Eat warm & nourishing meals
Notice how you get hungrier during the cold seasons? Well, our appetite tends to be stronger during this period - making it ideal to eat those warm hearty grounding meals that naturally subdue the dry and cold nature of fall.
 

Keeping your digestive fire stoked is important for your overall well-being. Ditch the raw foods, salads, salty snacks, ice-cream, yoghurts and smoothies for the time being. Instead go with soups, stews, lentils, grains, steamed or sautéed vegetables, dairy, nuts, seeds and foods that are high in protein. These foods will warm your body and keep your digestive fire revving during the cold season.
 

If you really need your daily salads, then offset the cold nature by adding a cooked vegetable, meat or grain. And if you can’t give up that smoothie then avoid adding ice or just wait till the drink is at room temperature.

Let nature’s harvest be your guide
Eat fruits and vegetables that are in season - such as root vegetables, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, squash, persimmons, pomegranate and quince. All these foods are sweet and dense which balance out the dry qualities of the season. Stop by your local farmers' market to learn what is in season. I always find this to be a lovely outing and experience.

Oil up! Internally and externally
If you are already prone to dry skin then you’ll notice that this increases in the fall. Such are the qualities of the season. Therefore getting adequate healthy fats in your body is important.

 

When it comes to meals, ghee is my number one choice. It is packed with essential fatty omega acids and improves digestion. Avocado oil is another great option.

 

Apply warm oil to your skin - an Ayurvedic practice called Abhyanga. Organic untoasted sesame oil is the traditional oil used for this ritual as it is nourishing and warming in nature. Almond oil is a close second.

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Get some herbal support

Ayurveda offers a variety of herbs that are especially beneficial during the autumn season. The following herbs have warming properties - incorporate them in your meals or brew a hot cup of herbal tea to your taste:

 

anise, basil, bay leaves, black pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, clove, cumin, garlic, ginger, mustard seeds, nutmeg, paprika, rosemary, saffron and turmeric

 

Also, sharing my favorite Ayurvedic supplement - Chyavanprash. Taking a teaspoon of this herbal jam in the morning can help reinforce immunity, energy and strength during the fall season. This is especially beneficial for the young ones and the elderly. So be sure to spread the love!

 

Keep moving

Losing motivation to stay active during the cold weather is normal. The chill in the air tenses our muscles leaving us achy. So get your blood flowing with some movement and a good stretch first thing in the morning. Even a few rounds of ‘child’s pose to downward facing dog’ will have you feeling good!

 

Cover your 'Wind Gate'

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, the back of the neck is considered the ‘Wind gate,’ and when our neck is exposed in the fall we can get sick easily. So now is a good time to don a scarf or high-collared sweater/jacket.

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Be present with your autumn emotions

Fall signals the year coming to an end and this can often bring on emotions of grief or sadness. Ayurveda teaches us how emotions, when excessive or repressed for too long, can affect our physical health. With that in mind, remind yourself that these feelings are natural and common. Welcome them with compassion and without any judgment and allow yourself the time to transition.
 

I hope these tips help you enjoy the season from a place of health, stability and gratitude 🍁✨