Tag: autumn

  • Finding balance at the autumnal equinox

    Finding balance at the autumnal equinox

    Finding balance at the autumnal equinox

    A time to get grounded and prepare for the colder, darker season ahead

    September 22 marks the autumnal equinox and the start of fall. It is one of two times a year when daylight and night are equal. In nature, plants and animals use this time to balance and store energy for the longer nights and colder weather ahead. Trees, for example, shed their leaves and focus on their roots—something we can emulate. It’s a good time to slow down, look inward, and let go of what no longer serves us.

    Start with the harvest

    During fall, it’s beneficial to focus on seasonal foods that support health and energy. Root vegetables and orange squashes are especially important, providing grounding and warming qualities for the body. These foods are rich in antioxidants like beta carotene and vitamin A, essential for healthy skin, bones, and organs. Traditional autumnal foods such as cranberries, salmon, and wild game also support immune health with their mineral and protein content.

    Support your immune system

    Supporting the immune system during fall is crucial to prevent seasonal colds and flu. Nutrients like beta carotene, vitamins C and D, zinc, probiotics, and protein are vital. Maintaining gut health is especially important, as the digestive tract is a key part of immune defense. Probiotics can help keep gut flora balanced, strengthening the body’s ability to fend off illness.

    The season of sleep

    Autumn’s cooler temperatures and shorter days can improve sleep quality, which benefits overall health, mood, and immunity. Less daylight leads to increased melatonin production, the hormone responsible for regulating sleep cycles. Tart cherries are a natural source of melatonin, and early research suggests that drinking tart cherry juice may promote better, longer sleep. Additionally, it’s ideal to have three hours between eating and sleeping to optimize both sleep and metabolic health.

    Self-care tips for autumnal mental health

    This season also offers an opportunity to nurture mental health. Engaging in simple self-care practices—such as reading, taking baths, or walking in nature—can help ground and center you. Autumn’s energy encourages grounding, centering, and nurturing oneself, which can be especially helpful during this reflective time of year.

    By: Stephanie MacDonald

    Article Courtesy of Alive Magazine

  • Fall Harvest Cooking with Christine Waltermyer

    Fall Harvest Cooking with

    Christine Waltermyer 


    Menu:

    Split Pea Soup with Toasted Pepitas

    Caramelized Brussels Sprouts

    Mixed Greens Salad with Roasted Pears and a Raspberry Dressing

    Sweet Squash Pie

     

    Split Pea Soup with Toasted Pepitas

    Serves 8

    Ingredients:

    2 1/4 cups dried split peas, sorted and rinsed 8 cups water (+ extra as needed)

    1 cup chopped onion (1 large)

    1 cup chopped celery (about 2 stalks)

    1 1/2 cups chopped carrots (about 3)

    Sea salt and pepper

    Garnish: Fresh parsley, chopped + toasted pepitas (pumpkin seeds)

    Instructions: Place split peas in a large soup pot and cover with the 8 cups of water. Bring to a boil over medium high heat. Continue to boil for 2 minutes then shut off heat. Let stand for 1 hour.

    Add the onion, celery and carrots. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer on low, covered, for 1 1/2 hours, or until the peas are soft. You can keep the lid tilted slightly to avoid foam rising up and cooking over. Add additional water as needed to achieve desired consistency. You can puree half of the soup in a blender or using an immersion/ stick blender if you wish.

    Season with sea salt and pepper. Serve hot, garnished with toasted pepitas/pumpkin seeds and fresh parsley.


    Caramelized Brussels Sprouts

    Serves 4 as a side

    Ingredients:

    20 Brussels sprouts, washed and trimmed

    1 bunch scallions

    1 lemon

    2 tablespoons maple syrup

    2 teaspoons mustard

    1/4 cup olive oil

    1/2 teaspoon sea salt

    Instructions: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

    Slice the Brussels sprouts in half. Place them in an even layer in a glass baking dish. –

    Slice the scallions and add to the Brussels sprouts. –

    Zest the lemon and set aside. Juice the lemon and remove any seeds. Reserve the juice to use at the very end. –

    In a small bowl whisk together the lemon ZEST (not juice), maple syrup, mustard, olive oil and sea salt. Pour this mixture over the Brussels sprouts and scallions. Stir or use your hands to evenly coat all of the vegetables with the lemon zest-maple syrup sauce. –

    Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and roast for 25 minutes, or until the Brussels sprouts are fork-tender. –

    Add lemon juice, toss and serve.


    Mixed Greens Salad with Roasted Pears and a Raspberry Dressing

    Serves 4

    Ingredients:

    Salad:

    1 red pear

    1 bosc pear

    6 cups mixed baby lettuce greens

    1 fresh pomegranate (or 1/3 cup dried cranberries)

    Salad Dressing:

    1/2 cup fresh red raspberries

    2 teaspoons tahini

    1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

    1 tablespoon olive oil

    2 teaspoons maple syrup

    Sea salt to taste

    Instructions: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Slice and cored the pears. Place them on a parchment lined baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes.

    Meanwhile place the salad greens in a large salad bowl. Remove the seeds from the pomegranate. Add pomegranate seeds to the salad.

    Make the dressing by placing all ingredients in a blender or mini food prep and processing until smooth. Adjust flavor to taste.

    Toss the salad with the dressing just before serving.


    Sweet Squash Pie

    Makes 1 pie

    Ingredients:

    3 Tbsp cornstarch

    1 cup plain nondairy milk

    1 8-inch or 9-inch unbaked pie crust (homemade or store bought)

    2 cups pureed pumpkin (or one 15-oz can)

    3/4 cup coconut sugar

    1/2 tsp sea salt

    1 tsp cinnamon

    1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

    To serve:

    Your favorite whipped topping + dash of nutmeg or cinnamon

    Instructions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

    In a small bowl mix the cornstarch with 3 tablespoons of the milk. Stir until smooth.

    In a large bowl, combine the cornstarch-milk mixture, pumpkin puree, remaining non- dairy milk, coconut sugar, sea salt, and spices. Mix with a whisk until smooth. Pour this mixture into the unbaked pastry shell. Bake for about 60 minutes. The pie will firm up as it cools. Cool completely before slicing and serving. Serve topped with your favorite whipped topping if desired, and a dash of nutmeg or cinnamon.

     

  • Apple LOVE Recipes!

    Apple LOVE Recipes!

    It’s FALL and while it’s still warm enough to be comfortable outside, we have all things warm and comforting on the brain!

    This month, we are featuring some of our favorite apple recipes that AREN’T pies! (don’t worry, we’ll share some pies soon enough). Apples are versatile and easy to work with, and they love being combined with almost anything!

    We will continue to add more recipes…stay tuned!

    ravioli-with-apple-walnut

    harvest-salad