Seasonal Foods- Autumn/Winter
by Holly Anne Shelowitz, Certified Nutrition Counselor

The energy and nutrients are moving down into the roots at this time of the season, which makes them the perfect foods for us to be enjoying now. Turnips, squash, potatoes carrots, burdock and daikon are very supportive, nutrient dense foods. Root vegetables are literally grounding for us, by the very fact that they grow deeply in or on the earth. So when you need to feel more grounded, eat lots of root vegetables! In these simple and traditional ways, our body can function at its best.

Different from the vegetables in summer, growing up, reaching for the sun, (lettuce, corn, tomatoes, beans) The autumn and winter vegetables store up energy and nutrients for winter, and when we eat them, they help us do that too.

Round vegetables center and stabilize us. Our center is similar to the center of a bicycle wheel; if the center is not strong, or is out of alignment, the entire bicycle, or system will veer off course, and be out of balance. We can strengthen our center and align ourselves by eating some round veggies often. This season brings an abundance of beautiful, round vegetables, deep in oranges and yellows, full of sweetness, satisfaction and nutrients.

For those who often have sweet cravings, squash is an excellent food to eat often- with butter or cream. Totally satisfying and healthy, it is certainly a comfort food. When we get sweet flavor from healthy foods like squash, our bodies don't go through the shock that eating refined sugary sweets brings. Also, sweet cravings will diminish when we add sweet to our plates in healthy ways- especially with good quality fat (butter, cream or olive oil).

Sweet vegetables- Squash and yams are very high in beta carotene. Beta carotene protects us against colds, infections and cancer, and helps the body recover from stress. The carotene content along with the sweetness actually increases as it is stored throughout the winter. Our bodies can only convert beta carotene to vitamin A in the presence of bile salts; which is why its so important to eat them with butter, cream or olive oil. It also makes the squash taste even better!

Squash and yams are high in fiber and very rich in vitamin b6 and magnesium- both highly protective against heart disease, and they are a good source of iron, potassium, niacin, and vitamin C. Don't peel the skins, and buy organic when you can!