Rewilding Our Plates: Embracing Seasonal Eating at the Fall Equinox

Episode #188: Rewilding Our Plates – Embracing Seasonal Eating at the Fall Equinox -

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Welcome, fellow rewilders, to another episode where we journey back to nature. Today, we dive into the world of seasonal eating as we celebrate the Fall Equinox. 

I’ve been on a quest to reconnect with ancestral wisdom and realign my nourishment with the rhythms of nature. After a brief hiatus, spent focusing on family, clients, and much-needed rest, I’m excited to return with a new season of episodes. While past episodes have covered spring and summer, today’s all about the magic of fall.

Embracing the Fall Equinox

The Fall Equinox is a time of transition – warm days give way to chilly nights. This change calls for a shift in our diet. On those lingering sunny days, cooling foods like salads, steamed veggies, and fruits reign supreme. Hydration is key, with mineral-rich water, herbal infusions, and the occasional smoothie (yes, late summer is smoothie season for me!).

As the air cools, our bodies crave warmth and comfort. Enter soups, stews, root veggies, and fats like butter or ghee. I love adding homemade pesto to my soups, and warming herbal teas like goldenrod and mugwort have become my daily companions as they come into season.

Sadly, modern convenience has distanced us from local and sustainable food sources. But as we embrace the seasonal abundance around us, we can forge deeper connections with our food and the land.

The Wisdom of Ancestors

Our ancestors thrived by eating seasonally. They aligned their meals with the land and the shifting seasons. The Fall Equinox, arriving on September 23rd, heralds a time of preparation. Our digestive systems naturally gear up for winter, making us ready for denser foods like root vegetables, meats, grains, and nuts.

The fall harvest brings us foods rich in fats and proteins, perfect for sustaining us through colder months. Squashes like pumpkins and butternut squash are packed with healthy carbohydrates and essential nutrients.

Fall’s arrival also calls for nourishment on a deeper level. After summer’s sun, our skin and hair need rejuvenation, and seasonal foods like cranberries and grapes offer vital nutrients for cellular repair.

What's in Season?

Here in Pennsylvania (zone 7), I’m fortunate to have an abundance of local produce available. Some of the highlights this season include apples, beets, broccoli, kale, sweet potatoes, and pumpkins, just to name a few. Many of these will remain available through late fall and early winter. I encourage you to explore what’s in season near you – it’s a great way to reconnect with nature’s bounty.

Foraging: Reconnecting with the Wild

Foraging takes our relationship with food to the next level. It’s not just about sustenance; it’s about reconnecting with our surroundings. Using our senses to identify wild edibles brings a sense of self-reliance and deep connection with the land.

This fall, some of the wild foods I’m foraging include paw paws, wild mushrooms, rose hips, and nuts like hickory and walnuts. Each foraged food carries the richness of the earth and offers profound nourishment.

Remember, when foraging, it’s essential to be respectful of the land. Only take what you need, leaving at least one-tenth of the patch to ensure the ecosystem remains healthy.

Takeaways

Seasonal eating helps us reconnect with the earth’s natural cycles. By embracing local, seasonal foods and exploring foraging, we can nourish both our bodies and our connection with nature. As we savor fall’s abundance, let’s honor the wisdom of our ancestors and work towards a more sustainable, health-conscious future.

If you're ready to begin your own health journey, my holistic approach focuses on quality food, movement, supplementation, and mental and emotional well-being. You can learn more on my website HERE.

Stay wild, stay well, and stay tuned for more.