Fall is such a beautiful time of year, and you can find the best practices of healthy habits HERE

As we move into a slightly cooler temperatures, our body needs different nutrients. In  Canada, we are home to an abundance of freshly grown local produce such as apples, pears, squashes, onions, root vegetables (such as potatoes, beet root, parsnips, carrots, and rutabaga) brussel sprouts, mushrooms, kale, broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower.

Choosing recipes that are warming and nourishing at this time of year is the best way to honor our body and mind. In doing so we will look and feel our best as we head into the darker months. Consider adding some of these foods into your regular rotation.

Whole Grains: Quinoa, millet, buckwheat, brown rice

Root Vegetables: Beets, carrots, parsnips, potatoes, onions, radish, and turnips.

Fruit: Berries, apples, pears, mandarines

Nuts and Seeds in moderation

Cooked Leafy Green: Try to limit raw foods as they they burden digestion.

Warm Pungent Foods: Onions, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, mustard greens, oregano, basil, rosemary, sage, bell peppers.

Herbal tea blends using cinnamon, ginger cardamom, rose hips, chai

With these foods you can create heart warming dishes such as soups, stews, roasted vegetables, warm salads.  Our digestive system slows down in the cooler months. You may consider supporting your gut health with high fiber foods and fermented choices such as kimchi, sauerkraut, miso, yogurt, or a daily quality probiotic and remember to give your system a twelve-hour rest overnight.

The theme here is going with the flow of the seasons and being present to the abundance of the delicious food around us at this time of year. Remember that supporting local businesses will help to keep these better food options available in the future. When you choose to buy local, you are also benefitting from the extra nutrients available – the longer the produce gets to grow before harvest the more nutritious is it and the less time in between farm to table the more you can enjoy those nutrients.

If you are looking for some extra support in your journey to better your health through food, come join the Healthy Food Habits Wellness Support Circle– it begins October 5th at 7pm Eastern time and is by donation. Email me to reserve your spot at info@healthyfoodhabits.ca.