Paving the way for Self-Health

By Laurie Richardone

Hippocrates, the father of medicine said, “The greatest medicine is to teach people how not to need it”.

As we collectively strive to find our footing in these uncertain times, we have an opportunity to learn more about who we are and who we’ve been. This can be a wonderful time for self-reflection, leading the way to whom we want to become and how we want to live, and most importantly how we want to feel. As we age this becomes ever more pivotal.

If you listen to your body it will tell you what it needs: When you're hungry you eat, when you're tired you rest, when you're sad you might cry. Our bodies tell us what’s needed. This simple truth seems to have been forgotten a bit. Imagine how different this world could be if we would simply listen to this inner knowledge. Taking plain actions based on this intuitive knowing could prevent many lifestyle and diet-related illnesses. I feel certain our destinies depend on it! The great news is: we have some control over our health and well being.

I have, for many years, shared my understanding of the benefits of seasonal GF cooking, and as a health coach have worked with dozens of people seeking an alternative to a pre packaged diet. What has become clear to me is that food and diet differ for each person. There are a plethora of factors like lifestyle, genetics, and mood – not to mention daily stress and emotions! Good health starts with what we eat. My simple Philosophy is to eat with the seasons: Eating seasonally produces foods with twice the flavor, and peak nutritional value.

If you learn to relish the benefits of eating seasonally and desire a bit of kitchen inspiration, the door is open to you. The benefits of cooking with the seasons are many. Ingredients that grow naturally at a given time of the year are garden magic. Let nature inspire the menu of the day. For breakfast it might be adding some kale, or beet greens which have more iron than spinach, and blueberries rich in antioxidants, for a surprisingly delicious smoothie. Dinner could be a simple rainbow of vegetables, roasted to perfection with a sprinkle of good olive oil, flaky salt, and a squeeze of fresh lemon. Add a pot of legumes or brown rice, with a medley of fresh herbs from the market and a dab of butter or coconut oil, and voila` dinner is served. So take a trip to the farmer's market, search out the organic growers, and…let food be thy medicine.

September is a transitional month. As summer starts to wind down, continue to stay cool, eat lightly, and stay hydrated. Here are a few simple recommendations for a season of balanced health.

• Mint water and lemon, acts as a liver cleanser, metabolism booster, and appetite stimulant.

• Meals should include a lot of green vegetables, melons, peaches, and other fresh and fragrant herbs.