By Blair Doucette

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October 18, 2024

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As autumn arrives, we experience one of the most anticipated shifts of the year. Days grow shorter while nights expand into the morning, and the weather becomes an unpredictable gamble (- do I wear a sweater or a tank top?). This transition can leave our bodies needing extra time to adjust, making it common to feel out of balance in early autumn. You might find yourself more prone to colds or flu, experiencing disrupted sleep, or noticing changes in digestion as we move from refreshing summer foods to heartier autumn produce. Just as nature transforms around us, we too can adapt our habits to align with the beauty of this season. By making subtle adjustments to your daily routines and diet, you can enjoy this transition into autumn even more!

 

Autumn Daily Habits & Routine

 

– Wake up around the same time every day, ideally with the sunrise.

– Stick to a regular bedtime to support your circadian rhythm and promote restful sleep.

– Spend time outdoors daily to acclimate to the cooler temperatures and drier air.

– Enjoy warm beverages throughout the day to keep your body cozy and aid digestion. Teas with ginger, cinnamon, turmeric, or chamomile are cozy choices for the autumn season.

– Establish anchors in your daily routine to create a sense of stability. This could mean consistent breakfast and lunch times, taking an afternoon walk, practicing a minute of breathwork each hour, or attending a weekly yoga class—anything that fosters a peaceful connection to your day.

 

Autumn Transition Nutrition

Autumn actually provides a wonderful opportunity to take inventory of your nutrition while also allowing you to embrace the seasonal foods that enhance your well-being. These foods also tend to help connect you to the environment. With the arrival of pumpkin spice, apple pies, and comforting teas, it’s no wonder our bodies crave these seasonal delights. Winter squashes, gourds, and warming spices provide grounding nutrients that our bodies seek as the temperatures drop. You may find yourself less interested in raw salads and more inclined toward cooked, comforting foods. During this time, focusing on around 80% of your meals as cooked or lightly sautéed can support better digestion.

 

Autumn Foods to Incorporate:

(For optimal digestion, remember to lightly cook or stew these foods)

 

– Apples

– Cranberries

– Pumpkin

– Butternut, acorn, and spaghetti squashes

– Broccoli

– Cauliflower

– Collard greens

– Kale

– Carrots

– Leeks

– Brussels sprouts

– Sweet potatoes

– Parsnips

 

Embrace these changes in both your routine and diet to make the most of this beautiful season!