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!