Mindful Eating in Autumn

Autumn is upon us – and with the changing of a season we crave different foods. Have you ever wondered why? Is it the sudden shift in weather? Or a memory you associate with the season? Perhaps its your body trying to tell you something? For each of us it will be different. But as you explore mindful eating and those strange cravings it’s a great time to reflect on the WHY so we can make better food choices this autumn. 

And in case you’re wondering, these cravings are 100% backed by science. In this blog I will share which foods you should look to eat more of this autumn and one of my fav autumn recipes.

Why is mindful eating important?

1. It’s healthier and more sustainable.

This one will come as no surprise, but produce that is out-of-season is often prematurely picked and forced to grow when it’s not its natural time to grow. Leading to produce that is often lacking in nutrients, compared to produce that has been left to ripen on the plant. More chemicals are used, along with more energy and resources and out-of-season produce will often have to travel far distances to reach our grocery store shelves. 

2. It’s rich in vitamins and minerals your body needs.

Foods that are in-season contain vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that your body specifically needs for that current season. For example, in autumn, our bodies are adjusting to colder days, less sun, and needing more sustenance to get through the day. Vegetables that are in season now such as pumpkin, sweet potato, squash and turnip, are all hearty, filling foods that contain healthy carbs and nourishing vitamins. So if like me you love pumpkin soup, than its time to dust off your recipe and get cooking.

3. It aids cell repair.

In autumn, we know the air gets dry and our bodies follow in-suit. Especially after a summer full of sun, our skin and hair can use some extra restoration and rejuvenation. Vitamin A for example plays an important role in helping our skin maintain moisturisation and elasticity. Foods that are in season now such as pumpkin, pumpkin seeds, carrot, cranberries and broccoli all contain this important nutrient.

Vitamin C is another vitamin our skin craves in Autumn. Kiwi fruit and oranges along with broccoli and cauliflower will enable you to get this vitamin naturally. Together they help fight against dry and dull skin, wrinkling, and any UV damage leftover from the summer heat. If you ask me mindful eating doesn’t get any better than this. Knowing the foods I eat help energise me but have regenerative properties has really inspired me to include more of these foods in my diet over autumn. 

It boosts immunity.

Autumn is also the time of year that our immune systems start needing an extra boost again, and foods that are in season now such as mushrooms, red cabbage, sweet potatoes, etc, all contain vitamin D and C that keep your immune system strong enough to fight off any bug going around.

The list goes on. Mindful eating creates an environment for our bodies to thrive in the current season. Simple as that! 

Autumn Recipe idea – Spiced vegetable buddha bowl

This recipe is made up of a series of smaller meals that can be subbed in our out based on what’s in your fridge. Or what you are craving. Therefore don’t be scared to go off script if you have something you would like to add or remove and I would even go as far as saying the more variety the better.

Having said this I would suggest including a grain like brown rice, quinoa or cous cous, roasted veggies, your fav nut or seed, a serve of protein and then balance it with salads so you don’t walk away feeling like you’ve eaten anything too heavy!

INGREDIENTS