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In autumn, nature delights us with magnificent changes of color, the freshness of the morning invigorates us and the beauty of twilight surprises us earlier… For many autumn lovers, it is also the time to fill their plates with delicious, nutrient-rich foods.
And they'd be wrong to deprive themselves! Today, we can easily consume any type of food regardless of the season, like berries in winter or asparagus in autumn. But our planet wasn't designed to provide the same foods all year round.
For thousands of years, our ancestors lived according to the seasons because they knew it was necessary for survival. The specificity of the foods available at each time of year was indeed vital. Of course, in today's world, this issue is no longer as essential in terms of survival.
However, autumn is a great time to reconnect with the earth and the produce it has to offer. Armed with willpower and mindfulness, you can embrace this transition and learn to live according to the season.
Reset the counters to zero
In autumn, nature begins to slow down. The days get shorter, the temperatures drop, and the leaves fall, prompting us to reflect and make some realizations. This season is perfect for resetting the clock, especially when it comes to food.
Purifying the body by eliminating toxins and accumulated old cells, allowing the digestive system to rest and setting new seasonal dietary goals are different ways to get off to a good start with the new season.
For example, you can try the following options:
- intermittent fasting : restricting food consumption for a period of eight hours;
- consecutive fasting : one fasts for an extended period of time;
- elimination diet : we eliminate triggers of food intolerances such as sugar, dairy products and/or gluten;
- modified diet : eating only certain foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, and lean proteins, all organic and/or unprocessed; and
- sufficient hydration : the body is provided with the adequate amount of fluid during the colder months.
You can reset your counters gently or intensely, for one to three days, a week, or longer. Note that professional supervision is recommended for major dietary changes such as fasting. Remember to prepare well before you begin.
Get organized:
- make a detailed plan with what you will eat and when;
- store the necessary provisions;
- equip yourself with the kitchen utensils you will need; and
- Get encouragement from family, friends, a nutritional advisor, a healthcare professional, or an online support group.
Nourish your body
Once you've laid the groundwork for this new beginning, it's essential to start with a good diet, and fall offers a multitude of ways to do this.
First, shift your focus from refreshing summer foods to warm fall dishes. Swap raw and uncooked foods for:
- grilled vegetables;
- baked fruits;
- cooked lean protein;
- homemade broths;
- hot soups and stews; and
- hot teas and coffees.
Then, take advantage of Mother Nature's treasures (available at many local farmers' markets or grocery stores selling seasonal produce) by cooking foods such as:
- root vegetables (sweet potatoes, carrots, turnips, rutabaga and beets);
- squashes (butternut, acorn squash, Red Kuri, spaghetti squash and delicata);
- pumpkin;
- kale;
- arugula;
- apples;
- pears;
- grenades;
- cranberries;
- figs;
- Brussels sprouts; and
- cauliflower.
Finally, take the time to cook popular fall recipes and try new ones. Chew slowly, savor your meals, and if you wish, share these nourishing, lovingly prepared dishes with good company.
Enjoying pumpkin-flavored pastries and drinks as the temperatures drop is one of the greatest pleasures of fall, but the season has so much more to offer!
Think about how you will reset your system and then nourish it properly, so you can enjoy a rewarding and healthy fall.
References:
https://shawellnessclinic.com/en/shamagazine/the-seasonal-foods-you-should-be-eating-this-autumn/
https://platefulnutrition.co/5-tips-for-transitioning-into-fall/