Seasonal Eating for Winter
Seasonal eating is a cornerstone of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), which emphasizes harmony between our bodies and our environment. By aligning our diets with the seasons, we can optimize our health, energy, and overall well-being.
Winter, according to TCM, is the season associated with the kidneys, a vital organ system that governs energy storage, vitality, and resistance to the cold. To counteract the external cold, TCM emphasizes warming and nourishing foods that protect the body’s internal heat and strengthen the kidneys.
Recommended Foods:
Warming Proteins: Lamb, beef, chicken, and bone broths are excellent for warming the body and building energy reserves.
Root Vegetables: Carrots, sweet potatoes, parsnips, and turnips provide grounding energy and are easy to digest.
Whole Grains: Oats, millet, and barley nourish the digestive system and promote warmth.
Seafood and Seaweed: Rich in minerals, these support kidney health and replenish vital energy.
Dark Foods: Black beans, black sesame seeds, and mushrooms are associated with kidney channel nourishment.
Focus on slow cooking methods like stewing, braising, and steaming. These methods infuse warmth into food, making it easier for the body to digest and assimilate during colder months. Add warming spices like curry, ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, and chilis to your meals. These help to improve circulation and combat the cold.
Limit cold and raw foods, such as salads, iced drinks, and tropical fruits. These can tax the digestive system and deplete internal warmth.
Throughout winter, hydration remains essential. Drink warm/room temperature water or herbal teas to stay hydrated while avoiding cold beverages. Also, avoid overeating, as the body's metabolism slows in winter.
By eating in harmony with the season and TCM principles, you can cultivate resilience, maintain warmth, and thrive throughout the winter months.
Your Expert: Candice Behan Lic.Ac. - Owner, Acupuncturist at Clover Acupuncture & Wellness
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