insideKENT Magazine Issue 47 - February 2016 | Page 92

HEALTH+WELLNESS Embrace the season and stay healthy with Holistic Nutrition Do you find yourself succumbing to the winter blues and plagued with colds and flu? The good news is that it's actually easy to support and boost our immunity as long as we tune into the winter seasonal rhythm and adjust our lifestyles accordingly. Wintertime is typically associated with cold short days and long dark nights. At this time of year more than any other, it's important to wrap up warm and protect our immune system. Holistic Nutritionist Elizabeth Montgomery shares with us her top tips on staying healthy this winter season ensuring you make the most of it and reap the benefits of a healthier lifestyle. Embrace Fermented Foods Tune Into The Season The magic of the winter season requires practices that conserve our energy. The long cold dark nights require us to go bed a little earlier and arise a bit later, which helps to keep us in tune with nature's rhythm. It's a good time for observing one's dreams and is the ideal time to incorporate practices like meditation, to help quiet the mind. Fermented foods are the key to maintaining a healthy gut which is so important for immune system health. Sauerkraut and pickles are two common foods that are probiotic powerhouses – adding in good bacteria – and greatly helping to boost immunity. Other delicious fermented foods include coconut-based yogurt and kefir, miso, kimchi and tempeh. Add Some Spice Load Up On Parsnips Certain spices can be added to your food or drink to help boost those organs that help detoxify and protect. Why not try incorporating some of these into your daily meals: Cinnamon which has a strong affinity for the kidneys is warming and helps stabilise blood sugar; Garlic which acts as a natural antibiotic and antibacterial agent in the bloodstream; Turmeric, a natural antioxidant, antiseptic and aiding liver detoxification; and Horseradish which can be a strong decongestant and is also good for digestion of fatty foods. Root vegetables like parsnips hold Yang (male) properties and are warming for the body during the winter. They are a great source of Vitamins C, K and E and their high mineral content help make it possible to survive the long cold winter months. Enjoy them roasted or alternatively grated raw and mixed together with raw beetroot, green leaves (like watercress or kale) and walnuts for a colourful and healthy wintertime salad. 92