Nutrition Notes: Earth

The Late Summer Season and the Earth Element are governed by the Spleen and Stomach. Eating seasonally is usually very helpful for those who are generally healthy.

The Spleen is known as the Distributor, shuttling nutrients and energy to all parts of body, mind and spirit. The spleen stores blood and destroys old blood cells.

aThe Stomach, the Rotter and Ripener of Food, receives pure nourishment and prepares the optimal state for which nutrients may be absorbed throughout the body.

Here are my nutrition notes for late summer and the earth element:

• Remember, digestion begins in the mouth.

• Enjoy the taste of your foods and eat consciously engaged with the food.

• Sit down to eat and be mindful of not over-eating. Balance cooking methods, tending toward more moderately cooked foods during this season.

• Eat foods that are balanced categorically, warm with cool.

• Enjoy the sweetness of end of season fruits and veggies.

• Whole grains (rice, quinoa, millet), legumes, nuts, seeds and sprouts can be brought back into the diet.

• Chicken and fish can be brought back into diet.

• Keep red meat to a minimum.

• Dairy or dairy alternatives may be added in as appropriate.

• Enjoy the harvest of big squashes, pumpkins and root veggies.

• Start preparing soups that warm the digestive system when the air gets cooler.

• Sweet foods moisten the system, which is perfect after a dry summer.

• Choose sweet foods like sweet potatoes, grains, carrots, squashes and corn, rather than sugary alternatives.

• Late summer is the season of balance.

• Eating foods that are comforting and easily digestible will sooth the stomach and spleen.

• Cold drinks should be eliminated from one's diet until late Spring.