Autumn has arrived, the leaves have changed color and  the hustle and bustle of the holidays is here.  If you’re anything like me, this last part of the year flies by in a wink.

I have a fun theory that we go to bed on Halloween and wake up on Valentine’s Day!

At this time of year it can feel like your schedule is controlling you. You’re pulled in many different directions, and you just want to sit down for a second to catch a break.

In addition, it is easy to put on those unwanted pounds during this season. By knowing  the right foods that support you, it is easier to make good planned choices.

With all this going on, your Immune System is working overtime. It is important to honor your body by setting an intention to make good choices and create Extraordinary health.

The Gifts of the Harvest

No worries….Mother Nature knows  how insane this time of year gets and exactly what we need. The harvest of the Fall season is filled with grounding foods. Incorporating them into your lifestyle is the key to getting grounded  re-balanced when we are feeling out of control.

Here are a few of my favorites…

1. Pumpkin and squash

These are two traditional autumn foods because they are exactly what we should be eating to ground ourselves. When you want some sweetness in your meal, these are the ideal way to achieve that and a much better alternative to chemical-laden artificially sweetened items. Using that pumpkin you carved out for Halloween to create a healthy meal with the next day is fun for the entire family. Let the kids participate in this part too. Personally, my favorite is acorn squash halved and baked, skin side up. SImply poke a few holes with your fork, set the heat to 375 and bake until soft. Serve with cinnamon to enjoy an added sweetness along with powerful anti inflammatory benefits. For a real treat, I will add some grass fed unsalted butter. Sometimes, a warming grounding squash with a salad is all I need for dinner. Since I am always seeking easy activities, this is a home run.

2. Root vegetables

Vegetables that fall into this category are sweet potatoes, beets, carrots, turnips, parsnips, garlic, and ginger. Try adding carrots and parsnips to your soups and stews. Growing up, I learned that the secret to my mother’s Jewish chicken soup, brisket and roast chicken was….parsnips! They add some great flavor to your meal and will make you feel rooted and grounded. Since today I follow a high raw lifestyle, I love to add these beauties to salads, wraps and fresh juices. Interesting how that works, right? Foods that grow as roots in the ground are naturally rooting and grounding to us. Nature is amazing. Be creative, this is the most beautiful array of color anywhere.

3. Naturally fermented foods

Raw sauerkraut is perfect to add some sourness to your autumn meals, while also strengthening your gut health. Fermented foods don’t only make your meals taste great and assist with grounding you, but they also act as prebiotics and feed all the good bacteria in your gut. Some other naturally fermented food items include kimchi, kefir, kombucha, and pickles, to name a few. Personally, we drink kombucha daily. Watch the ingredients and choose flavors with the least amount of sugar.

4. Add in proteins

Finding healthy, high-quality protein sources will be of benefit to you this time of year. Proteins that come from high-quality foods give you the nutrients you need to build strong muscle while also feeling more grounded. We tend to crave more substantial meals this time of year due to their grounding effect. This is why hearty stews and soups are among the most popular food items this season. . Check out the Top 6 plant based proteins here.   

Now is a perfect time to be adventurous and try something new.

Aside from eating foods that naturally ground you, there are other ways you can enjoy feeling grounded. Being in nature has a natural grounding effect — so take a walk outside as often as possible to breathe in the crisp air and enjoy the colorful scenery. Breathing exercises help with feeling more grounded, so focus on your breathing throughout the day and take note on if you’re breathing freely or holding your breath often. When you notice you’re holding your breath, take a moment to practice a short breathing exercise.

 

Please use the comment section below to share your thoughts and ideas. We LOVE hearing from you!

In health and gratitude,

Elaine & Nevin

P.S. Before I forget, if you are ever feeling overwhelmed and are ready to “Claim Your Extraordinary” it is time to book your FREE  Discovery Conversation.

CLICK HERE to Speak With Elaine.

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