Elements For A Healthier Life Magazine Issue 06 | October 2016 | Page 49

I love fall, the nights get chilly, the leaves turn into a stunning display of colors, and I start craving hot drinks and warming foods.

Eating local, seasonal vegetables and fruits is good for your health. Seasonal foods are loaded with nutrients: vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytochemicals that are partially lost when the food is imported, transported and stored.

Seasonal and local foods are good for you energetically as well. They provide your body with what you need to function optimally with the weather of the season. The locally grown vegetables and fruits of fall have a warming and nourishing effect.

Seasonal produce is often less expensive than imported produce. Ka-ching!

You will be supporting local farms and the environment when you shop locally. I love shopping farmer's markets and seeing all the wonderful, colorful produce (you can actually smell the freshness!). And there are many organic farms on display.

Fresh harvested produce lasts longer, and tastes so much better!!!

By Rachel Kieffer

Changing Your Eating for Autumn

Carrots

Cabbage

Winter squashes

Turnips

Rutabagas

Potatoes

Sweet potatoes

Apples

Beets

Artichokes

Celeriac

Cranberries

Greens (like arugula, escarole, broccoli rabe, chard, kale)

Figs

Grapes

Kohlrabi

Leeks

Parsnips

Cauliflower

Brussels sprouts

Broccoli

The best way to prepare autumn produce is to eat it cooked, which will create warmth and nourishing energy. Steamed vegetables, soups, stews, occasional and side raw salads, cooked warm salads and fermented vegetables, are all great to aid in healthy digestion during this season.

Here is a list of some fall produce:

October 2016 | ElementsForAHealthierLife.com | 49