Bye Bye Blues... Hello Pre-Fall Sweet Superfoods

 By Cal Orey, M.A.

A week or two ago, one morning I noticed I was longing for my mornings on the deck, tending to the trees and garden, aquarium, and the sweet soak of the sun. But then, one gray day bled into another, rain, overcast skies, and an abrupt halt to my exercise routine, leaving the Aussie with more drives and fewer walks than usual. "What gives?" I wondered, before realizing: ah, welcome to the sneaky, end-of-summer blues.

Blame it on shorter days and less sun and less movement which reduces endorphins—a natural “feel-good” chemical released by your brain to reduce stress. A change in our regular schedule can feel unsettling like something is off. I noticed the gloom and doom change despite an exciting upcoming book tour and new book release. My healthy summertime habits ceased. But today, it hit me. I’m sensitive to seasonal change.

It’s time for me, and maybe you, to welcome Tahoe favorite foods and beverages into your daily routine to boost your spirits, stabilize your energy, and stop seasonal fatigue. Here’s a pre-fall list to help you beat the seasonal change blues.

1. Focus on Foods Rich in Folic Acid and B Vitamins:  Low levels of vitamin B-12 and folic acid have been linked to depression and low energy. Folic acid helps increase serotonin production in the brain, which naturally ups happiness. Tahoe Eats: Dark green leafy vegetables such as spinach, and fortified whole grain cereals. For vitamin B-12, eat eggs, cottage cheese, yogurt, milk, and salmon.

2. Boost Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Healthy fats are not only vital for heart health, but they also play a major role in mood. Tahoe Eats: Repeat salmon and nuts.

3. Choose Complex Carbohydrates and High-Fiber Foods: When the weather turns chilly, many people crave sugary comfort foods which lead to irritability low energy. Tahoe Eats: Swap refined sweets for whole grains, and load up on vegetables such as potatoes, crucifers and fruits like berries and apples.

4. Warm Up with Polyphenol-Rich Tea and Raw Honey:  Both black and green tea boast powerful antioxidants that offer anti-inflammatory effects and can positively influence brain chemistry to lift your spirits. Ditto with raw honey. A warm cup of tea on a crisp autumn morning or night provides a comforting treat that warms you up while improves your mind. A bonus tip: Sprinkle cinnamon into tea including herbal varieties like chamomile.

Bottom line: As we get used to the cooler days, and a new diet and exercise regime, fall will welcome us in the sierras with the awesome colors of changing leaves, and new hobbies for the new season.

Cal Orey, M.A., is a bestselling author-novelist specializing in topics such as adventure, health, nutrition, and science. She holds a master’s degree in English (Creative Writing) from SFSU. Her books include the popular Healing Powers series. The new, revised 2nd ed. of The Healing Powers of Honey(Kensington Publishing, Penguin Random House) is here! Orey will be at a Reno Barnes & Noble book event/signing on September 19. Her website is http://www.calorey.com