Finding Your Roots

It's important to nourish ourselves properly as the temperature drops. Naturally, many peoples' bodies crave more food in the winter. It is important to know what types of food have the ability to warm and satisfy our bodies during this time.

I encourage my clients to eat seasonally and locally. That means, for the most part, eat fresh produce that grows in your area during a particular time period. For example, eating tropical fruit in New York in the middle of January isn't exactly eating in accordance with the seasons! Our bodies know better than our minds, and when the winter hits, it's important to stock up on foods, such as root vegetables.

Root vegetables grow in the ground, rather than from the ground up, which gives them tremendous grounding qualities. I tend to add a lot more root vegetables into my diet in the colder months. It's a lot healthier than stocking up on processed foods or foods high in fat, salt, and sugar. For example, kabocha squash, one of my favorites, contains only 30 calories per cup and is FULL of heart healthy fiber and essential vitamins. I like mine steamed, but you can also try roasting or baking it.

Ever since adding root vegetables to my diet, especially in the colder months, I have felt more connected to my surroundings. I feel much calmer and more balanced after eating a meal containing one of these vegetables.

Here are some root vegetables that you can find at your local health food store: winter squash (many different varieties, such as kabocha, butternut, delicata, pumpkin, and acorn), sweet potato, burdock root, daikon radish, and carrots.

Try adding these satisfying (and naturally sweet) veggies to soups, stews, or simply steamed on the side of your meal. I sometimes like to brush on some olive oil and cinnamon or sea salt, but often these veggies are sweet enough on their own.

Remember to eat mindfully and without distractions so you can savor every bite and receive full nutrition.

Here's to feeling grounded and relaxed this holiday season!