When I was studying in Paris, I learned the benefits of eating seasonally. Parisians shop daily to get the freshest ingredients from their favorite local vendors. If you’re in Paris and looking for…say, a tomato for tonight’s salad…you ask the merchant to select the perfect tomato for tonight. If you need it for tomorrow, he or she will choose one that will be ripe and at its best next day.

Locals always shop for fresh, high-quality, in-season produce and respect the vendors expertise to guarantee a delicious lunch or dinner. And I have to admit, I absolutely love the foods that are in season during autumn. Here are two reasons I’d like to share with you why you should eat foods in season.

1. It’s practical and nutritious!

When you buy local produce that’s in season, you are getting fresh food that has been picked at the time of optimal ripeness for flavor and nutritional value. You even have the opportunity to ask how it’s grown: is this organic? Often, fruits and vegetables are picked too early in order to meet delivery deadlines for long distance travel. Reports say that the longer produce can ripen on the “mother plant” and the more sun exposure it has, the more vitamins you’ll get. Eating seasonally is also wallet-friendly. When your produce is local, the less time and money it takes to get to your market, which will be reflected in a lower cost to you.

Plus, it’s kind of fun limiting yourself to what’s in season and learning new ways to prepare different fruits and vegetables. Put that “Recipes” board on Pinterest to good use!

2. Eating seasonally is also a spiritual experience.

When you eat foods in season, you live in tune with the rhythm of nature. Many argue that it also helps with digestion.

I believe in having the best that you can afford. This applies to food, too! Why not give your body nutritious, real food to provide it what it needs to be its best?

To help get you started, here is a list of some of the foods in season in autumn:

• Carrots
• Squash
• Pumpkin
• Sweet potato
• Eggplant
• Green beans
• Zucchini
• Turnip
• Spinach
• Artichokes
• Rocket
• Celery
• Kale
• Brussel sprouts
• Broccoli
• Arugula
• Brown rice
• Quinoa
• Oats
• Millet
• Beans
• Chickpeas
• Lentils
• Soybeans
• Apples
• Cranberries
• Pears
• Pomegranate

I recently enjoyed making (and eating) a French Vegetable Tarte using seasonal vegetables that I picked up on a crisp afternoon. It was soooo tasty and so was the asparagus and feta salad to start. If you’re interested in trying this at home, see the recipe here.

We’ve discussed how eating seasonally can connect you to nature, but did you know decorating can, too? (Yes, I’m giving you a pass to do a little guilt-free shopping!) Having nods to the season throughout your home will remind you of the present time and encourage you to enjoy the moment. Seasonal food and decor help your body and mind be in harmony with the elegant patterns of Mother Nature. And you don’t have to go overboard…just a few touches will make all the difference!

I even add a fall touch to my phone. The Everygirl provides free tech backgrounds in seasonal styles every month to enjoy on your phone, tablet, or desktop.

I hope that this encourages you to relish in the beautiful season that we’re experiencing at present and to enjoy the healthy and delicious food you deserve!

Photos: Living Frenchly