To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow.
— Audrey Hepburn
Spring is my favourite time of year. After a dull and dreary winter filled with cold, rain and very little sunshine…spring seems so full of possibilities. The sky is blue, the weather warms and everything turns the most stunning shade of green. Flowers bloom, baby animals abound and bees buzz – looking for nectar. What’s not to love? If winter is about slowing down then spring means fast forward. There is an energy to springtime that encourages us all to stop hibernating and get out and live!
Traditional Medicine says that springtime is green. We should eat green, think green and move green. But what does this mean? And how do we follow through on all the promise spring imparts?
Fortunately, it’s as easy as it seems. What foods come alive in warmer weather? All your spring greens…kale, sprouts, dill, bok choy, rocket and spinach are so healthy and so good for your liver. Add asparagus, peas, beets, pickles and radishes for a pungent and/or sour kick. These foods also naturally help to burn fat. Extra kilos are oftentimes an unfortunate side effect of the winter doldrums.
Winter is great for involved, slow cooking. Spring should be simple. Try steaming, stir frying or other easy food preparations. Go raw. Eat a salad composed entirely of fresh, raw veggies. Your gall bladder and liver (spring organs) will be so happy.
Eat less. With warm weather you no longer need a lot of extra comfort so move away from processed foods and eat clean. Avoid chemicals and try organic when possible. You need less fat during the spring and summer months, so try to have at least two meat-free meals a week. When you do have animal protein, go for chicken or fish…spring meats and lighter in fat.
Don’t forget to move more. Now is the perfect time to take a walk. Enjoy the sun. Squish your toes in the sand at your favourite beach. Stop and smell the roses. Meditate and take time for you. Clear out the clutter from your life that’s accumulated during winter.
Mind, body, spirit…ignore them and you will never live your best life. Embrace them and you will be amazed at everything you already are and everything you can become!