Winter Nutrition

Warm Winter Greetings Old and New Friends

I am writing from a snowy retreat in southern Colorado. Though the temperature is below freezing, the sun is shining bright and clear. No pollution, not so many people, cars, no TV. Back to the basics. Winter time is for reflection, not running around. As the day's light fades, candle light and wood fires warm the heart. Winter is a time to stay warm, support the kidney and adrenal glands. I am eating a soup/stew that I made 3 days ago and refresh every so often with fresh herbs, spices and vegetables. The base was cauliflower, yams, onions and chard. I created a cashew cream stock to add protein and monounsaturated fatty acids. Some booster foods joined to soup party as seaweed, nutritional yeast and even some algae were sprinkled in prior to serving, with my favorite food, whole flax seeds. Yes, flax the soup. Extra chili, sage, oregano and Himalayan salt spiced the dish and added a wonderful aroma and digestive wake up.

Winter is the time of the hearth. Pull out those recipe books and fire up the stove. My colleague here is more of a raw foodist than I, but she is also appreciating the warmth of a hearty soup with a nice salad to balance it out. Eating simply will alleviate the aggravations caused by excess eating and drinking, indulging in sweet deserts that please the palate but wreck the gut. I smile as I think of the many times I have said no thanks when offered something that wasn't appealing to me, such as a raw chocolate chip cookie before bed.

Drink teas all day long: green, white, red and even the occasional black such as an organic Earl Grey. Remember, too much coffee will drain the adrenals and kidneys leading to irritability, anxiety, immune suppression and possibly a sweet binge. Rest more, walk during the cold weather, listen to great music that is soothing and remember friends, family, the earth and all the blessings that have been gracefully bestowed upon you this past year.

Next Month: January, I will discuss ways to make 2007 the healthiest and happiest ever. Love to hear from you on the forum. Peace to all, ED