I'm not a nutritionist, nor do I play one here or in yoga class. But without question, eating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins matter if you want to fuel your body and mind and feel your best. Search online and you'll find literally hundreds of scientific articles that reinforce this whole foods approach.
Now, if I had my way, I'd eat mac 'n cheese, warm chocolate chip cookies, mashed potatoes and gravy, and pizza for every meal. The tastes, textures, and umami please me on every sensory level.
But my body and mind say no. Often. And quite loudly. When I indulge in this way, even once a week, I notice an immediate change. I'm foggy. My belly feels uncomfortable. My knees hurt more. I want to nap—a lot!
Over the years, I've become more aware of how and why certain foods align better with my system. I also have some food sensitivities that, with conscious awareness, I can manage well without medication and snarf down an occasional treat without repercussions.
Enjoying food is essential to our way of life, and we can do this in many healthy ways. For example, the Seasonal Food Guide offers this nifty tool that lets you search by state, month, and produce to learn about what's fresh in your area at different times of the year. Although the primary initiative of the site is to encourage engagement with local growers, it's also highly informative as to why eating in season matters for nutrition, the many options you have for fruits and vegetables, and how to prepare them.
If you know me well, you know I love to cook! But often I'm pressed for time, and have to plan ahead to make sure I have something healthy when I need it, especially for weeknights. So to add to your inspiration, here are some of my favorite fall recipes, using what's hip and happenin' in Iowa at the moment. Share some of your fall favorites, too!
Kale and White Beans With Lemon (provides a lot of soothing, tasty warmth, comes together quickly, and a little more grated Parm never hurt anyone!)
Roasted Beets (slightly sweet and crunchy, they're the perfect to serve along with a roast chicken or on a salad with some type of nut)
Mediterranean Snow Peas (I'm a huge snow peas fan and often eat them raw but this is a yummy side dish option, too. Snip the ends with kitchen shears and strip the little string before cooking)
Curried Butternut Squash Soup (I actually prepare many versions of this, including sometimes adding beans for fiber and protein)
Vegetable Soup (there are so many different options, but I wanted something that resembled the photo above. You can plan around with what you like best of the fall produce available. 5 extra stars if, in true Midwest fashion, I can use my Crockpot!)
Baked Apples and Pears (terrific in many ways—on oatmeal, cooled and in a salad, or as a delicious warm dessert with a dollop of really good vanilla ice cream)
(Photo by Monika Grabkowska on Unsplash)
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