What foods are best for Autumn?
Author: Linda Sinden Date Posted:8 April 2019
Officially autumn started down yonder on the 21st of March and will end on 22nd June, the day winter officially begins.
Have you been finding yourself vacillating between... do I want some salad or would I prefer sauteed vegetables... then you are in step with nature!
As Autumn arrives naturally our desire for foods change. The delight in a crisp, cool salad with cucumber and mint gives way to the desire for pumpkin soup, casseroles and warm meals. The food grown in summer gives way to the hearty quality of root vegetables like carrots, kumera, parsnips with brussell sprouts, butternut and yams providing tasty choices for stews and soups.
When reducing the carbon footprint by eating locally grown foods that are in season, it is not only good for our planet but also good for your internal universe too! The sweet apples of autumn are great baked, stewed or made into a fruit crumble and the feijoa trees are dropping their abundant fruits right now. Check out what is in season at your local market or green grocer. Where possible choose spray-free or organic.
For a complete list of what foods to favour select here >
What dosha is dominant in autumn?
Vata dosha is most dominant during autumn and into winter. Vata is combined from the space and air elements and is reflected in the changeable and windy weather at this time of the year. The qualities of Vata: quick, changeable, light, subtle, rough, penetrating, cold are best balanced with warm food and drink and being sure to keep warm with warm clothing and warm rooms. It’s a great time of the year for sipping Vata tea and applying Vata massage oil over the body and following it with a warm bath to which you have added 3-4 drops of Vata aroma oil. Ahhh… luxury and so relaxing!
As the changeable quality of Vata dominates both outside and within us during this time of the year, digestion can need support. Over this time I suggest you consider adding Herbal Digest 2 tablets prior meals and Digest Plus 1 tablet after meals. Bedtime take 1-2 tablets of Digest Tone to tone the digestion, support easy elimination and to protect against the build up of impurities during the colder season. To support your nervous system and immunity during this time take 2 tablets of Stress Relief at bedtime.
How can I keep Vata happy?
The key to keeping Vata happy is to adopt a regular routine:
- Be in bed asleep by 9.30 - 10.00 pm
- Wake at a regular time by 6-7am
- Give yourself a full body massage with Vata massage oil, then shower or bath
- Complete 5-10 minutes of gentle yoga postures to stretch and tone your body - see directions for the Sun Salutation
- Then practise 5 minutes of alternate nostril breathing (pranayama) prior mediation or a quiet time of reflection
- Have a warm vata balancing breakfast of a warm cereal such as porridge or warm muesli
- Stop for a warm and tasty lunch between 12 and 1pm. Where you can, have the largest meal of the day at lunch time. Choose Vata balancing foods and sprinkling Vata Seasonal Spice mixture over your meal to ensure your meal is properly balanced. (Tip: take 1-2 tsp in a little container to sprinkle over your food when away from home.)
- Continue to sip Vata tea or Worry Free Tea every 30 minutes throughout the day. They are tasty and soothing too!
- Wind down from work with meditation, gentle exercise, or by cooking a tasty soup or casserole.
- Sit to eat your evening meal no later than 6pm.
- Relax after dinner and enjoy connecting with loved ones and friends. Avoid computer work, study or intense focus on electronic devices after 7.00pm as it will impact the quality of your sleep.
- Establish a time at which you will begin to wind down for bed. Go through a routine to signal to your body that it is soon time to close the eyes, and allow your senses to withdraw within as you settle for a deep and rejuvenating sleep.
- If you have difficulty going to sleep take 2 tablets of Blissful Sleep prior bed
- If you have difficulty waking in the night, at bedtime take 2 tablets of Deep Rest.
Wishing you the bliss of Balance this autumn!
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Linda Sinden has been a practising Maharishi Ayurveda Consultant since 1990 and is a regular contributor to our weekly Insights. She has a practice in Auckland, New Zealand and also provides phone or Skype sessions for those who need assistance, but don’t have a consultant in their vicinity. Email: lindasinden@orbislife.co.nz Skype: Linda.Sinden |
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