In this episode of Illuminating Being, we explore the importance of seasonal nourishment and how our connection to food can enhance our well-being. They discuss the rhythms of nature, the abundance of summer produce, and the significance of local food sources. The conversation emphasizes the need to reconnect with our senses and the natural cycles of food, encouraging listeners to engage with their communities and embrace cooking with seasonal ingredients.
As we transition into the heart of summer, nature invites us to pause, to listen, and to align with its rhythm. In this episode of Illuminating Being, Dr. Keith Somers and I explored the deeper meaning behind “seasonal living”—not just what we eat, but how we move, how we rest, and how we relate to the natural cycles that have always governed human life.
We’re talking about something older than trends and more intuitive than rules: tuning into nature’s cues and letting them inform our habits, our meals, and our well-being.
Rediscovering the Rhythms of the Seasons
Once upon a time, our diets were determined by what the earth offered us in the moment—tomatoes in summer, squash in fall, root vegetables in winter. Dr. Somers reflected on how, growing up, tomatoes in winter were pale and flavorless—a stark contrast to the juicy, sun-ripened bursts of summer.
Now, through globalization and industrialization, we can get almost any food year-round. But just because we can, doesn’t mean we should.
Nature offers wisdom in cycles. As Dr. Somers shared, research suggests a circannual pattern to seasonal eating:
Winter: higher in protein and fat
Spring: rich in protein and fiber
Summer: abundant in carbohydrates
Fall: heavier on fats and carbs
Today’s food industry flattens those cycles, offering processed fats and carbs year-round—and we’re seeing the effects in our health and well-being.
Why Seasonal Eating Matters
Eating with the seasons isn’t just about freshness—it’s about aligning with your environment. Summer foods like cucumbers, tomatoes, and berries are water-rich and cooling, perfect for hot days. Fall invites warmth and grounding through squash, carrots, and apples. Winter supports us with dense, nourishing root vegetables. Spring brings lighter fare, signaling renewal and movement.
When we follow these rhythms, we naturally balance our energy and digestive needs. We also connect more deeply to where we live, what’s growing, and who’s growing it.
Small Ways to Reconnect
Visit a farmers market
Engage with your local growers. Ask them what's in season, how they cook it, and what’s coming next.Try a CSA or seasonal delivery service
Dr. Cook shared her experience with a local service that brings the farm to your doorstep—complete with seasonal guides and new foods to explore.Cook simply with what’s available
You don’t need fancy recipes. Start with a few key ingredients, pair things that grow together (they usually taste great together), and don’t be afraid to experiment.Use all your senses
Taste produce raw. Notice the colors, the smells, the textures. As Dr. Somers noted, it’s in this sensory exploration that we reconnect with food’s role in joy, culture, and nourishment.Shift the narrative from perfection to intention
We’re not after perfection here. The goal is to be more present. To waste less. To eat better—not more.
A Book to Explore: Six Seasons by Joshua McFadden
Inspired by McFadden’s view of summer as early, mid, and late—with different foods blooming at each stage—we’re reminded that the more we pay attention, the more abundant the world becomes. His cookbook offers simple, inspired ways to bring seasonal produce to your plate, without overwhelm.
(And yes, his celery-apple-peanut salad recipe is officially on our list to try and share!)
Final Thoughts
Nature is always offering us a gentle cue to slow down. In summer, we’re surrounded by color, light, and nourishment. Let that abundance guide your meals, your mindset, and your movement.
Because when we live in rhythm, everything starts to feel a little more grounded, a little more alive, and a lot more connected.
