Eating aligned with nature helps give us everything we innately need to adjust to the season. Especially in winter. In summer, for example, melons provide a cooling effect to our bodies. Since the high water content and electrolytes help us replenish the fluids we need to counteract the heat. During winter, the seasons are dry and cold, we may crave hot foods, such as root vegetables and squash, instead of cold juices. Not following these intuitions by season is what throws us off balance. During this time our bodies are more sensitive and require a gentler approach. So we leave you these tips to clean ourselves and enter the season as it should:
Align with nature
You have to focus on eating hot vegetables or changing juices for hot infusions or teas. Visit a local market to see what’s in season where you live and let the fresh produce inspire the meals you prepare.
The simple things
A cleanse is as much about what you exclude from your diet as it is about what you eat. During the end of year weather, when we are especially vulnerable to the flu, it may be beneficial to eliminate stuffy foods or foods that may cause allergies. Try to eliminate most dairy products, meats, sugars (especially refined sugars), alcohol, and other processed foods for about two weeks or so.
Season it
Even eating raw improves if we add heat through the energy of seasonings. Spices like ginger and turmeric warm the body, even when eaten raw. Add these and other spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, curry and black pepper to warm you up and also aid digestion.
To cook
A simple vegetable broth is a very common craving during this time. Try one made from lentils which are rich in protein, basmati rice and warm spices. It is eaten throughout the day, which helps the body in the colder months while gently and effectively detoxifying the system. Even try easy-to-digest, nutritious, warming foods like bone broths, steamed vegetables, and other soups.
Time of day
As daylight shortens, our bodies also feel the need to rest more. Try to eat most of your calories early or mid-day when your digestion is strongest and best let dinner be a smaller, lighter meal consisting of easier-to-digest stews.
Listen to your body
It can take a lot of practice to learn to listen to what our “gut” says, but this can easily help us plan what our system needs according to the season. When we feel hungry there is often also a big emotional aspect that we usually ignore. With this cold weather already approaching, these tips will help you warm up without losing your pants.
