Can you feel autumn in the air? I think we are all ready for a bit of cooler weather and some precipitation here in Nashville.
I often discuss seasonal cooking and eating. It’s one of my foundational teaching concepts. My program has many educational components, but seasonal health awareness is at the top of the list regarding the focus on self-care.
Eating seasonally can have several benefits for your health and well-being. Here’s why it’s important:
- Nutritional Value: Seasonal produce is often harvested at its peak ripeness, which means it tends to be more nutrient-dense. Fruits and vegetables that are in season generally contain higher levels of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
- Freshness: Seasonal foods are usually fresher because they don’t have to travel as far to reach you. Fresh produce often retains more of its nutrients and flavor compared to items that have been stored for long periods or transported over long distances. I often say that if you are lucky enough to go to your personal garden and pick the vegetable to eat, you will receive the most potent life energy.
- Flavor: Foods that are in season typically taste better. When produce is allowed to ripen naturally and is consumed soon after harvesting, it usually has a more intense and enjoyable flavor.
- Variety: Eating seasonally encourages you to diversify your diet throughout the year. This variety helps ensure you get a broad range of nutrients and prevents diet fatigue from repeatedly eating the same foods. We are a society with variety at our fingertips, with all the prepared and ready-to-eat foods waiting to be ordered. However, sustained healthy living is best home-prepared.
- Local Economy: Supporting local farmers and markets helps sustain regional agriculture and can contribute to a more resilient local economy. Seasonal eating often aligns with buying from local sources, which can also reduce the environmental impact of transporting food. Visit local farmers markets. Two local favorites are the Richland and Franklin markets. Joining a CSA will support the farmer, and you will get a box containing only seasonal food. It can’t get any closer to fresh than if you grew it yourself.
- Environmental Impact: Seasonal eating generally has a lower carbon footprint. Foods grown locally and in season don’t require extensive energy for transportation and storage, which can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. We live in a time and age when this is a real problem that should not be ignored.
- Cost: Seasonal produce is often less expensive because it’s abundant and requires less energy and resources to produce. This can make it a more budget-friendly choice for healthy eating. We have a great community of macro friends who share when items are available and on sale.
- Connection to Nature: Eating seasonally can help you connect more closely to the natural cycles of the environment and appreciate the diversity of food that each season offers. In the Macrobiotic lifestyle, this concept is one of the self-care guidelines to help you flow from season to season, which helps prevent symptoms of adjustment.
Autumn is about supporting the large intestines and lungs. You might have already felt the shift. Begin now and transition to eating more sweet winter squashes and roots. Incorporate super roots such as daikon, burdock ( also called gobo), and lotus.
Incorporating seasonal foods into your diet can enhance your health and contribute to a more sustainable and enjoyable way of eating.
This month’s cooking class, on Saturday, the 21st, will focus on the importance of seasonal eating and its effects on the lungs and large intestines—their function, their triggers, and how to support their efficient functionality best.
Join us for a delicious lunch featuring transitional autumn foods and an informative lecture. Come with an appetite and an open mind, and bring your questions.
My best,
Virginia
