Fight the sickness this winter with comfort food at its finest.
Have you ever noticed how all summer long you crave watermelon and fresh food and then winter comes and you can’t tear yourself away from pasta or a bowl of soup? It’s not just the cold weather – or your ability to layer as many sweaters as you can, it’s actually Mother Nature in communication with our moods and hormones.
“As the seasons change, we also need to change the way we eat, in order to fuel our bodies and help them adjust to our surroundings”. –
As an acupuncturist, I think she knows what she’s talking about. Here are 5 foods you should try eating this winter to fight colds, the flu, or just to stay warm and toasty! (Toast sounds great right now, by the way.)
1. Garlic and ginger
Not just for keeping vampires away. They’re not only powerhouse antioxidants, but they’re also great to add to your winter foods since they warm the stomach and spleen, which are responsible for digestion. Try drinking some ginger tea at night, I’ve been doing that lately and it’s been helping me fall asleep faster.
2. Goji berries
Goji berries are an ancient Chinese herbal remedy used to strengthen your blood. Goji berries are also used for their calming effect on the mind, as well as helping with sleep and preventing constipation. Steep them in hot water to make flavorful tea or add them to trail mix for a snack. Especially THIS trail mix.
3. Dark Leafy Greens
This one’s a no-brainer. Kale, chard, and collards thrive in the chill of winter when the rest of the produce section looks bleak. These greens are particularly rich in vitamins A, C and K. Collards, mustard greens and escarole are also excellent sources of folate, which is important for women bearing children.
4. Broths (Meat or bone)
Your grandmother was right when she told you to “eat chicken soup when you’re sick”. Duck, turkey, and chicken are considered the most warming broths and are best served slow-cooked and not overdone. But if you don’t have time to cook a big meal, bone broths are another excellent way to nourish your liver, kidneys, and blood. Make a huge pot for the week and sip ½ to 1 cup per day.
5. Sweet potatoes
Although potatoes sometimes get a bad rap for being a starch, sweet potatoes and many other root vegetables are delicious, warming, and, thankfully, taste SO good. Try these 3 sweet potato recipes HERE, HERE, and HERE.
