Fortify yourself For the Winter Season with Warming Foods!

Thanksgiving is around the corner, and here on the Central Coast of California, we’ve felt a shift in the weather over the last week. In other parts of the country, I’m sure you’ve already experienced the change in the season. It’s time to alter our eating pattern in order to support our immune system, digestion and overall health. According to Ayurveda, this is the Vata time of year, where the elements of “Air and Ether” take center stage. It is likely colder and dryer outside and you may be feeling a bit cooler and drier as well. While these days I typically run a bit on the warmer side, I’ve even noticed that I’ve been feeling a bit chilly.

In Ayurveda we say that opposites create balance, and with that it mind, it’s time to shelf the lettuce and cook up warming foods like butternut squash, sauteed greens, oatmeal, stir-fry, sweet potatoes, some meat (if you are a meat eater.), roasted nuts, butter, ghee and stews, just to give a few examples. Think of the typical Thanksgiving fare – most of the traditional choices associated with the meal are actually really balancing for your body.

Meanwhile, to help keep your digestion and immune system humming, check out the basic Ayurveda Winter Food List below. Hope this helps!