potatoes

Fall is a magical time.

I walk around in awe of the vibrant reds and oranges all around me  and savor the warm days as I know they are numbered.  Jeans and closed shoes still feel cozy rather then confining, like they start to by the end of winter.

Fall is also a hard time.

I’ve noticed a pattern over the last several years of autumns;  fall makes me sick.  Well, not really sick exactly but run-down.  I need a lot of sleep in the fall.  A month or two goes by of feeling a little under the weather but never actually getting sick.

Chock it up to the longer nights, change in pressure, change in temperature, allergies, or my own neurosis, whatever the reason, the result is a Faith moving in slow-mo.   My workout goals have flown out the window and my new exercise goal is to move everyday.  Yesterday that meant a low-key 30 minute ball and weights workout, Sunday it was a walk (not bad exercise but very minimal for me).

Recognizing this pattern of fledgling fall energy helps me accept it and work with it rather than against it.  I slow down, head to bed earlier, slurp down immune boosting teas, and eat lots of greens to keep me healthy.

And I remember the magic of fall, including the amazing root vegetables at their prime.

Yellow beets and purple potatoes. 🙂

Winter squash and roots veg are definitely the best fall eats.

I steamed these bright, nutrient rich roots then tossed them with fresh chives, fresh tarragon, a squeeze of lemon juice, a drizzle of olive oil, a splash of liquid aminos, and salt n’ pepper.

It was the perfect mix of summer and fall; cold, bright, and refreshing for the lingering warm weather yet hearty and comforting from the carby veggies.

Is your body aware of the transition from Summer to Fall?  Do you, too, slow-down, sleep more, and feel a little foggy?