. RED: 
WHY IT’S VITAL FOR YOUR HEALTH: Red fruits and vegetables are not only visually appealing but they are packed with powerful antioxidants like lycopene and anthocyanins. These antioxidants help to neutralize harmful free radicals in your body, reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and certain cancers. Additionally, they promote healthy aging by protecting your cells from damage.

WHEN YOUR BRAIN SEES RED: Red foods excite your taste buds, increase your appetite, and stimulate energy. 

OUR FAVORITE RED FOODS: Tomatoes, red bell peppers, strawberries, watermelon, cherries, raspberries, beets, pomegranates.

2. ORANGE AND YELLOW:
WHY IT’S VITAL TO YOUR HEALTH: The vibrant colors of orange and yellow signify beta-carotene, a precursor to vitamin A. This essential nutrient is crucial for maintaining healthy vision, supporting immune function, and promoting skin health. Additionally, beta-carotene acts as a powerful antioxidant, protecting your cells from oxidative stress and inflammation.

WHEN YOUR BRAIN SEES ORANGE AND YELLOW: Orange and yellow foods evoke happiness, satisfaction and energizes your whole body. 

OUR FAVORITE ORANGE AND YELLOW FOODS: Carrots, sweet potatoes, oranges, mangoes, butternut squash, pumpkin, apricots, yellow bell peppers, papaya.

3. GREEN:
WHY IT’S VITAL TO YOUR HEALTH: Green foods are synonymous with vitality and health. “Eat your greens”, is not an old wives’ tale. Greens are rich in chlorophyll, fiber, vitamins, and minerals that are essential for various bodily functions. Chlorophyll helps to detoxify your body, while fiber supports healthy digestion and regulates blood sugar levels. Additionally, the vitamins and minerals found in green foods contribute to strong bones, a robust immune system, and glowing skin.

WHEN YOUR BRAIN SEES GREEN: Greens bring about a sense of serenity, balance, joy, and creates natural, wholesome energy.

OUR FAVORITE GREEN FOODS: Spinach, kale, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, green peas, avocado, kiwi, green apples, cucumber.

4. BLUE AND PURPLE:|
WHY IT’S VITAL TO YOUR HEALTH: Blue and purple foods are not only visually beautiful, but they are also packed with potent antioxidants called anthocyanins. These antioxidants have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and cognitive decline. They support brain health, improve cognitive function, and promote longevity.

WHEN YOUR BRAIN SEES BLUE AND PURPLE: Blue and purple bring about a sense of relaxation, a healthy decrease in appetite and peace, calm, and serenity. 

OUR FAVORITE BLUE AND PURPLE FOODS: Blueberries, blackberries, grapes, plums, eggplant, purple cabbage, purple potatoes, figs.

5. WHITE AND TAN:
WHY IT’S VITAL TO YOUR HEALTH: While they may not be as colorful as other fruits and vegetables, believe it or not, white and tan foods offer BIG health benefits. They contain unique compounds such as allicin in garlic and quercetin in onions, which have potent antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. Additionally, white and tan foods provide essential nutrients like potassium, magnesium, and vitamin C, which support immune function, bone health, and cardiovascular health.

WHEN YOUR BRAIN SEES WHITE AND TAN:  These colors give you a sense of calm. It also evokes comfort, purity and hope.

OUR FAVORITE WHITE AND TAN FOODS: Garlic, onions, cauliflower, mushrooms, potatoes, bananas, jicama, parsnips.

The next time you’re perusing the produce aisle, local farmers market, or planning your meals, remember to embrace the beauty of eating colorfully. Think of all the ways you can pack in the most nutrients in one bite so your body and brain will never have to worry about colorful wrappers with empty calories. 

When you savor the full spectrum of what nature has to offer, you care for your whole body in a way that gives it life - FOR LIFE!