According to Ayurveda, nature provides foods we crave during the dryer, winter months, and that are naturally abundant this time of year. If you’re looking to experience mind-body balance, understanding your body’s natural needs through each season is essential.

During the winter, its common to feel cold and dry to the point where our skin, sinuses, and even joints dry out. This in turn causes the mucus membranes in the body to become irritated and produce more mucus which is the breeding ground for bacteria, colds and the flu.

A natural way to combat this dry, what’s known in Ayurveda as the Vata season (November-February), is through food that is abundantly available this time of year. Seasonal foods that are abundantly available during the winter naturally provide more nutrients since they are fresher and are better for the environment. Think foods like soups, stews, root vegetables, grains, seeds, nuts, protein, and fat. There’s a reason why it’s common to gain a pound or two during the winter which acts as insulation. 

1.     Root veggies. Think carrots, beets, sweet potatoes, regular potatoes, parsnips, beets, celery root, turnip, and squashes which are abundant this time of year. These nutrient-dense root vegetables are loaded with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber.  A yummy way to incorporate root veggies into your diet is by making heart and comforting soups and stews.

2.     Fat. Adding more fat to your diet during the winter provides your body with insulation and nutrients to prepare your body as it repairs for the spring season. Add fish like wild caught salmon which is packed with healthy omegas along with cooking with more coconut oil, butter, olive oil, and ghee.

3.     Protein. Depending on your diet, if you’re not solely plant based, it can be good to eat a little more protein during the Vata season. Choose organic chicken or pork when possible, and grass-fed/finished beef, organic cage free eggs, or grass-fed and organic whole milk grass-fed yogurt products­­­. If you’re plant-based, focus on adding foods like nuts, seeds. Protein provides essential nutrients for your strength, skin health, immunity and more. 

4.     Fiber. Fiber is essential for your intestinal and gut health, not to mention fiber-rich foods are abundant during the fall and winter season. Fiber helps the body release aka go to the bathroom which helps the body eliminate and get rid of the heat from the summer months. You can get fiber from foods like seeds, grains, rye, rice, wheat, fruit like apples, and vegetables.

5.     Fermented Foods. Fermented foods have the ability to warm the body. The actual fermentation process was meant to preserve veggies for the winter season and to support gut health during the winter months. Try eating more fermented foods like sauerkraut, kimchi, fermented cheese, and yogurt.