Have you heard of seasonal eating? It is the idea that we should eat what is in season because it supplies our bodies with exactly what it needs to thrive and feel more energized. It is also a great way to eat more tasty and nutrient dense foods that can have a lower impact on the planet and on your wallet since most of these foods are locally grown. For example, autumn is the season of harvest and the gathering of nature’s products in preparation for the season of rest, winter. You will see an abundance of foods like apples, pumpkins, squash, tomatoes, corn and brown rice at your local grocery store and farmer’s markets. These types of fuller, richer and more heat producing foods keep us warm through the chill of late autumn and into winter. Apples are also packed with fiber and pectic, which allows us to digest these heavier foods we’re eating to keep warm. Here are 4 “little adapts” to incorporate seasonal eating into your diet this fall:
- Buy 1 seasonal food each time you go grocery shopping
- You will see a large selection of seasonal foods at the grocery store so each time you go, purchase a different one.
- Try a new seasonal recipe each week
- It’s easier to incorporate seasonal foods if you have a recipe in mind.
- Get creative
- Some of my favorite meals have been created by seemingly random food combinations.
- Listen to your body
- The best part about eating seasonally is that your body is probably already craving these foods so just lean into it.
This guiltless apple sundae only takes 15 minutes to make!
- 1 apple thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ cup gluten-free oats
- 1 tsp coconut oil
- ¼ tsp cinnamon
- ⅛ tsp nutmeg
- ⅛ tsp cloves
- *Note: You can sub with ¼ cup of homemade or store bought granola.
- 2 frozen bananas
- ⅛-1/4 cup of unsweetened non-dairy milk
- *Note: You can sub with 1-2 scoops of vanilla vegan ice cream.
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- In a small bowl, add in oats, coconut oil + spices and stir until oats are well coated. Place on a small tray on parchment paper and make sure the oats are spread out so they bake faster. Then bake for about 10-15 minutes while you prep the apples and nice cream making sure to toss half way through.
- Heat a small pan on medium-low heat. Slice apple and use the same bowl as the oats. Add in coconut oil and cinnamon and toss until apples are well coated. Place apples in the pan and cook for about 5-7 minutes tossing occasionally. Turn down the heat to a simmer and cover the pan to cook for another 3-5 minutes.
- Place the oven on broil to crisp up the oats for 2 minutes (no longer than that or it will burn!) and take out of the oven to cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Place frozen bananas in the blender and add in ⅛ cup of non-dairy milk. Blend and if it’s still too thick, slowly add in the remaining ⅛ cup of non-dairy milk to get your desired texture. Less liquid makes it’s thicker and more like ice cream!
- Place apples, toasted oats + banana nice cream in a bowl and enjoy!
Happy guiltless indulging!
With Health + Happiness Always,
Jax
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