Energetics and Nutrition: Seasons and Energetics

Question 1

Seasons and energetics

Answer 1

Energetic qualities change across the seasons. Therefore, diet needs to adjust across the year to keep us in balance. Seasonal products are usually ideal from an energetic perspective.

Question 2

Spring

Answer 2

Spring is dominated by moisture
* Productive cough, a runny nose, watering eyes, allergies, hay-fever
Reduce:
* Dairy
* High water content fruit and vegetables
* Gluten
* Refined sugars and carbs
Increase:
* Light, crunchy, dry food
* Whole grains
* Vegetables
* Spices
This is an ideal time to detox using the fresh green leaves that emerge in early spring such as nettles and cleavers

Question 3

Summer

Answer 3

Summer is dominated by heat
* Inflammation, prickly heat, sunburn, irritability
Reduce:
* Red meat
* Oily foods
* Stimulants
Increase:
* Salads
* Raw food
* Green smoothies
* Bitter vegetables
* Detoxifying herbs
* In the summer nature provides abundant greens, berries, fruit and vegetables– perfect cooling food
Although the summer diet should be generally more raw and cool, warm teas and spices can be used to promote sweating which has a ‘cooling’ effect

Question 4

Autumn

Answer 4

Autumn is dominated by dryness
* Dry skin, joint stiffness, decreased energy, anxiety

Reduce:
* Light, dry foods such as the biscuits
* Gas forming legumes
* Astringent green tea
* Hot spices
Increase:
* Warm and hearty soups, stews, broths
* Root vegetables
* High water contents fruit and vegetables
* Sweet herbs such as licorice
* Herbal teas
In autumn, nature provides its harvest of nuts, seeds, greens and root vegetables. Perfect the building energy, weight and warmth in time for winter

Question 5

Winter

Answer 5

Winter is dominated by cold
* Poor circulation, weight gain, sleepiness, low mood, seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
Reduce:
* Refrigerated and frozen foods
* Iced drinks
* Cold, raw food
* Leafy foods
* Sushi
Increase:
* Warm cooked, spiced food and drinks to raise temperature, digestive power and circulation
Winter provides cruciferous vegetables which are warming and help clear respiratory mucus. Aside from this we should stay warm, rest, relax and enjoy warm and luxurious ‘soul’ food and spices