Autumn is the time of year when nature’s energy contracts and draws downward which is reflected in falling leaves and fruits, shorter days, and cooler nights. It is a time of harvest and abundance with thoughts of collection and storage for the winter ahead. Shifting our diets is one way to keep healthy during this change of climate.

The early season is often characterized by dryness and heat. To counter dry weather and its manifestations in the body like thirst; itchiness; dry skin, mouth and throat; try to incorporate more moistening foods in your diet such as:

With the onset of colder weather, shift to adding more mildly acrid and/or warming foods like:

For symptoms of shivering or the onset of the common cold, use spicy foods to stimulate Qi (chee) circulation and to bring defensive energy rapidly to the body’s surface:

As the cold and rainy weather arrives, avoid dampening foods like dairy products, excess raw foods, and cold foods like iced drinks and ice cream. Warm and supplement your digestive system with soups, stews and hot cereals.