Transitional Phase of Goddess Earth.

Goddess Earth is an alias which metaphorically compares the earth to a goddess protecting the resources of Mother Earth. As our Earth is full of resources and it nourishes all living organisms.

‘The Vast One’ is the Sanskrit name for the earth. It’s vastness is bountiful.

 This time of the year is known as the interim phase i.e the stop gap phase is most important for our wellbeing.

Just sit back and absorb the vibes, modes, changes in hues and colours of the interim phase.

The interim phases play major roles in our health and wellbeing.

These are the times we prepare our mind and body for the next phase.

 In some parts of the world it is called Fall, Autumn and  in India: hamara meethi sardi ka festive season.

Thinking about it brings a broad smile.

Something about the interim phase is nostalgic. There is nip in the air. It seems like a love affair with nature  for all.

There is change in our palate too according to the season.

Now there comes the thriller

In this phase we need to eat to boost our immunity and festive spirits.

 Now is the ideal time to witness the immense grandeur of festivals in India that will gradually unleash the spirit of great enthusiasm. The undeniable contagious festive spirit spikes up on a different level as soon as the calendar hits the month of October and the incredible diversity of India can be seen in the array of cultural and religious festivals that are celebrated differently all across the nation.

Sans doubt, the month of October ushers in a season of vibrant festivities that paint the country in hues of joy.

Our seasonal fruits and vegetables become colorful too in the interim phase. In this phase fill your plate with colorful fruits, vegetables, seeds and nuts.

This interim phase make a pledge to include  rainbow🌈 colored fruits and vegetables  to replenish  all the vitamins  and minerals. Mind it choice of these should be local.

Mantra yaad hai “Eat local Think Global”

1. APPLE 🍎 – Malus domestica

Vibrant Red colour -An apple a day keeps a doctor  away –

 It’s a nutritious fruit

 One medium apple (182 gms)

 Calories: 95

 Carbs: 25 grams

 Fiber: 4 grams

 Vitamin C: 14% of the Reference Daily 

 Intake (RDI)

 Potassium: 6% of the RDI

 Vitamin K: 5% of the RDI

Don’t throw away the peel of this super nutritious  fruit.

 Apples are good for weight loss. They are high in fiber and  vitamin C. They also contain polyphenols, which may have numerous health benefits.

 Apples gives satiety.  as they  are high in fiber and water — two qualities that make them filling.

 Apples May Be Good for Your Heart  They have been linked to a lower risk of heart disease. Apples contain soluble fiber —   the kind that can help lower  your blood cholesterol levels.

They also contain polyphenols, which have antioxidant effects. Many of these are concentrated in the peel.

One of these polyphenols is the flavonoid epicatechin, which may lower blood pressure.

 2.PEAR 🍐- Pyrus 

Green colour  , the color of life, renewal, nature, and energy, is associated with meanings of growth, harmony, freshness, safety, fertility, and environment.

It is a mild, sweet fruit with a fibrous center.

Pears are highly nutritious.

One medium pear – Source weighing around 178 g contains:

101 calories

0.249 g of fat

27.1 g of carbohydrate, including 17.4 g of sugar and 5.52 g of fiber

1 g of protein

Pears also provide essential vitamins and minerals, including:

vitamin C

vitamin K

potassium

Pears are good for gut health -They are an excellent source of soluble and insoluble fiber, which are essential for digestive health. These fibers help maintain bowel regularity by softening and bulking up stool.

Pears have anti-inflammatory properties. They are a rich source of flavonoid antioxidants, which help fight inflammation and may decrease your risk of disease.

Pears may offer anti cancer properties. It contains various compounds that may exhibit anticancer properties. For example, their anthocyanin and cinnamic acid contents have been shown to fight cancer. They also safeguard against ovarian and breast cancer.

Pears help in preventing heart disease – They  are rich in potent antioxidants, such as procyanidins and quercetin, that can boost heart health by improving blood pressure and cholesterol. Eating pears regularly may also reduce stroke risk.

 3. PUMPKIN 🎃 Cucurbita pepo

Orange colour-It is the color of joy and creativity.

Pumpkin is highly nutritious -It  has an impressive nutrient profile.

One cup of cooked pumpkin (245 grams)

Calories: 49

Fat: 0.2 grams

Protein: 2 grams

Carbs: 12 grams

Fiber: 3 grams

Vitamin A: 245% of the Reference Daily Intake (RDI)

Vitamin C: 19% of the RDI

Potassium: 16% of the RDI

Copper: 11% of the RDI

Manganese: 11% of the RDI

Vitamin B2: 11% of the RDI

Vitamin E: 10% of the RDI

Iron: 8% of the RDI

Small amounts of magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, folate and several B vitamins.

 Pumpkin aids in Weight loss

Besides being packed with vitamins  and minerals, pumpkin is also relatively low in calories, as it’s 94% water. It gives satiety. since it is rich in fiber.

Pumpkin is immunity Booster

It’s high in beta-carotene, which your body turns into vitamin A. Pumpkin is also high in vitamin C, which has been shown to increase white blood cell production, help immune cells work more effectively and make wounds heal faster. It is  also a good source of vitamin E, iron and folate.

Pumpkin Good for skin. It is high in beta-carotene, which acts as a natural sunblock. It also contains vitamins C and E, as well as lutein and zeaxanthin, which can help keep your skin strong and healthy.

Try pumpkin soup. It’s really yummy.

4. Cauliflower –Brassica oleracea

 White colour represents purity or innocence

Cauliflower is good for Gut : There is 3 gms of fiber in one cup of cauliflower, Which is 10% of your daily needs. Fiber is good for gut and helps in keeping good health. It prevents constipation, diverticulitis, inflammatory bowel disease and prevents colon cancer too

Cauliflower helps in protecting against chronic Disease. It is  a great source of antioxidant, which protect your cell from free radicals and inflammations. It is high in glucosinolates, isothiocyanates, carotenoid and flavonoids and vitamin c which help is reducing heart disease.

Cauliflower aids in weight loss – It is significantly low in carbohydrates. It gives a feeling of satiety in a bowl full. It  can replace grains and legumes in many dishes to increase the consumption of vegetables.

Have you tried cauliflower rice?Change in your palette too.

Kuch naya ho jaye!!

 And the list goes on and on. Try to include at least 3-4 colours  in your plate. Trust me it is appealing  for the gut too.

Beside seasonal fruits and vegetables I want you all to include millets in your diet in the interim phase.

5. Ragi – See the article on benefits of Ragi

https://eatrightstaybright.com/ragi-1-small-seed-with-gigantic-benefits/

6. Buckwheat (kottu) Fagopyrum esculentum

It has hues of  brown. Brown is colour of Mother Earth.

It is a pseudocereal. It is not related to wheat .It is gluten free.

Buckwheat is rich in minerals: They are richer than rice, wheat and corn.

It is high in copper, Magnesium, Iron, Phosphorus, manganese which benefits heart health, lowers risk of type 2 diabetes, growth and maintenance of body tissues.

Minerals are well absorbed because buckwheat is relatively low in phytic acid which inhibits mineral absorption.

Buckwheat is rich in Antioxidants .It is rich in Rutin, a polyphenol, Quercetin, vitexin, D-chiro-inositol which lowers the risk of cancer and helps in heart care.

 Buckwheat comes in the form of grains, Flour, noodles etc.

 Come on people go back to your Grandparents and ask for recipes of the power full grain.

I love having chilla opps Pancakes in gen z language.

Include gourd and curd with it.

But Remember the thumb Rule.?? Moderation is the key word.

In this interim phase let’s  sits back and absorbs from nature. Listen to your body still your mind. Remember nature has music for those who listen.

Festivals  around the world during this time to celebrate life.

• Durga puja, Bengal
• Dussehra, India
• Diwali ,India
• October Oktoberfest, Germany
• Hachiman Matsuri, Japan
• Concurs de Castells, Spain
• The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, USA
• Círio de Nazaré, Brazil
• Halloween, USA

 Food is not rational.

Food is culture, habit Craving and identity.

Don’t be a Glutton, be a connoisseur of good seasonal local Food.

 It’s always about the journey so lets celebrate life and health every moment.