What’s for Lunch? Fall Comforts & Ayurvedic Spice Wisdom

It’s feeling like fall again here in Virginia! The air is crisp, the leaves are dancing, and suddenly our bodies start craving cozy, creamy comfort foods.

Did you know that in Ayurveda, you’re not meant to deny those cravings? If you’re longing for a rich, warm soup or something hearty and grounding, that’s your body’s inner wisdom speaking. The key is in the balance and that’s where Ayurveda comes in.

Rather than restricting yourself, Ayurveda invites you to notice how foods affect your body and mind. Cream-based soups and tomato-based soups have very different energetic qualities, so the spices you add can help you stay balanced through the fall (a.k.a. Vata) season.

Here are a few quick spice guides to inspire your next pot of soup:

Cream-Based Soups (warming, grounding, nourishing) Think: butternut squash, potato-leek, carrot-ginger, mushroom, or lentil-coconut ✨ Try adding: cumin, coriander, turmeric, black pepper, nutmeg, or fresh ginger

Tomato-Based Soups (cooling, acidic, slightly drying) Think: tomato basil, minestrone, or roasted red pepper ✨ Try adding: fennel, basil, cardamom, turmeric, and a touch of ghee to soften acidity

Vata needs warmth, oil, and grounding, and what better way to bring that in than with nourishing food made with love and mindfulness?

So go ahead, make that soup! Just choose your spices wisely, savor each bite, and let every meal bring you back to balance.

Bon appétit and happy fall 🍁