Seasonal Eating: Why Eat Seasonally?

Ayurveda is based on the observation of nature's natural rhythms. Achieving perfect health involves aligning ourselves with these ever-changing cycles. Nature provides the foods our bodies need in each season. Eating seasonally can positively influence our gut microbiome as well, fostering digestive microbes that complement our bodies in each season. We can identify three growing seasons and three harvests throughout the year: spring (March to June), summer (July to October), and winter (November to February).

In winter, our bodies require a diet rich in protein and healthy fats. In spring, we need a low-fat diet to help eliminate the excess proteins and fats accumulated during winter. Summer calls for a high-carbohydrate diet to provide abundant energy.

The fall harvest includes grains, nuts, seeds and root vegetables, which help build the body’s tissues for the long winter months when we require extra bulk. In spring, the earth yields leafy, bitter greens and sprouts that are low in fat and aid in cleansing the liver and removing the extra bulk from winter. During summer, longer days increase our energy needs, and the natural summer harvest—fruits and vegetables—is high in carbohydrates. By living in alignment with nature's rhythms regarding our diet and lifestyle, we can help support our own health and wellness.

In Ayurveda, the winter season is associated with Vata Dosha, characterized by qualities such as cold, dry, light and airy. To maintain balance during winter, we should focus on foods and activities that possess the opposite qualities: warmth, moisture, heaviness and oiliness. Opt for sweet, sour and salty flavors, which ground and nourish, rather than bitter, astringent and pungent tastes that are hot, light and drying.

Always prepare your meals with warming spices and healthy oils. Avoid cold drinks, raw fruits and vegetables, smoothies and dry foods like crackers and chips. Favor root vegetables and grains such as amaranth, millet, buckwheat, brown rice and oats. If you consume meat, winter is the ideal time to include animal products in your diet.

Remember to focus on warmth, moisture and nourishment when it comes to eating seasonally in winter.

To keep your digestive fire strong and healthy during the winter, try this winter-warming spice blend.  

Winter Warming Spice Blend:

1 tsp fenugreek seeds

1 Tbsp coriander seeds

1 Tbsp cumin seeds

1 Tbsp mustard seeds

¼ tsp ground clove

¼ tsp ground nutmeg

1 tsp ground cinnamon

1 tsp freshly ground black pepper

¼ tsp hing powder

¼ tsp turmeric powder

Mix all ingredients together, and keep this in an airtight container in the kitchen to use when cooking grains, veggies or beans.

Always sauté your spices in ghee for 30 seconds to release the healing properties of the spices before adding them to veggies or grains.

Leah Moss is a board-certified Ayurvedic Practitioner and owner of Simply Veda at Marine on St. Croix, Minnesota. To learn more about nutrition and the Ayurvedic diet, book an appointment online or in person at SimplyVeda.net.