Ageing is a natural physiological process and with this process comes a wealth of wisdom acquired through life’s experiences writes Dr Irene Prantalos, an expert in Chinese Medicine.
This article is not about being depressed about the wrinkles that appear but more about how to encourage a healthy body that is nurtured by the change of seasons. Being connected to nature will naturally slow down the ageing process and improve mental and physical health.
Eating fresh produce that are only grown in the season you are in is the best way to choose which fruits and vegetables you will consume. However, living in a global community we have access to a huge array of choice despite the time of year. We can combat this by shopping at local farmer’s markets (which keeps money in your community) and at your organic store.
how is seasonal living going to improve your health?
Our bodies are closely connected with nature. Each season brings along with it expectations of what we must eat and how we must live in order to feed and nourish our body to optimal health. Here is a breakdown from what each season expects from us.
Summer
Summer is a time of growth as the weather starts to warm up. Connect with nature by waking early and walking outside in the early morning sun. Often people notice their appetite reduces and they crave salads and other light meals. The desire for light meals is simply the body wanting to drop a little weight to deal with the warmer months and not put too much strain on the digestive system.
Below are some foods to add to your summer diet:
Vegetables: beans (flat, butter, green), carrots, celery, cucumber (in moderation), lettuce, peas (in moderation), sweet corn, watercress, zucchini
Fruits: apricots, figs, melons (in moderation), nectarines, peaches, and pears
Meats: chicken
Fish: Atlantic mackerel, bluefish, monkfish, Pacific salmon, red snapper
Autumn
Autumn, when the warmth of summer fades into the cooler months of winter. With this transition in mind it’s important to eat more root vegetables. The reason for this is that the movement of energy in autumn is downwards and, as we know, root vegetables gain their energy from the ground. It is a time to store energy and eat heartier foods in preparation for winter.
Below are some foods to add to your autumn diet:
Vegetables: beetroot, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, collard greens, Italian parsley, fennel, artichokes, kale, parsnips, pumpkin, turnips, winter squash.
Fruits: apples, pears
Meats: Turkey
Fish: Atlantic mackerel, bluefish, monkfish, Pacific salmon, red snapper
Winter
Winter is the coldest season of the year. It is a time when many feel lethargic and unmotivated as the body needs to rest and meditate while gaining a small amount of weight in preparation for the colder months.
Below are some foods to add to your winter diet:
Vegetables: asparagus, alfalfa, cabbage, carrots, celery, endives, lettuce, parsnips, spinach, turnips, watercress
Fruits: apples and pears Meats: lamb, chicken
Fish: Atlantic mackerel, bluefish, monkfish, Pacific salmon, red snapper Winter Handy Hints
Spring
Spring is the time of year where everything starts to blossom. With a splash of warmer weather everyone’s spirit starts to lift. Now is the time to regenerate and for new beginnings which makes Spring an ideal time to detox. I’m not a huge advocate of severe detox programs however many people gain a small amount of weight through eating heavy, hearty meals during winter. Spring is the time to shed those extra kilos and start enjoying the outdoors.
Below are some foods to add to your spring diet:
Vegetables: asparagus, beetroot, cabbage, carrots, fennel, lettuce, mint, parsley, peas (in moderation), spinach, turnips
Fruits: apricots (make sure they are sweet), apples and pears
Meats: chicken, turkey
Fish: Atlantic mackerel, bluefish, monkfish, Pacific salmon, red snapper Spring Handy Hints
So as you can see, making only a few changes to your diet throughout the year will reap many rewards and your body will love you for it.
Dr Irene Prantalos is an expert in Chinese Medicine, and draws from her own experience with psoriasis to treat a variety of patients. Connect with Irene at: www.salubre.com.au
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