Autumn + the Harvest
I’ll begin by admitting that the changing season has already started to weigh on me. The depleting warmth (though Florida has remained relatively so) and light does not fare well with my mental health, and just like the autumn, it causes me to turn hermetic in every sense of the word. As a Pisces, this is already engrained into my nature, but the darker, colder days and nights exacerbate this.
Anyway, the good thing that comes out of this is that I have trained myself to become hyper-focused on adequate nourishment. Relying on seasonal foods and additional supplementation, and careful consideration of my interactions with other people come to the forefront for analysis. Just like the harvest, I have to take into account all of these factors for weeding and eliminating, keeping only what is good and what feels right. There is no room for attachments during this uncomfortable, necessary process.
Where spring and summer are for action and execution, autumn and winter are for withdrawing, rest and contemplation. The beginning of this is always a bit cumbersome for me, mainly because I know more extroverts than introverts who naturally understand this proceeding, so if you feel a little isolated or misunderstood, know that you are not alone. This period of going within is absolutely necessary, and I implore you to find the beauty in the death and stillness.
Just the same, please do not forget the importance of feeding yourself well through all seasons - this is why I created the fulfilling and colorful Harvest bowl: it takes everything that the summery staple yogurt or açai bowls have, but with seasonally appropriate substitutions. I’ve also made it dairy- and allergen friendly, but the beauty of the recipe is that it can be customized for any preferences, allergies or not.
Ingredients
1 Apple (I like Honeycrisp)
1 tbsp Chia seeds
1/4 cup of Coconut milk (or any milk of choice)
1 tbsp dried Cranberries
1 tbsp Pumpkin seeds
1 handful of nuts (I chose walnuts, almonds + Brazil - if allergic, granola will suffice)
Optional:
1 tsp peanut- or any nut butter
Substitute milk for Greek yogurt
Add chia seeds to milk and stir. Let sit for 5-10 minutes, until it forms a pudding-like consistency. Once thickened, add diced apple and remainder of ingredients. Enjoy as a nourishing breakfast or pre-workout meal.
