Winter is the Water Element — A Brief Introduction:
"Winter is the end of all seasons. To unify with winter, one emphasizes the yin principle to become more receptive, introspective, and storage-oriented; one cools the surface of the body and warms the body’s core. It is a time to rest, to meditate deeply, and refine the spiritual essence. Even though the slow yin processes dominate, one must stay active enough to keep the spine and joints flexible." (Pitchford, P. 2002)
Flavors for the Cold Season:
"The cold season invites both salty and bitter flavors. They encourage a sinking, centering quality. Common bitter foods includes lettuce, watercress, endive, escarole, turnips, celery, asparagus, alfalfa, carrot top, rye, oats, quinoa, and amaranth. Common salty foods are miso, soy sauce, seaweed, salt, millet, and barley. Use salt with caution, salt is overused in typical diets, while bitter flavors are lessened. (Pitchford, P. 2002)
Winter stews are a wonderful option for a meal that has a high nutrient content, where ingredients and flavors can easily be rotated. Try using several combinations of the salty and bitter vegetables and grains mentioned above. Add in some seaweed for extra vegetarian protein or lean meat (pork, sirloin) or fish (cod) if you prefer a heartier stew. "(See Winter Vegetable Article Below for more ideas)
Winter Vegetable Article:
A Few Tips for Success in 2020:
Mindful Eating - Hold yourself accountable and pay attention to your food. Enjoy the flavors, textures and colors of what you are eating. Include a variety of fruits, vegetables and ancient grains.
Move How You Want - Whether it’s a yoga class, a gym session, or an outdoor hike, try to incorporate 30 minutes of movement into your new routine every day. You’ll start to feel the difference which will set you up for continued success.
Less Is More - Too many changes at once can be overwhelming and set you up for disappointment. New changes and behaviors take a long time to instill. So be kind to yourself and allow yourself time to adjust to your new routine. You can start to build on one success after another!
And Remember….Health starts from the inside out!
To discuss more detailed information regarding the topics within this blog, or just questions about nutrition and wellness, please reach out to Cathleen Winter at wellnesswithin.cw@gmail.com
A Little About Me:
My name is Mary DeBlasio, and I live in Silver Spring, MD. I am currently a student studying Nutrition and Dietetics at the University of the District of Columbia. I am set to graduate with a Bachelor’s of Science in May of 2021. I am very interested in mindful eating, and foods that correlate with the seasons. My goal after graduation is to pursue a dietetic internship with a focus on clinical dietetics. I am interested in transplant, renal and gastrointestinal issues. All the information presented within this blog is backed by the credible sources cited below.
Sources:
Link, S. M. (2017, January 14). 4 ways to reach (and maintain) New Year's resolutions. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/4-ways-to-reach-and-maintain-new-years-resolutions/art-20270847.
Pitchford, P. (2002). Healing with whole foods. North Atlantic Books.
Thank you Mary for your post, " No More Resolutions….Just a Fresh Start!". I enjoyed reading about the flavors of the Winter Season and how making small simple changes to improve your health really makes the difference for success.