Your Nutrition: Nature’s Most Important Medicine

Can you taste it? Mmm… That’s the heavenly taste of real food—food that comes directly from the earth.

Once you truly savor that impeccable taste, it becomes easier to ignore the endless stream of “eat this, don’t eat that” fad diets that leave so many of us confused, hungry, and stuck in cycles of weight and health fluctuations.

Amidst the constant flood of conflicting dietary advice, it’s important to remember: healthy eating is actually quite simple. The core principle is this—eat real food, as close to its natural state as possible.

If you’re accustomed to eating more processed foods, transitioning to a diet rich in natural foods may require retraining your palate.

What are processed foods?
I call them fake foods—those altered from their original state, often by adding preservatives, artificial colors, sugars, or genetically modified ingredients.
While our bodies are designed to digest natural foods, artificial foods strain the digestive system, leading to inflammation and illness.

Eating real food does involve a bit more planning and preparation, which can feel overwhelming initially.

However, once you make the shift, you’ll notice remarkable improvements in digestion, energy, and overall health—and you’ll find greater pleasure in eating.

Nature itself serves as a guide to our dietary needs, and eating with the seasons is a wise approach.

In spring and summer, an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables supports our bodies’ needs.

In fall, nature offers hearty root vegetables and thick-skinned produce that not only taste delicious but also:

• Bolster digestion
• Strengthen the lungs
• Enhance immune health

Vegetables like beets, parsnips, potatoes, and squash offer a rich tapestry of nutrients essential for the colder months ahead.

Mindfully nourishing your body with real foods creates a profound shift toward vibrant health.

Take time to sit, relax, and savor your meals.
Remember: food is medicine, and nature provides everything necessary to help you thrive.

Immune-Boosting Soup

Adapted from iheartvegetables.com

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 large sweet potato, diced into 1/2” cubes
• 1 15oz can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup red lentils, uncooked and rinsed
• 5 cups vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup kale or Swiss chard, torn into 1″ pieces
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat for 1 minute.
2. Add the onion and cook for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Add the garlic and ginger, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Stir in the turmeric and paprika, and cook for an additional minute.
5. Add the lemon juice, sweet potatoes, chickpeas, red lentils, and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil.
6. Once boiling, reduce heat to low and simmer for 15–20 minutes until the sweet potatoes are tender.
7. Add the kale and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
8. Season with salt to taste and enjoy!

Eating real, vibrant food nourishes not just your body—but your spirit.
Let nature’s medicine guide you to your healthiest self.