Stoking your internal heater

1. Home
2. Current affairs

Posted on 22/10/2021 in Current Affairs

After a stormy week with heavy showers, it is clear. We have entered autumn. The trees are turning yellow and red, shedding their leaves. The days are getting shorter. Those who have to leave early in the morning really notice it: cold hands as a harbinger of what is to come. And a damp mist hangs over the fields.

Some look forward to autumn walks and the coziness of winter. But that is not the case for everyone. For many, the approaching winter is a depressing thought. The short, dark days, the sometimes dull light, autumn storms, hail, snow, and ice scare many. But also the lack of contact with neighbors because no one ventures outside anymore makes people dread the winter.

What to do?
Especially in winter, we need our yin reserves. What does that mean? Like a daffodil bulb in the cold winter ground, we need our basic strength (yin energy) to get through winter well. Only then will we be able to greet spring enthusiastically and realize the plans made in winter. If the daffodil bulb does not have a good basic energy, it cannot grow into a beautiful flower in spring.

By eating the right food, you can ensure that your energy level remains high and that the gloominess outside does not affect your mood. Additionally, it is important to prevent feeling cold. After all, cold leads to stiffness and lethargy. It makes us inactive. If you maintain your energy level in this way, you will get through those dark months. And why not invite the neighbors over for a plate of kale?

Winter Fare
In the past, our small brains ensured that as it got colder, we started eating more fat and sugar. That survival method still exists within us and causes us to crave warm dishes and heavier food in the winter. It's not really winter yet, but it's wise to consciously transition now from cool summer food to warm winter meals.

Stoking Your Internal Stove
In TCM, it is recommended to consume warm foods during the colder seasons. Traditionally, this includes dishes like mashed potatoes, stewed meat, poached pears, and pea soup. The warming spices found in Moroccan and Indian cuisine, as well as curries and nourishing soups, are excellent choices. They will make your internal stove purr!

Don't forget about your breakfast. Even that should be warm now. Yogurt or milk with cereal can make you sluggish during this season. You'll notice that you'll fare better throughout the day if you have warm toast, oatmeal, or scrambled eggs for breakfast. Also, try to avoid foods with a cold nature, such as cucumber, raw vegetables, lettuce, and ice cream. These items simply won't provide enough warmth anymore. The same goes for what you drink. Warm beverages are much better than cold ones now.

With these warming nutrition tips, the chance of sniffles and a winter slump in the coming months will be significantly reduced. Enjoy your meal!