What do you allow yourself to consume, or better yet what do you allow to consume you??? Sometimes these two go hand in hand and other times at different ends of our thoughts and attention. Seasonal consumption can mean both.
The foods we eat, the foods we think about, the foods that different seasons presents to us or bring to us. I know I have said it before but I am going to say it again eating seasonally is the best way to eat. Consuming all the fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables helps us get the most nutrients out of the foods we eat. Unseasonal foods aren't as rich in their vitamins and minerals, or they have been genetically modified in oder to grow in the off season. By rotating your diet to eat the vegetables and fruits in season throughout the year, you gain variety in both taste and nutrition. To stock fresh fruits and vegetables that are out of season, grocery stores pay to transport food by truck, boat or plane from other cities, states or countries causes the price to go up and affects our carbon footprint.
Before science played a part in agriculture, you could only find fresh produce during the season it grew best in since produce relied on weather and the natural growing conditions. Growing and consuming crops seasonally not only guarantees a flavorful product, but it allows the environment to cycle through its natural resources and seasons like it would without human intervention. Don't mess with nature!!!!
What do we allow to consume us during the seasons, too much worry or stress about the weather? What outside influences do we allow into our lives to bother us, or annoy us, things that may bring anxiety or frustration. Sometimes it is better to keep things on the surface where they can be seen or touched even changed if need be. Other times it is better for us to go deep, to really experience something and allow the outside world into our very being. The challenge is how to discern when, where and how to do this??? Listen to your heart, it will let you know, your heart will play to what you value most. As long as you stay true to what you value then the less important things will slip away. Life keeps presenting us with endless possibilities, but it is what you value you most that matters.
Consumption, too much or too little, find the balance. I believe we have all felt one end or the other of consumption, neither being a great place to be. Let the seasons flow peacefully through as they may, don't fight it or change it or expect it to be any different than it is. Consume just the right amount and the next one will move right in and take its place with ease and grace.
Easy Crispy Air Fryer Chicken
Ingredients:
4-6 boneless skinless chicken thighs
1 tbsp paprika
1/2 tbsp smoked paprika
2 tsp kosher salt
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp fresh ground black pepper
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Directions:
In a large bowl add the paprika, smoked paprika, salt, garlic powder and black pepper. Toss or stir it around to combine.
Pat the chicken thighs dry on both sides, then add them to the bowl, move them around in the seasonings. Then drizzle in the olive oil and toss to coat all the chicken on both sides.
Place the chicken thighs in the air fryer, make sure they are not touching. Depending on the size of your air fryer you made need to cook in batches.
Cook at 400 degrees for about 12-20 minutes, Turing half way through. Different air fryer models may differ on cooking time, so better to start with less time until you figure it out, or check as you go.
Garnish as you like, maybe a little lemon and parsley.
