Shilpika Devaiah
Dec 12, 20192 min
Winter in December! The month of the holidays and worrying about the new year's plan. Meanwhile, for some of us, its the month of being refrigerated. Bitterly cold winter, no outdoor activities, it is a sort of hibernation
Nature in winter provides the antidote for cold and dryness in the foods and are abundant this time of year. Early winter is the season of Vata (air) dosha. This means qualities like dryness, lightness, chill is increasing in nature. Hence you want to eat more nuts, seeds, grains, soups, stews, higher protein, higher fat foods that are denser
Five types of foods that will help you warm up for winter and reconnect with the circadian cycles of nature.
1. "Underground" veggies
All the squashes, beets, carrots, potatoes, and sweet potatoes that grow underground all summer are heavy and denser, which make them ideal for vata season
2. More fat
Higher-fat diet provides nutrients you need to repair, rebuild, and rejuvenate before nature's new year, come spring. Also, try cooking with more olive oil, coconut oil, butter, and ghee
3.More protein
If you're not a vegetarian, it's good to eat a little bit more animal meat. This helps you meet your requirements for more protein in winter. You could also meet this requirement with nuts, seeds, Spirulina, yogurt, and eggs.
4. Fermented foods
Fermented food supports gut microbial immunity during the winter. Try eating more fermented cheese, yogurt, and sauerkraut.
5. More fiber
Fiber-rich foods are abundant in the fall and winter to support better intestinal health. Fiber is purgative, which means it helps you go to the bathroom. Ayurveda sees better elimination, or looser stools, as the body's way of getting rid of the heat that accumulates at the end of summer. You can get your fiber from wheat, seeds, most grains, rye, and rice.
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