| The ABCs of Wellness Interior Gardens Newsletter
Flavorful Fall/ Return to the Source
The season's first chill marks that time of year when nature begins to turn inward again. The fall is about shorter days, colder temperatures, and leaves turning color. It's also about the kids going back to school, raking leaves, apple picking and Halloween. We can be seen scurrying around, almost like the squirrels do this time of year, getting things in order before the real cold temperatures set in. The new season also brings a host of changes to how we eat, dress, and feel. For me the fall season conjures up the word cozy. I just love that word- it is so inviting, feels like a big hug and is very comforting after an active, fun and hot summer. We now start to slow down a bit and begin to feel more grounded and rooted and tend to focus more on our families and household. In Chinese medicine the organs associated with this time of year are the lungs and colon, which are associated with the emotions of grief and sadness. It seems every fall Americans are searching for ways to maintain their family's health throughout the cold season. Although there is a general understanding of how diet and lifestyle contribute, many people don't make the connection between their 'guts' and improved wellness. The reason that it is important is because the majority of our immune system resides in our 'gut'. It is really important to understand that what you are eating or not eating is either contributing to or taking away from your health. Food Focus: Root Vegetables
With the fall season your food focus should start to change. As temperatures get colder, you'll notice your food cravings change and you'll start eating more warming autumn foods. Fall has quite an assortment of flavorful foods, which also makes it fun to get back in the kitchen and start cooking. After all, it is the traditional harvest season . We still get to enjoy the end of summer's great fruits and vegetables as well as start to eat more of fall's hearty foods such as sweet potatoes, carrots, onions, garlic, beets, brussel sprouts, turnips and winter squash. Return to the Source
This month, take some time to look back a bit. Think about the things that bring you comfort, and do one of them-- leaf peeping in New England, a long nap, or visiting with friends who make you feel good. As you go through this fall, give yourself permission to slow down and reexperience the joy of what it feels like having nowhere to be, except, right where you are. |
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