OUT OF SEASON

For A Reason

Our ancestors ate seasonally because they had no choice. Fresh greens grew in spring, fruit ripened in summer, root vegetables kept them going in the fall, and people relied on animal food to get them through the winter. But when California and Florida were settled and highway transportation and refrigerated trucks were invented, pretty soon Americans could eat more or less anything they wanted, anytime they wanted. But there are costs to this kind of convenience.

When we have ice cream in the middle of January and hot barbecued foods on the 4th of July, it’s likely to confuse the body. Eating locally grown food in accordance with the seasons will help you live in harmony with yourself, your body and the earth. In the wintertime, it’s natural to crave animal food because that’s when the body needs to feel more solid and insulated from the cold. Look at how animals get ready for the winter. Squirrels gather nuts and fatten up to prepare for the cold season. Humans also need more fat in the winter.

 Allow yourself to eat heavier meals at this time and be sure to have plenty of oils, protein and nuts. If you want to remain on a vegetarian diet through these cold months, it may be an interesting experiment to grill your vegetables, giving them more heat and density, and to avoid raw vegetables and salads. Thick soups—such as pumpkin, pea or potato—will help to keep your body feeling sturdy.

Seasonal Food Chart

Winter	Spring	Fall		Summer
chestnuts grapefruit lemons radicchio radishes turnips kale leeks rutabaga turnips	apricots artichokes asparagus avacados carrots cherries chicory chives collards dandelion greens fennel mangoes mustard greens new potatoes peas rhubarb spinach spring lettuces strawberries sugar snap and snow peas watercress		Winter squash (Acorn, butternut, Buttercup, Delicate, hubbard, kabocha) Apples Beets Belgian endive Brussel sprouts cranberries Figs Grapes Mushrooms Parsnips Pears Pomegranates Pumpkin Quince Sweet potatoes Swiss chard		Bell peppers Blackberries Raspberries Broccoli Corn Cucumbers Eggplant Green beans Nectarines Okra Peaches Pineapples Plums Summer squash Tomatoes Watermelon Zucchini

Pay attention to the times of the day that you eat. Most of us eat habitually at regular, clocked times: before work, during the lunch break and in the evening. We may take a couple of coffee or snack breaks during the day or make a late-night visit to the fridge. Few of us pause to check whether we are really hungry when we eat. We use food as entertainment and comfort whether we are socializing or alone, passing time or feeling bored.

Time of day determines how well our bodies assimilate food. Ayurveda philosophy advocates for people to eat their biggest meal in the middle of the day, because it’s the best time for our bodies to take in and digest a large meal. If you look at many cultures in Europe, this practice is very common. People close their shops, go home and eat a large meal with their families and friends. In our country it’s harder to find this time during the day, but you can find creative ways to have your largest meal at lunch hour. You may find that this works best for your body, or you might find you feel best when you have a large meal at breakfast or at dinner instead.

Some people eat a large breakfast and lunch and then have a small snack for dinner; others do best with five small meals throughout the day. Experiment with the sizes and timing of your meals; only you can determine what is best for your body. Each meal is an experiment. Take the time to listen to your body and notice what it needs. Many health practitioners, dietitians and nutritionists emphasize that we should not eat after 7 p.m or 8 p.m. I agree that it’s a good idea to avoid eating three hours before bed, because when we sleep, digestion slows and food tends to stay in our stomachs the whole night. Strange dreams and restless sleep can result from late-night eating and affect the next day’s energy. Some experts say we gain more weight from food we eat at night. I don’t know if this is scientifically true, but I do know that I don’t sleep well on a full stomach, a strong indication that it’s not working well for my system. But, again, it’s something for you to explore, using your own body as your laboratory.

Knowledge is power when and if you are able to understand and implement what you are receiving.  I hope what I am providing you here is easily digested and you are able to use to make adjustments in your lifestyle. Somethings may not be possible due to culture, time or tradition but minor changes can make a big difference. Try some baby steps while you Get Up, Get Moving and Remember ...

"CHIT CHAT WON'T BURN FAT"