winter : notes from my naturopath
bay leaves growing in popa’s garden. I add a few to the pot every time I make chicken stock.
I’ve almost come full circle with these posts. For a good few years now I’ve followed the guidance of my naturopath who looks to nature for both healing and wellness. Whilst we all have different constitutions that require different foods and drinks to thrive, I think we can all benefit from recognising the seasons and eating accordingly.
I often hear people complaining about the “weight” of winter; the tendency to snuggle on the couch and indulge in warming, hearty food. I’ve begun to see this slowness as a good thing – winter is the season to nurture and conserve. It’s the hibernation season where we re-fuel without expelling too much energy. In regards to our body, winter is all about the kidneys. We want to fill our bodies with the full array of minerals to ensure our kidneys stay strong, hence why bone broths are so good for us at this time of year. They form the basis of so many of our winter meals – soups, casseroles, slow cooks – and are beautiful on their own; boosting the immune system, soothing the nervous system.
We look beneath the earth for our vegetables, savouring the sweetness of root vegies, celery and cauliflower (thanks to Ruth I roasted cauliflower last night – drizzled it with olive oil and seasoned with salt & pepper, then served with a generous squeeze of lemon juice and coarsely cut flat-leaf parsley. It accompanied lamb chops and roasted carrots. Yum!).
There’s a few things I’m doing this winter to ensure I stay energised and nurtured:
- epsom salt baths – a beautiful way to relax, increase circulation and increase magnesium levels
- burning woody scents, particularly frankincense, to dilate the airways
- early nights – an absolute must. I’ve loved having a “bed time” since I wrote this post
- warm drinks – I’m currently drinking fennel tea to help with my digestion and chai from Calmer Sutra for a sweet pick-me-up (I drink it with half soy – half almond milk)
- eating slowly – I have a tendency to eat quickly which is a terrible way to enjoy a meal. I’ve been making more of an effort to slow down, chew and really taste my food as opposed to rushing.
My organic fruit & veg delivery is brimming with pumpkin, cauliflower, kumera, potatoes and beetroot. What’s your favourite winter veg recipe that pleases the whole (or most of) the family?
for those of you currently basking in summer, pop over here to read about cooling the body in the warmer months.
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Sounds good that you have a plan I tend to struggle during winter but then our winters are so tough here in Sweden. 🙂
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I felt warm and cozy just reading this post! I'm off to visit your summer notes, as I'm one of those currently basking (or baking) in summer. 😉
so thrilled the Cauliflower was a hit. xx
Thank you so much Jodi, I love this series.
Oh Epsom salt baths are a must! Winter veg…hmmm can I say raw carrot salad! It seriously works wonders for keeping away colds/ flu and for getting better asap if you do get sick. As for warm veges, I can't go past roast pumpkin – added to fish curries and all sorts of yummy things!
I like how you call sweet potato "kumera" – this is the Maori way of saying the word, very Kiwi of you:)
How do you burn your essential oils Jodi? Do you dilute with distilled water or just by themselves over a candle/burner?
x
I have a few oil burners – some with candles and one that's electric. ALWAYS dilute oil in water – you only need a few drops otherwise it's overpowering. You can find electric burners at most health food stores x
I love these posts, thank you..I'll be going home to burn some frankincense! Something I do enjoy about winter is all those delicious vegies. A favourite in my house is beetroot risotto, and a big vegie filled lamb casserole with crispy bread..x
I like red cabbage & tomato soup with orzo & any other veggies that need using up 🙂
Hi Jodi, i love your blog and this was a nice post to read! The main thing I am struggling with is the early nights. The cauliflower dish sounds amazing!
Lou
I find it hard to stick with early nights too, especially if I have a lot of work on. But, I have noticed that if I do get to bed before 10pm I am more alert, productive and generally happier the next day. x
What a lovely post Jodi. We've been roasting any vegetables and adding to lentils and greens and adding haloumi for a warm winter salad. I'm a huge fan of cauliflower soup (with a generous sprinkle of blue cheese). So satisfying 🙂
We are in full summer mode here on the other side of the planet, so cooling foods and balancing liquids it is! But I have to say, I love winter. I love the cozy time of reflecting inward, building body and soul and hibernating. Sounds like you have a wonderful supply of nourishing foods to carry you through!
xo
We are in the thick of summer here in the U.S. — and I do mean "thick", humid, muggy — but, oh, how your beautiful words make me miss the chill of winter. Just a little. 🙂 x
My skin has gone all sluggish and dehydrated. Combination of being ill and too many hot showers. What do you recommend?
I love all of our winters vegetables. Kale, cauliflower, and broccoli…so many delicious things to do with them.
It's only the start of summer over here but I'm already thinking about winter…
My favourite winter recipes are: my recent soup posts on my blog but this lunch recipe is amazing too.
Saunte garlic Onion in oil. Added tsp smoked paprika, cumin seeds, fennel seeds toast then add Quinoa cook for 15 mins, beans and chicken stock. Turn down to simmer til absorb.
Roast root veggies, swede, carrots, beetroot, sw.pot, pumpkin, potatoes. Rosemary, whole garlic cloves, thyme. Cook and roast veggies.
Dizzle oil to loosen.
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