Eating with the Seasons: Autumn
From the outward energies of Summer, Autumn is a time to start moving inwards in preparation for Winter. Autumn is connected with the metal element of the Five Elements and the associated organs are the lungs and large intestine. It is here we focus on the art of ‘letting go’.
Autumn is a time to release and let go of what no longer serves us. Just as the leaves decay and fall from the tree’s, we are also being asked to shed the old, and store only what is needed for the Winter. The lungs, connected with Autumn, allow us to breathe in nourishing oxygen/qi/essence, transport it to the rest of the body towards the earth and then exhale what is no longer needed. The lungs protect us, they safeguard our internal organs, processing, exchanging, recycling and nourishing the body to maintain the balance of what is good and what is not. As too is the partner organ, the large intestine.
“ Breath comes down to fan the fire needed to transform our food “ - Andrew Sterman, Author of Welcoming Food.
As the last port of digestion, the large intestine continues the process of the breath and finalises the removal of waste, the recycling of certain nutrients, and the production of our good gut bugs (probiotics). It uses what it can to support us, and rids the rest. Looking at this process slightly different, the large intestine makes space for recognition of what we do want and who we are. If it is not functioning properly (constipation, bloating/gas etc), the mind can become vague and unclear, foggy and distracted, unable to make way for new inspiration and ideas.
Using food as medicine from both modern nutrition and Chinese dietary therapy, we can utilise certain foods and cooking methods to nourish and support the lungs and large intestines over the Autumn period.
We are being asked to focus on warming, descending and grounding foods with the use of slow cooking methods to maintain moisture and the use of warming, pungent spices.
Incorporate grounding root vegetables: Sweet potato, potatoes, pumpkin, squash, beetroots, ginger, galangal, onions, and turnip.
Reduce raw and cooling foods: As the temperature drops and the air is dryer, we want to hold on to moisture and retain warmth in the body. Reduce raw foods such as salads, raw vegetables and smoothies. Encourage warmth by slow cooking, steaming or boiling foods to lock the moisture in.
Increase legumes, beans and lentils: Grounding and recharging for the adrenals and nervous system. As we move slowly inwards in Autumn, we want to recharge and rebuild the body. Start adding a variety such as kidney beans, red lentils, mung beans, chickpeas and black beans to dishes. If you are new to these foods, start slowly and make sure they are well cooked.
Rice or millet congee: A soothing and grounding dish for the nervous system, immune and gut. Slow-cooked congee with the addition of some spring onions, fresh ginger and/or root vegetables is a great way to warm the belly and rid the inner body of cold.
Pungent spices: Flavours ranging from warm to hot, these spices can aid in dispelling and discharging mucus and phlegm while also aiding in circulation, digestion and create warmth. Try cinnamon, cloves, ginger, nutmeg, rosemary and thyme. Add to a mug of warm milk, hot water or savoury dishes.
Herbal teas: Make an infusion or decoction with one or more of the following…fresh ginger, turmeric, cardamom, cinnamon, star anise, cumin, rosemary, as well as dandelion and burdock root.
Oils: As the air is dryer and cooler, nourish the skin and organs from within by making sure you are including enough beneficial fats in the diet. Olive, macadamia, almond, hemp oil, fresh fish, avocado and a variety of nuts and seeds. Use oils topically on the skin and hair to nourish from the outside.
Slow down: Autumn is a time to start to slow down and move inwards. As this season represents the organs of elimination; lungs and large intestine, it is a good time to also eliminate things in your life that no longer serve you. Physical objects, emotions, thoughts, feelings, commitments and so forth. Take the time to think, journal and start to prepare to release and let go.
Not only do we look at the nutritive part of a food, but the energies they hold as well. Some constitutions will need warmer foods and some cooler, each depending on your unique makeup and external environment.
Always listen to your body first and use these as recommendations only.
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Inspiration:
Healing with Whole Foods by Paul Pitchford
Between Heaven & Earth by Harriet Beinfield & Efrem Korngold
Welcoming Food by Andrew Sterman