“Three-Fold Foundation for Fall and Winter Wellness” – Diet (Part I)

Fall and winter typically aren’t the seasons we think would build or support our health. Sadly, many women (and their families) spend numerous days trying to “cure” a winter cold, the flu, or other seasonal ailments. But even in these “harsher” seasons, there are several wonderful natural remedies and resources – given to us by our Heavenly Father – to build, strengthen, and beautify our inner temples.

Let’s look at three areas in which we can build a strong foundation of preparedness for super health during fall and winter – diet, exercise, and rest.

Diet

All of these seasonal changes prompt us to adjust our diet. Simplicity best describes the ancient winter diet which, unfortunately, our modern tastes and lifestyles have all but forgotten. A healthy fall/winter diet should include heat-producing, mineral-rich foods which are higher in protein and fat. These substantial foods also help to counteract the drying effects of the colder season.

Since winter is the season the body stores fats, proteins, and minerals, this is also the season to eat heavier meat. Chicken, turkey, seafood, and red meat in reasonable portions provide you with just what your body needs.

 Mineral-Rich Foods for Your Fall/Winter Menu:

• Winter squash (acorn, autumn cup, banana squash, butternut, carnival, or pumpkin)
• Root vegetables (beets, yams, sweet potatoes, parsnips, onions, turnips, carrots, or rutabagas)
• Nuts
• Whole grains (especially amaranth and quinoa which are exceptionally high in protein)
• Beans (soak them overnight before cooking)
• Heavy fruits (avocados, bananas, oranges, grapefruit, and cooked apples)

 Winter Diet Tips:

• Healthy oils (olive, walnut, sesame, and almond) also reduce winter dryness and warm the body.
• Spice up your winter diet with flavor and warmth using herbs and spices. Used sparingly, ginger root, garlic, cayenne pepper, cardamom, cumin, cinnamon, clove, mustard seed, and sea-salt add the finishing touch to that winter soup or stew.
• Herbal teas make wonderful cold-weather refreshment and tonics while providing inner warmth and nourishment.