• Vegetables:

* Carrots

* Squash

* Turnips

* Sweet potato

* Parsley

* Broccoli

* Watercress

* Garlic

* Ginger

• Grains:

* Quinoa

* Rice

• Fruits:

* Apples

* Pomegranate

* Pears

* Banana

* Grapes

* Plums

• Herbs and Spices:

* Turmeric

* Cinnamon

* Rosemary

* Thyme

* Basil

* Dill

* Cardamom

* Black pepper

• Protein

Warm, comforting drinks like ginger tea, spiced milk or golden milk (made with turmeric) will add heat and moisture to the body, while enhancing the sense of cosiness and inner reflection that autumn can inspire.




- warm teas (loose leaf organic, not tea bags)
- hot lemon water

• Choose warm, cooked foods rather than cold food or raw vegetables. Vata is cold and dry; so eating foods that make you feel warm and supple helps to prevent your body from settling into a state of Vata. If possible, cook with good quality oil or ghee. Soups and stews are easy to make and perfect for your body right now. Avoid salads, sandwiches and dry cereals.
  

• Cultivate your Yin.
  
  Now is the time to start cultivating your yin, the energy that moves a bit slower and more intentional. Instead of exercising hard core to the point of dripping in sweat and exhausted, take it down a notch. Do things that may be a bit slower but still powerful such as very intentional weightlifting, going on walks, yoga or stretching, moving your body in a way that feels natural and creates movement.
  
  

• Journal or Meditate. Now is a great time to begin incorporating a journaling exercise or meditation practice if you don’t have one already. Write out your emotions, what is frustrating you or where are you having a hard time letting go, then imagine it being released from your body and life.

• Deep Breathing. Practice intentional breath-work, this helps to strengthen the lungs and calm the nervous system. Practice taking long, deep inhales and longer nourishing exhales. Focus on breathing into your lower abdomen. Do this multiple times throughout the day.
  
  - Stay warm and wear a scarf when it is chilly. There are acupuncture points on the back of your neck that are called “wind gates,” this is where cold pathogens can enter the body and make you sick. Staying covered in this area is especially helpful.

  • Eat warming foods and stay away from cold foods such as salads or smoothies. Especially now we want to boost the function of the Large Intestine and move away from cold, raw foods that can cause stagnant digestion. Start incorporating more soups, baked vegetables, & more hot teas to help your body energetically stay warm and your digestive fire to keep working properly. We know that our digestion is also related to our immunity, so maintaining good digestion is vital for maintaining overall health & wellbeing.

  • Drink ginger tea or incorporate warming herbs into your meals, such as ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, garlic, onion, chili, etc.

  • Start going to bed earlier and sleeping longer. Allow your body more rest and deeper sleep, this is vital for maintaining a healthy immune system. And remember, if you are feeling more tired than usual, that is totally normal and ok! We’re not meant to sustain the same level of output throughout the year.