Autumn is Vata season, which is a combination of the elements of air and space. When these elements are in excess one might experience irregularity, restlessness, flightiness or anxiety, even getting stuck within one perspective. One way to counter balance the excess of Vata this time of year is to increase our connection to foods and practices that are warm, lubricating or hydrating, nourishing, and grounding. From this place we can harness the positive qualities of air and enjoy a flexible mind that can find new solutions, feel comfortable and stable with change, and the ability to be open to others and ideas leading to growth opportunities.

Choose nourishing foods that are high in protein, high in healthy fat, warmed with spices, and served warm or hot.

Include (only to name a few): warm root vegetables, cooked apples and pears, stews and soups, avocado, ghee, and sesame oil. If you eat meat, this is a good time of year to include protein or increase plant sourced protein (think nuts, seeds, and mung beans), basmati or brown rice, amaranth and oats. Fermented foods are also an optimal choice.

For taste add combinations of: turmeric, cumin, coriander, ginger, cinnamon, black pepper, cardamom, cloves, saffron, parsley, and thyme. Drink teas with ginger, lemon or cinnamon and include a warm golden milk every now and then. Sour is a good taste to introduce, think a touch of sour cream, miso broth or maybe some green grapes.

Release or reduce intake of: raw food, salads, cold or frozen food and drinks, and dry snack foods. Flavours like bitter (kale), astringent (cauliflower) and pungent (radish) are best left for the warmer seasons.

Now you may be asking yourself why is there a picture of corn here?, especially if you know a thing or two about Ayurveda. Corn can be considered a food with qualities of air and cooling within it. HMMMMM, so what’s up?

Well, remember that Ayurveda is about balance and acknowledging and using unique combinations of foods, practices, and daily routines to support individuals. It is true, we want to reduce and release excess air/spce this time of year, however it doesn’t need to be fully eliminated at all times. That too would not be in balance.

This is why there is a spotlight on corn this season. It is a mother crop and indigenous to our lands, holding mother earth energy for this reason. If we prepare it right for the season, there is much to be gained by the addition of corn in our meals every now and then.

It is high in protein, and potassium. Corn is great at reducing water retention, inflammation and reducing high blood pressure. It’s rich in vitamins A, B and E, is healthy in calories to create sensations of being satiated and is great for the digestion, decreasing constipation. Corn silk is known to aid dry lungs and can be boiled and added to a warm milk, soup or tea recipe.

Move away from cold corn in salads, pop corn or processed corn products and consider pureeing it for a soup or stew, making warm grits in the morning or adding grilled corn from the cob into a lentil curry. Top it off with those warm fall spices and your tastebuds and digestive fires will be thanking us later.

Feel inspired by new food combinations to prepare the body, breath and mind for fall and winter with supportive nutrition. Need a hand?, come in for an Ayurvedic Nutrition consultation and get the support you need - we have you covered!

Private 1:1 bookings here