Winter, in most places, is a time of colder, shorter days. So naturally, when there is less reason to be outdoors, the body tends to want to stay inside where it is warmer. The body’s metabolic rate will be slower, which means eating foods too much of sugars can become detrimental over time. When the metabolic rate slows, the body naturally holds onto fat and we gain weight. Just as most animals hibernate throughout the colder winter months, so too should human beings take the information being given and use it accordingly.
Winter is a time of preservation and building up strength for the spring. Winter is a time when the kidneys are highly active. They have functions that help the body preserve energy. Tonics are what should be primarily eaten during the winter months according to our theory. Most tonics include warming herbs, fatty foods and meats. The human body is designed to absorb these rich foods especially well at this time of year. By tuning into nature, humans can be guided toward the proper nutrients. It is recommended to eat warming foods during the winter months. Foods that will strengthen the kidneys, blood and Qi , which is sometimes considered our inner form of energy.
Foods to provide proteins in the winter time would be Milk & Cheese Bone Broth, Collagen, Gelatin Eggs Shellfish Organic/Grass-Fed Meats (Beef, Buffalo, Lamb) Non-Oily Fish (Halibut, Sole, Cod, Haddock, Snapper). Also foods for Fats, Raw Organic Grass-Fed Butter Ghee Refined Coconut Oil Extra Virgin Olive Oil (sparingly, not heated). For carbohydrates, Fruit Potatoes & Sweet Potatoes Raw Carrots & Bamboo Shoots Beets Squashes Zucchini Cucumbers Peppers Mushrooms will be good for blood sugar balancing effect. Many studies also shows that these foods are thyroid-stimulating effect which influences our metabolism, the energy production. They need to be well cooked before eating. Fruits can be warmed by adding spices like cinnamon, so they don’t tax the system too much. Herbs such as ginseng, garlic, onion, ginger, parsley and basil all have warming properties too that can be used when cooking.
Soups and stews are particularly good to eat at this time of year. Those that utilize bone broth as a base can be very tonifying. These types of foods help warm the body’s core and keep us fully nourished and provide enough essential proteins and fatty acids. Cooking should be for longer periods over low heat using less water. This will infuse the food with heat and lasting nourishment.
Nutritional approach and sun exposure are helpful way to stay well. The food consumed can have profound effects on the body that affect our health and well-being. Along with paying close attention to the foods that are abundant during the seasons, it is also recommended that locally grown foods be utilized. This may help decrease the possibility of allergic reactions.
Also in winter season without enough exposure of sunshine, chronic stress can have serious health implications. Stress causes the adrenal glands to produce excess cortisol and adrenaline, which puts these glands in a constant state of “fight or flight.” This can lead to symptoms such as poor sleep, weight gain, digestive issues and chronic illnesses.
Acupuncture is one of the effective tools to deal with chronic stress and regulate digestive function. Studies have shown acupuncture treatments actually turn on or stimulate the relaxation areas of the nervous system, also known as the parasympathetic nervous system. When the parasympathetic nervous system is switched on, it helps to regulate the heart rate, improve digestion and balance sleep cycles. Many people who get regular acupuncture treatments actually fall asleep once the needles have been inserted.
Stay well and hopefully this information is helpful for you
