With fall in full swing, time feels more scarce than ever. Yet, when we're busiest is actually when we most need nourishment to fuel our bodies through the day. Fall is also an especially crucial time to take care of ourselves so we can weather flu season and fight off all the bugs that come out to play during the colder months. When we're conscious of what we put in our bellies, though, we can arm ourselves with both the energy and the nutrients to be as healthy as possible, ready to take on all the season has to offer.
You know I like to stick to eating what's in season, trading in summer squash for the cooler temperature varieties like winter and acorn--and for good reason. Nature knows what's headed our way when the days get shorter. It's worked all spring and summer to offer us vitamin-dense goodies. Some of my favorite fruits and veggies are ready to be picked and enjoyed in autumn, and are some of the most nutrient-packed foods you can eat.
Supplements like vitamins are a fantastic way to make sure you're keeping up with your nutritional needs, but our bodies prefer to get sustenance from organic food. It's what they're made to do, so it's what they do best. Along those lines, the more we can eat to nurture, the better off we are. When picking vegetables to sustain an active lifestyle, I employ the "shopping by color" rule. Keep that plate as colorful as possible! Just looking at a bright, varied plate makes you feel a little better. Happy eyes, happy tummy.
Want a quick way to reference the amount of good stuff in your produce? The darker the better. I use nutrient-dense organic kale and spinach over lighter lettuce like ice berg, then I top it with roasted sweet potatoes, green beans, avocado and cherry tomatoes. With these tips--and the understanding that what you eat does make a difference-- you'll be navigating any season like a pro!
Here's an easy snack filled with tons of organic nutrients, vitamins, protein and fiber!
Organic Green Goddess Smoothie
Ingredients
•1 cup Earthbound Farm Organic Power Greens
•1 cup organic almond milk
•1 organic ripe banana
•2 Tbsp. organic ground flax seeds
Directions
Combine all ingredients in a blender until smooth. Transfer to a tall glass and serve chilled.