Warm Up With Winter Foods

We’ve talked about diet in the colder months, specifically as the weather begins to change from warmer summer temperatures to fall’s cooler days and nights. With some milder winter weather, those fall foods probably helped fend off cold-weather woes a little longer. But as temperatures continue to drop, it’s definitely time to take a look at your winter diet. 

Our bodies are most susceptible to cold disorders when there is an abundance of Yin—meaning cold—in the environment. To counter that, a warm, supplementing diet with acrid and sweet flavors helps build up and move your Qi. 

This time of year, focus on warm meats (lamb, venison, poultry and duck) and warm stews with legumes to build up your body. Other great winter foods include cloves, tea with spices, fennel, leaks, walnuts, chestnuts, black sesame, oysters, grapes, prawns, star anise (aniseed) and red wine. For spices, turn to ginger, coriander, chili, garlic, black pepper and cinnamon. 

The Chinese believe certain cooking methods influence the temperature of the dish, as well. That means grilling, frying, roasting, smoking, searing, baking, long simmering in liquid, cooking with alcohol, and using hot or warming spices. 

But like all things, our bodies thrive on balance. An excess of hot, warm and acrid foods can dry and weaken the body, so be sure to balance your diet with a smaller amount of cooling foods. 

Eastern Dietary Therapy is the best way to be sure your diet is properly balanced for the season. Click here or call to schedule a consult today!