Daylight hours shrink in October and the morning air is crisp and cooler. The once lush, green hillside is suddenly colored and brilliant. In October, enjoy the colorful display as deep red and amber leaves swirl in the wind. The last hurrah of fall is an exciting time to enjoy the delicious and satisfying comfort foods that characterize the autumn Ayurvedic diet. The fall diet is chock full of grounding, stabilizing and nourishing options to help you settle down for the long winter ahead. As cooler air and darker evenings coax you to grab a cozy blanket out of storage, there's no better way to enjoy the fall harvest than with these seasonal recipes.
Do you live in the Southern Hemisphere? You may need the 10 Ayurvedic Recipes for April instead.
Warm Up Your Mornings
An extra few minutes under the blanket seems all the more luxurious in October, as winter hibernation sets in. Instead, seize the day with a heartwarming breakfast that will help you feel calm and content all morning. Warming and sweet,
Quinoa, Walnut & Date Warm Cereal is worth getting out of bed for. It's easy to digest and grounding, giving you energy and strength throughout your day. If you simply don't have the time to make a cooked breakfast in the morning, this
Almond Date Shake with Cinnamon is a quick and easy option. Just whizz it in the blender and take it with you to keep your energy levels up.
Pumpkin Spice & All Things Nice
No pantry is complete in October without the addition of at least one pumpkin! These bright orange orbs are much more than just a Halloween gimmick. Pumpkin is incredibly versatile and can be used in both sweet and savory dishes, including drinks. This month, you may hear more and more people ordering Pumpkin Spiced Lattes in your local coffee shop. Why not skip the queues and create your very own
Spicy Pumpkin Chai. This warming, soothing drink will help you reduce stress and remain calm and stable throughout fall, the season of movement and change. Pumpkin also satisfies the stomach and allows you to relax. After a long, tiresome day at work, cook yourself a batch of this
Coconut Curry Pumpkin Soup to unwind and warm your core.
Hot & Hearty
October is the month to dust off your slow cooker and roasting dishes, and leave the light, summer fare behind. Your appetite naturally gravitates towards heartier meals this month. This is natural as your body tries to insulate your skin and store energy for the impending winter. Try
Grandma's Chicken Soup or
Basil Butternut Squash over Coconut Quinoa for a satisfying dinner option. Both of these meals will satiate that growing hunger you may be feeling in cooler weather. These slow cooked soups will fill your home with love and affection as the smell of delicious food cooking encourages all in the family to slow down and relax for the evening..
Enjoy a Sweet Treat
If you tend to have bit of a sweet tooth, there's good news for you this season. Sweet is one of the tastes that grounds the nervous system, builds strength, balances Vata and leaves you feeling nurtured and comforted - both physically and emotionally. This is the time of year for sweet taste in the diet, but this does not mean loading up on processed sugar. Instead, choose heartier options in the fall. Enjoy the natural sweetness of homemade treats such as
Sweet Potato Spicy Pecan Crisp and
Almond Coconut Fudge. While the kids go "bobbing for apples" this halloween, the adults can enjoy some warming
Baked Apples in Spicy Apricot Sauce to soothe and rejuvenate a dry digestive tract.