Use Food To Stay Healthy This Fall

Have you noticed that summer's heat is gradually fading? You step outside during the evening hours and experience a cooler night. When you breath in the cool air, something inside of you knows that the seasons are shifting.

Those summer moments are warm memories now. School will start soon and daylight hours slowly begin to shorten. As nature shifts from late summer to early fall, we too naturally follow the seasonal change. We ease into the change by becoming less active, going to bed earlier, and adjusting the foods we eat.

In preparation for cooler temperatures, we can no longer rely on the summer sun to warm us. Instead, we must being to rely on our own internal heat and those found in food to keep us warm. The theory of foods having temperature (cold, warm, hot, and neutral), and eating seasonally dates back thousands of years. This practice was adapted due to seasonal crop availability. Before refrigeration, canning and pickling were used to preserve foods. 

Now that most foods are available during any season, it’s even more important to choose seasonal foods. When we eat in accordance with the season, our body is able to avoid excess stress and maintain homeostasis. While we shift from late summer to early fall, it is best to enjoy meals that are baked, sautéed, or cooked over several hours. Yes, soup season is in!

One of the most common experiences people have when the weather becomes cooler is cold hands and feet. This happens because we’re not providing our body with enough internal warmth through seasonal dietary therapy and exercise. The warmth that typically circulates out to your extremities is staying within your core to protect your organs. In order for our whole body and our organs to function properly, it need to be warm, otherwise our hands and feet feel cold. 

Cold hands and feet can be alleviated by avoiding raw fruits and vegetables and by adding more warmth to our internal body. When we add more warmth, there's enough for our internal organs and our extremities (hands and feet). When there's enough to go around, all parts of our body feels warm!  

The foods listed below will warm up your entire body, and reduce stress. Pick your favorites from the list, eat them often and enjoy! 

During the shift from late summer to fall, I find myself enjoying warm soups, and a cup of fresh ginger and honey tea.  

Keep in mind too, while the temperatures drop we become more susceptible to colds and flus. Late summer and early fall are the perfect time to charge up your internal army and to protect yourself from bacteria and viruses. This can be achieved by following the dietary recommendations above, and also with natural remedies like herbs, supplements and acupuncture.

While you’re planning your family menu, consider these foods to keep you warm:

Vegetables

Carrot

Chard

Cabbage

Daikon

Kale

Mustard greens

Radish

Spinach

Sweet potato

Yam

White potato

Beans

Aduki beans

Black beans

Grains

Oats

Quinoa

Rice

Herbs & Spices

Basil

Cayenne

Clove

Cumin

Garlic

Ginger (fresh)

Horseradish

Leeks

Rosemary

Onion

White peppercorn

Meat

Beef

Eggs

Chicken

Lamb

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About the author: Malerie Giaimo is a practitioner of Classical Chinese Medicine (Dipl. OM) and a licensed Acupuncturist and Herbalist (L.Ac.) At her practice in Lakewood, she provides a complete system of care that integrates eastern and western practices of wellness including acupuncture, herbs, dietary therapy, mind-body guidance, and health education. 

Learn more about Malerie, Classical Chinese Medicine, and integrative health at www.MalerieGiaimo.com. Mention this article and receive complimentary ear acupuncture with your general health consultation. Schedule online at www.MalerieGiaimo.com