Nature has always provided the best for creating the balance and harmony our bodies crave, especially for each season. With winter coming up, our bodies will begin to adjust and yearn for things that all too often it doesn’t get. Let’s change that this year with my list of top 5 Ayurveda winter foods to eat!
Benefits of Eating According to the Seasons
Although the grocery stores want you to believe that every fruit and vegetable is available and good for you year-round, the truth is they are not. There are certain produce that are in season and they also have an out season, which means they wouldn’t normally grow during that time.
One of the biggest benefits of eating according to the seasons is better nutrition. Your body knows what it needs and there is always a natural element in food that can fuel it. When produce is grown and/or picked before it is fully ripened, you miss out on all the nutritious benefits.
Another benefit is a richer flavor. This is monumental when making a certain dish that calls for natural produce. Using what is in season can change the entire taste. Lastly, it is more cost efficient to eat what is in season because of the overabundance in supplies. Foods that have to be grown in hothouses or shipped from other parts of the world will often have a higher price tag.
Keep these benefits in mind as you fill your Ayurvedic diet with foods for the winter season.
5 Food Types to Eat This Winter for the Ayurvedic Diet
With winter often comes dryness in our nasal passages, skin, and even our joints. The cold air does a number on our mucus membranes, making them a breeding ground for bacteria-related illnesses such as the cold and flu. In a nutshell, you’ll want to look for foods that help add insulation to your body, and gaining an extra pound or two won’t hurt either.
Root Vegetables
Vegetables that are grown under ground are not only more dense, but they also provide a load of antioxidants and are rich in fiber, minerals, and vitamins A and C. Add these rooted veggies to your meal plan this winter:
- Potatoes
- Sweet potatoes
- Squash
- Carrots beets
Add the Fat
Not in a sense of gaining weight of course. However, having a higher (healthy) fat diet can help with providing that insulation we talked about earlier. Adding the right kind of fat to your diet also aids in repairing, rejuvenating, and rebuilding important body systems. Add these natural fats to your recipes:
- Ghee
- Butter (not margarine)
- Coconut oil
- Olive oil
Fermented Foods
When you hear the word fermented, yes it has to do with preserving foods; but, it also has important ties to your body’s microbial health. Beyond keeping your body warm, fermented foods also keep your gut’s immunity in tip top shape. Here are some fermented foods and beverages to keep on hand this winter:
- Cheese
- Yogurt
- Sauerkraut
- Kefir
- Kombucha
- Veggies
Extra Protein
Whether you’re a vegetarian or not, protein plays a vital role in the structural strength of your body’s skin health and immunity. If you do eat meat, consider adding a bit more to your meals during the winter months. However, if you are a vegetarian, here are some protein packed foods to add to your shopping list:
- Protein powders
- Nuts
- Seeds
- Spirulina
- Yogurt
- Eggs
Fiber
Fiber should be a go-to food type all year long, but especially during the winter months. Following suit as an important player for gut health, having the proper fiber intake will help with having loose stools and easier elimination of your body’s wastes. Consider getting your fiber from:
- Seeds
- Grains
- Rye
- Rice
Conclusion
As you plan the winter meals for your Ayurvedic diet, remember to eat whole foods like the ones mentioned above. Eating according to the season will help promote mindfulness, promote weight loss, and help your body systems come into a healthy alignment.
I’d like to hear from you! Do you eat according to the seasons? If so, what’s your favorite season to eat and why?
Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The contents of this article, made available via The Mind Body Design (Holistic Fit LLC), are for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice. The Content presented here is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. If you think you may be suffering from any medical condition, you should seek immediate medical attention. You should never delay seeking medical advice, disregard medical advice, or discontinue medical treatment because of information provided by The Mind Body Design (Holistic Fit LLC). Reliance on any information provided by this article is solely at your own risk. And, of course, never use an herb or essential oil without first reading the label, doing your research, or checking with a local expert.
References
https://www.yogajournal.com/lifestyle/ayurveda-101-5-foods-to-eat-fall-winter
