Out with the Old––It’s a New Season

Autumn is here: What does that mean for your health and vitality?

How are you in Autumn? Calmer? Busier? More relaxed or more stressed? Doing more mindless eating? Getting into a routine? Attempting better nutrition? What does this change of season mean for you?

The Lungs and Large Intestine are the body’s system groups that appreciate attention in the Fall. They must maintain moist tissues to prevent dryness and difficulty in breathing or eliminating. Including foods from the “whites” category such as garlic, onion, horseradish, turnip, ginger and cabbage protect these organs as well as stimulate lymph flow. This helps disperse “stuck, mucus laden” debris from these organs.

Let’s look at some ways to plan our wellness for the coming season:

• Root vegetables and winter squashes are in season now. These foods help to keep you warmer in colder weather.

• Eliminate cooling foods from summer such as water-melon, cucumber, etc. as those foods are cooling to the body. The body strives for warmth in this season.

• Use warming herbs and spices such as ashwagandha, ginger, cardamom, basil, cinnamon, rosemary, nutmeg, and vanilla. Most of these herbs and spices support a healthy immune system.

• Eat seasonal foods with warm, moist properties, such as sweet and soft cooked fruits, roasted root vegetables, sweet grains and savory soups – more cooked meals than raw.

• Sip warm beverages! Hot herbal teas and water with fresh lemon improve hydration.

• Include healthy fats in this season. Olive oil, coconut oil, sesame oil and ghee (clarified butter) support the body in this season.

• Practice mindfulness in every season. Look for the outward changes that may be influencing your internal changes. Especially, practice mindful, intentional eating that supports healthy digestion.

• Spend time outdoors. Take a quiet Autumn nature walk. Be sure to dress for the weather

This time of year is detox-cleanse season. Think about Nature’s cycle now, as the winds and rains wash away Summer’s dust and garden residue. Our body’s internal systems also need to be “prepped” so they’ll support us when we need prevention from the “ills” of Winter.

Each year at this seasonal-shift, I host a 7-Day Smart Start Challenge to help you support your body––and its eleven systems––in this time of transition. It’s a great way to get ready for the Holiday Season, which by the way, is only weeks away. Let me know if you are interested in joining me.

Be Well!