Eating with the Seasons: How to Stay Healthy During Winter

Eating with the Seasons: How to Stay Healthy During Winter

It's that time of the year again when the leaves start to fall, the days get shorter, and the temperature drops. As we say goodbye to summer and hello to fall, it's important to take a look at the impact that the changing seasons have on our health.

Have you ever noticed that you tend to get sick more often during the winter? Well, it's not just in your head. Winter is a season when our bodies are supposed to repair and heal, but it's also a time when many of us fall ill. One of the main reasons for this is that we don't get enough vitamin D during the winter months. But it's not just the lack of sunlight that depletes our vitamin D levels. Artificial light, EMFs, eating out-of-season foods, and excessive exercise all contribute to vitamin D deficiencies.

But don't worry, there are ways to protect your health during the winter season. One of the most effective ways is through seasonal eating.

From Farm to Table: The Importance of Seasonal Eating

Seasonal eating is a practice that involves primarily consuming foods that are harvested during a specific season. This approach to food is rooted in the way our ancestors used to eat, as they didn't have access to the same variety of foods that we have today. Instead, they had to rely on what nature provided during each season.

The idea behind seasonal eating is that the foods that are available during a particular season are most beneficial for our bodies during that time. For example, in the winter, foods that are high in fat and protein are more beneficial to keep us warm and satiated. In the summer, fruits and vegetables that are high in water content are more beneficial to keep us hydrated.

In addition to being better for our bodies, seasonal eating also supports sustainable growing practices and helps to support local farmers. When we eat food that is grown in our region and harvested at the peak of its ripeness, it is more nutritious and flavorful. Eating food that is grown in different regions and imported to our area requires a lot of resources and energy, and it also means that the food is less fresh and less nutritious.

In short, seasonal eating is a practice that involves eating foods that are harvested during a specific season, which is better for our bodies and the environment. By choosing to eat food that is grown locally and harvested at the peak of its ripeness, we can support sustainable growing practices and local farmers, while also enjoying the most nutritious and flavorful food possible. 

From Stews to Roasts: Enjoying the Best of Winter's Seasonal Foods

Seasonal eating is a way of consuming food that is grown naturally in the region where you live. Each food has its growing cycle, and it is harvested when it is at its peak in terms of nutritional profile and flavor. Each season has its unique variety of seasonal foods.

For example, in Tennessee, winter is a time for hearty soups, stews, roasts, root vegetables, and leafy greens. These foods are perfect for keeping us warm and satiated during the colder months. It's important to focus on sourcing and making a staple in your diet: pasture-raised animal protein, wild-caught seafood (a great source of DHA), and animal fat. Enjoy a big cup of simmered bone broth and a slow-roasted lamb shank (locally and pasture-raised).It's also essential to focus on foods that are high in Vitamin D. Wild-caught seafood, egg yolks, leaf lard, tallow, duck fat, and raw butter are great sources of Vitamin D. 

It's also important to note that the seasonal foods available to you may differ depending on where you live. For example, if you live in upstate New York or sunny southern California, the seasonal foods available to you maybe different. But regardless of where you live, the key is to focus on eating foods that are grown and harvested locally and in season. This will ensure that you are consuming the most nutritious and flavorful foods possible, while also supporting sustainable growing practices and local farmers.

Surviving Winter: Tips for Staying Healthy and Energized

Winter can be a challenging time for many people, as shorter days and longer nights can make it difficult to stay energized and motivated. However, several tips can help you make the most of the winter season and take care of your health and well-being.

Continue your sunlight practice during the winter. This means watching the sunrise, taking light breaks during the day, and watching the sunset. This will help to regulate your circadian rhythm and keep your body in sync with the natural rhythms of the day.

Avoid looking at your phone first thing in the morning. This cans hock your system and ramp up cortisol levels too quickly, making it harder for you to start your day on the right foot. Instead, try to spend the first few minutes of your day doing something that is calming and grounding, such as meditation or journaling.

Embrace the cold during the winter. Winter is the best time to experience the cold, as it can boost your immune system and metabolism, as well as improve your sleep. So, don't be afraid to bundle up and spend some time outside in the colder temperatures.

Eating foods high in Vitamin D is also essential during the winter. Foods such as wild-caught seafood, eggs, leaf lard, tallow, and raw butter are all great sources of Vitamin D.  

Sleep in a cool, dark room, as this will help to regulate your melatonin production and improve your sleep. Embrace the darker days and nights of winter. This is when melatonin is produced and our body rests and repairs. 

Eat before sunset, if possible or 4-5 hours before bedtime, will help with this process as well.

Moving your body earlier in the day is better as it raises the body temperature earlier in the day. Walking, yoga, and other restorative activities are great options.

Check out your local farms or farmer's markets for what is grown locally. This is a great way to support local farmers and get the freshest and most nutritious foods possible.

To Wrap it Up

Seasonal eating is a practice that is rooted in our ancestral ways of eating and provides a healthier way of getting the nutrients we need in winter. By consuming foods that are locally harvested and in season, we can ensure that we are getting the most nutritious and flavorful foods possible. 

Supermarkets are no match for the freshness and nutritional benefits of locally grown food. The foods found in supermarkets often contain harmful preservatives and UVB light residue, and they lack the nutritional benefits that come with eating food that is grown and harvested locally and in season. 

In short, seasonal eating is a way of connecting with our ancestral roots, supporting sustainable growing practices and local farmers, and nourishing our bodies with the most nutritious and flavorful foods possible. So, next time you're at the grocery store, consider visiting your local farmers market instead and take advantage of the seasonal foods that are available to you.