Autumn invites us to celebrate the foods that create savor and spice. That’s because when we begin a new season, our bodies make a shift and we sometimes have to help them along a little bit.
Hot foods and spices trigger the release of endorphins—the natural chemicals that trigger feelings of euphoria and well-being. I have personally experienced well-being through eating different chilis, curries, soups and warm beverages that include easy-to-find spices and herbs.
Roasted, Cooked Apples
You know the saying: “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” Cold, raw apples can be difficult to digest, so I would suggest for cooked, warm apples. Adding cinnamon, ginger and sage to the apples will also create an amazing healthy dish to start your day as well as a snack or a topping to oatmeal, cooked squashes and more.
Our brains and gut are interrelated with one another. Warm, cooked apples serve as a gentle daily cleanse for strengthening the digestive system, and also:
Support regularity
Lower acidity and excessive hunger
Optimize dietary pH balancing
Boost immunity to prevent most colds and flus
Cinnamon, Ginger, Sage
When the weather really starts to cool off, look no further than your spice cabinet.
Cinnamon warms the blood and stimulates circulation, which will be especially helpful if you tend to have cold hands and feet. Cinnamon also loosens any mucus you might be carrying in your lungs, can lower blood sugar and freshen your breath. Use cinnamon in your tea, coffee or on your morning cooked apples or in a mug of warm milk (regular, coconut or your preference).
Ginger can help improve circulation, relieve menstrual pain, fight cancer, manage glucose levels and much more. Especially during the colder months, it can help build your immune system before any cold bugs get to you.
Sage is a miraculous plant that has been used for thousands of years for its health benefits and its distinctive ability to purify spaces. Because of its potent characterizes, critters are not keen on consuming your plant, so there’s usually very little maintenance involved in its preservation. Roast it with your apples, drink it in tea or throw it in your pasta.
As we head into the fall season, be sure to slow down. Create new practices that support a happy lifestyle. As for your diet, stick with foods that will warm you and rev up your digestive system.
Want some garden inspiration? Michele at Watters Garden Center says, “We have a variety of cool season vegetables and herbs at the center. Now is the time to plant these cold-weather plants to support us through the season.” QCBN
By Debbie Maranville
What are some of your favorite healthy fall foods? Let us know through Facebook: Goods from the Garden, or email us at goodsfromthegarden@gmail.com.
Debbie Maranville is the co-owner of Goods from the Garden and The Natural Healing Garden. She can be reached at 928-237-3214/ goodsfromthegarden@gmail.com
Contact Goods from the Garden, Catering and Events for recipes and ideas. We are here to support your catering needs. We have great resources to assist you. We are located at the Prescott Gateway Mall. 3250 Gateway Blvd. #516 Prescott, AZ 86303 928-237-3214 goodsfromgarden@gmail.com or check out our Facebook Page.
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