Eating with the Seasons: Spring
Spring is a time for growth, expansion and renewal. Its natural energy is to release, lighten up, shake off that winter slumber and start to move the body. Springs physical connection according to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is the liver and gallbladder, coupled with the element wood.
The liver and gallbladder are involved in elimination, detoxification, digestion and absorption. These processes allow the body to hold onto the good and release what is no longer needed. We can relate this to our emotional body as well. Spring is a great time to assess all aspects of our life. The physical, emotional and spiritual bodies are all going through a ‘spring cleanse’ if you will. With this detoxification or release of energies and toxins, the wood elements ask us to ground into the earth, find purpose while remaining supple and yielding.
As you enjoy the beautiful spring days, focus on the following:
Go light: As we transition into spring allow the lighter foods to make a slow comeback. Fresh leafy greens, fresh herbs and fruits will start to become more available. Connect with your own digestive capability and monitor your ability to digest a higher quantity of raw foods such as salad. If you feel better on cooked foods aim for lightly steamed or sautéed vegetables combined with some green leafy’s such as spinach, kale or rocket.
Eat and play outdoors: This is the perfect time to connect and embrace the nature around you. Use this opportunity to get in as much ‘earthing’ time as you can. Play sport, exercise and enjoy meals in mother nature.
Aid in the natural detoxification process: During the spring the bodies natural process is to cleanse or detoxify. Aid this process by setting up a self-care routine and include practices such as dry skin brushing, more active exercise such as jump rope, swimming, running or walking, and increase your water intake. You may find you sweat more so increasing hydration is number one. Consider visits to the sauna, steam room or get regular massages to accelerate this process.
Detox your emotions: Find what methods work for you. This may be chatting to a friend, seeking professional support, writing, journaling, or partaking in exercises that work as stress/emotion busters for you.
Bump up nourishing spring foods: Include dark green leafy vegetables such as kale, rocket, broccoli, artichoke, dandelion greens and sprouts into your daily meals. These dark greens are full of chlorophyll which provides oxygen and antioxidants to our body. They are also bitter in nature which targets the liver and gallbladder organs to aid in gentle cleaning and improve digestion. Cooling and hydrating foods such as mint, cucumber, lemon/lime, celery, basil and green tea are perfect for those hotter spring days.