How to Eat Healthy According to the Season Cycle

Our bodies are designed to function in conjunction with the seasons of the year. So, eating for the seasons is a natural response to seasonal changes and will aid in healthy bodily functions, such as digestion, increased immune system function, and cleansing. Whether you want to know what to eat to lose weight, how to eat healthy, or improve eating habits, eating healthy means choosing foods according to seasonal cycles. Applying these tips will aid in achieving an internal balance.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Spring Cleaning. During the spring season, your body is busy removing stored winter toxins. Your body is genetically programmed to cleanse now. Think about it, you have been sitting inside all winter long and using your energy to keep warm…meanwhile your body has slowed down its cleansing. Now that spring has sprung, your body is ready to do a full spring cleaning. This is when a lot of people get spring flu, because their bodies are rapidly purging toxins. To assist your body in this function, eat cleansing foods such as raw vegetables, fruits, and cleansing herbs. These foods should make up the majority of your diet.
   Low sugar/fresh made vegetable juices, fresh made grass juices (wheat grass, barley grass, alfalfa, and oat grass)
   Sprouts
   Raw low sugar veggies: cucumbers, celery, fennel chard, romaine lettuce
   Fresh fruits
   Especially berries: strawberries, black berries, cranberries, blueberries, raspberries

2. Summer Heat. You want to keep cool and maintain your energy during the long, hot summer days. Crops are abundant now and your body knows that. Greater food availability means your metabolic rate is higher. This is when you must assist your body to maintain that high metabolic rate. Eat lots of complex, high fiber carbohydrates and less heavy fats and proteins. Sprouted whole grains are prime high fiber carbohydrates. Fiber is an essential nutrient and as long as the whole grains are sprouted these carbohydrates are great for you! In addition, keep eating lots of raw fruits and vegetables.
   Sprouted whole grain breads and cereals
   Wild long grain, unpolished rice

3. Winter Hibernation. Food is scarce now and the temperature has dropped. Your body responds to this change in season by slowing down your metabolic rate to conserve energy. Assist your body by eating slow burning, heavier foods such as protein, nuts, grains, soups, and root vegetables.
   Root vegetables: onions, garlic, carrots, turnips, rutabagas, beets, and parsnips
   Wild, long grain, unpolished rice
   Beans, lentils
   Concentrated fats: coconut oil, butter, olive oil, and ghee
   Organic, grass fed fowel: chicken, turkey, pheasant, duck
   Raw, unroasted walnuts and almonds

[inquire]

on 8/2/2009 great advice! Thanks!