Autumn's harvest treats - p.s - eating seasonally - Brief Article

Better Nutrition, Oct, 2001 by Patti Woods-Lavoie

Fall has always been my favorite season and Halloween, my favorite holiday, When I was younger, I'd spend months preparing what alter ego I'd assume for the evening. I'd choose from the typical cast of characters-gypsy, vampire, princess. But then there were other, more creative costumes, like the year when my mother had a surplus of green fabric. I went as the Jolly Green Giant (although being an average-sized 7-year-old, most people thought I was a plant). And then there was the year my brother took me trick-or-treating. I went out in my witch costume, then came home, changed into an aviator's cap, goggles and scarf and went around to all the same houses again, collecting a second round of candy. Even my grandmother didn't catch on to our brilliant scheme.

I'm not quite sure why I loved (and still love) Halloween so much. Part of it was the dressing up, getting to be someone else for the evening. The candy, of course, was a huge part of the draw, and it was always fun to see how much loot my friends and I could carry in our pillowcases. But there was something special, something magical about being out on a chilly autumn evening after the sun had set and the moon rose high in the sky.

One can only imagine what it must have been like in ancient times during the fall, when celebrations honored the harvest, when the hard labor of the summer had yielded its reward in the form of corn and squash and apples. Imagine the thrill of lighting a bonfire in the fields and celebrating with fresh grains and vegetables that had been tended to all summer.

Today, however, there seems to be something missing in our society that is so removed from living in accordance with the cycles of nature. I'd like to think that the whole "simplicity" movement is slowly getting us back there. After all, how many times have we looked at the calendar and realized a month has gone by without us even noticing? How many times have we said, "Where has the time gone?" In the harried craziness of day-to-day activities, it's all too easy to let time pass us by. But it's still possible to set aside time to acknowledge the seasons, even if it's just with a single meal or activity.

For many, fall is their favorite time of year. New England, for example, becomes flooded with tourists, eager to view the bright oranges, reds and browns of the leaves as they turn. Go hiking (now that summer's bugs are beginning to disappear) or spend an afternoon picking apples or pumpkins.

Even if free time is not easily come by, you can celebrate with an impromptu harvest dinner. Roast some squash, corn and other fall vegetables, buy some locally-pressed cider and bake or buy an apple pie.

There's something to be said about eating in accordance with the seasons. For one thing, you never get bored. There's always a new fruit or vegetable to look forward to (think about how we relish the thought of cranberries and pumpkin pie at Thanksgiving). Variety in eating is certainly one of the keys to good nutrition, making sure we get a good balance of vegetables, fruits, grains, meats and dairy.

This autumn, take the time to observe the cycles of nature and incorporate the season's best offerings into your meals. It can do wonders for your psyche, as well as your diet, and it's a simple trick that can be a real treat!