Aaaaand I am back from Mexico!  Tan and relaxed!

{ view from the house }

Erik and I had  such a great time down south.  We were out in the middle of nowhere, seriously, with hardly anything but the casitas (houses), our friends, beach, and plenty of Pacifico   It was a quick 5 day vacation but so glorious!

{ sunrise }

Now that I’m back, I’m getting caught up on work, studying, cleaning, finishing decorating (!!) and getting ready for Erik’s big work holiday party tomorrow night.  I am beyond excited, I love getting dolled up!  And his work goes all out, it’s a fabulous event.  Oh, and getting to party at the Montage Beverly Hills, doesn’t hurt either.  I’ll hopefully have some pretty pics of the place to post Monday

OK, so back to business.  I normally keep things pretty clean in the kitchen when cooking and preparing foods.  Just lots of whole grains, vegetables, and fruits.  It’s even more important to try to keep the diet clean in this season.  Not only will your body and immune system stay stronger (fight off sickness, boom!), you will feel less guilty for occasionally indulging.

Let’s face it, we all like to enjoy the good times during the holidays, and there is never a shortage of good foods, treats, and drinks around!

There is enough stress during the holidays without the need to worry about your waistline.  So load up on the goods, and allow yourself to enjoy some indulgences without guilt

Which brings me to seasonal eating: Fall/Winter:

Part of staying natural with foods is to eat seasonal.  I posted a while back about why buying seasonal vegetables and fruits is beneficial.  On top of those reasons, the earth is telling us what we should be eating in the current season to keep us healthy and strong.  We grow lots a hydrating and cooling foods in summer months, correct?  Our bodies need those foods in the hot months, but you don’t want you body cooling down lots in the winter months.  You would be more susceptible to illness if you stayed eating mostly just the fruits and veggies you eat in summer.  During the colder winter months, your body wants denser, heavier foods.  It’s important to incorporate plenty of high protein, high good fat, and oils during these months.  Root vegetables (potatoes, carrots, beets, yams) are very satisfying in winter.  They are more dense, and because of how they are grown (root), will keep us feeling more grounded, warm, cozy…just what our body is craving!!

Here is a good list of fall and winter foods.  Try adding these to your grocery list and keep an eye out for these at the market:

• Squash

• Apples

• Beets

• Brussel sprouts

• Cranberries

• Mushrooms

• Figs

• Sweet potatoes

• Swiss chard

• Figs

• Grapefruit

• Kale

• Leeks

• Lemons

• Radishes

• Turnips

I’m aiming to have some delicious recipes posted next week incorporating these foods!  Until then, have a wonderful weekend!