Written by John Immel, Asheville, NCNovember heralds one of the most anticipated meals of the year, Thanksgiving. People come together to share this feast with loved ones, and express thanks and gratitude for all the year has brought thus far. Excitement mounts in November as the holidays are right around the corner. However, nerves can be easily frayed and minds scattered at this time of year. Hearty, comforting foods should be on the menu to keep you grounded, nourished and prepared for the winter ahead.

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The chill of November signals your digestive fire (agni) to burn brighter, paradoxically. This is necessary in colder months to keep the body at a consistent temperature. You may even notice an increase in your appetite this month.

The rich, satisfying Thanksgiving foods are perfect biologically and for your holiday feast. The heavy nature of the foods helps you add a layer of insulation to your skin which is crucial before the impending winter sets in. It makes November the perfect time for just a little indulgence!

Cabin fever can hit during November as the days are almost at their shortest. The constant cold and sheets of rain mean evenings indoors are inevitable. Counter that cooped up feeling by taking to the kitchen. Spend some of these long, dark evenings cooking up these Top 10 Recipes for November to stay balanced and vital before the festive frenzy sets in.

Hearty Brunches

A cooked breakfast is an integral part of an Ayurvedic routine at this time of year. The fresh fruit plates of the summer are a distant memory now, as your body craves something warm and toasty. Start your Saturday morning with a hearty stack of Pumpkin Waffles with Pecan Maple Syrup. This rustic dish has all of the sweet goodness of traditional waffles, without burdening digestion. It's a nourishing and relaxing way to start the weekend after long days at the office. You'll feel the stress of your week melt away.

If you prefer something savory in the morning, Mushroom Swiss Chard Frittata with Rosemary will do the trick. The density of this recipe helps counter fall anxiety that can peak in November. It takes just 10 minutes to prepare, and can also be enjoyed at lunch and dinner too.

Build & Sustain

November is the month to build strength and immunity in preparation for the winter months. With a balance of plant based protein and fats, Hazelnut Honey Strength Building Smoothie is a satisfying snack or quick breakfast option to keep you feeling strong. This smoothie is a comforting, easy to digest nutritive tonic that can help build and sustain tissues.

Basmati rice is considered to be one of the easiest to digest grains in Ayurveda, and helps promote strength and vitality after a period of depletion. Roasted Rice with Dates, Cinnamon & Cardamom and classic Rice Pudding are incredibly comforting dishes at this time of year. They are both sweet in taste which builds tissues, calms the nerves, and satisfies the stomach.

Thanksgiving Feast

This year, why not welcome your Thanksgiving guests with a hot cup of Apple Cider with Spices. This warming brew will simulate digestion ahead of a rich meal due to its hot, easy and light qualities. It's heating spices will warm cold bodies after a November stroll, like a welcoming fire on a snowy day. In fact, you don't need to wait until Thanksgiving to enjoy this drink. It is an immune boosting option for these colder months, and can help chase away the increasing chill.

November is the perfect month to dust off your baking dishes. The heat from the oven will warm your kitchen and the sweet smell will radiate throughout your home. This Sweet Potato Pie is a guilt free treat to complete your Thanksgiving feast. This recipe will satisfy your sweet tooth without leaving you feeling heavy and lethargic. The addition of cinnamon and nutmeg increase circulation keep digestion strong and extremities warm.

Lighten the Load

While heavy foods certainly have an important place in the November diet, it is important to balance it out with some lighter meals, particularly if digestion starts to feel sluggish. Following the heaviness of a Thanksgiving feast, you can lighten the load with some easy to digest meals. The best way to do so is to go back to basics with well cooked, simple foods, like soups. Creamy, nourishing, and with just the right amount of spice, Carrot Ginger Soup will restore vitality to a sluggish digestive system. Light and warming, Coconut, Turmeric & Tomato Sambar Soup will heat your abdomen and stimulate digestion after a time of excessive eating. If you are looking for something a little more substantial, chunky Curried Chickpea with Carrots will fill you up while still giving your digestive system some time to rest.

Drink:
	Apple Cider with Spices
	Hazelnut Honey Strength Building Smoothie
Breakfast:
	Pumpkin Waffles with Pecan Maple Syrup
	Roasted Rice with Dates, Cinnamon & Cardamom
Lunch/ Dinner:
	Mushroom Swiss Chard Frittata with Rosemary
	Ginger Carrot Soup
	Curried Chickpea with Carrots
	Coconut Turmeric Tomato Sambar Soup
Dessert:
	Sweet Potato Pie
	Rice Pudding

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