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