Issue Introduction - Guest Editor's Letter

Amera Musleh

Cozy up this fall with warming recipes

It’s that time of the year when the cool and brisk air reminds us of the eventful year ahead; a time for back to school shopping, long, snuggling hours at home with loved ones and fewer cravings for raw and cold summer salads.

As these seasonal changes take place, I like to create warming and detoxifying recipes that offer similar health benefits to those summer salads. These recipes should contain ingredients that are detoxifying and hydrating. They should also be a nutritional source of long-lasting energy and feelings of satiation. Fall recipes should contain significant levels of antioxidants, just like the summer salad, while being cooked to a comforting and warm temperature. My Fennel, Beet and Ginger Soup (see page 38) is a warming and comforting way to nourish your body during the colder temperatures. Beets are significantly high in antioxidants, are anti-inflammatory and aid the body’s natural detoxification. Beetroot contains high levels of dietary nitrate, which when metabolized by the body, is associated with reducing high blood pressure.

Another valued whole food component of the soup is fennel. Fennel is a potent antioxidant which reduces cellular oxidative stress. The flavourful herb carries antimicrobial and blood sugar balancing properties and is also known to promote anti-inflammatory actions.

This recipe contains generous amounts of ginger for both flavour and health benefits. Ginger is a warming whole food that adds to the comforting impact of a vegetable-based soup. It also contains several health promoting properties; ginger aids in blood circulation, specifically in the extremities. Ginger is also known to be an antiemetic, an action that aids in reducing nausea. This powerful herb also assists in breaking apart and dispelling flatus.

This recipe has the perfect combination of hydrating, detoxifying, yet warming ingredients to get your extremities warmer and comforted on those colder days to come.

Another great recipe to try can be found on page 44. Health food blogger Brittney DesRosiers tells us how to make her Easy Tofu Taco Meat while also giving you some tips on meal prep that will be sure to come in handy this fall when the kids are back in school. To help your kids transition their studies from school to home, we have some great ideas on how to design a relaxing study space for them on page 18. And for even more fall inspiring information, check out pages 30-32 where our Vista Magazine Ambassadors give us their best health tips heading into the fall season. It’s a great time to reset and this issue, we will help you do just that!

AMERA MUSLEH is a certified holistic nutritionist having graduated with honours from the University of Toronto with a background in political science, English and philosophy. After completing her undergraduate degree, Amera found her passion in nutrition and healthcare and pursued specialization in holistic nutrition, graduating from the Institute of Holistic Nutrition at the top of her class with alumni status. She has also completed accredited certifications for culinary child nutrition from Stanford University. � NUTRITIONBLOOMS