Spring Eating!!

Preparing for Spring
Spring is the time of new beginning. Mother nature becomes vibrant with growth and renewal, just as we become more active and energetic as we begin to shed the blanket of winter. Just as the tender young plants are pushing their way out of the earth, there is this sense of emerging energy coming up and out of us. We need to channel this energy into more movement and creative endeavors for the spring.

Simple for Spring
The energy of Spring is powerful! It is a burst emerging from the stillness of winter. We naturally want to expand, and lighten up. Spring energy is about renewal, planning and taking action to accomplish tasks and dreams. In order to harness the beautiful energy of Spring and be available to contribute fully to the fulfillment of our plans and heart’s true desires, our bodies need to be prepared. Because of the dramatic shift in energy qualities between Winter and Spring, Spring is a wonderful time to detox the body. Rid the mind, body and soul of the heavy weight that is no longer needed and is left over from Winter. While there are many ‘miracle remedies’ to help one detox, diet is truly the best way to clear out the toxins and lighten one’s load. Here are a few tips on how to detox:

Less is more!

• Lighten up and experience the Spring within!

To Detoxify

• Eat more raw & sprouted veggies, seeds and grains

• Soak your grains and beans overnight before cooking

• Cook your veggies for shorter times and at higher temperatures or lightly steam them

• Increase sour and bitter flavors

• Eat very little heavy foods like cheese and meats

Sour flavors:
Lemon, lime and grapefruit
Vinegar: Apple Cider, brown rice, sour plum.

Bitter flavors:
Rye, Romaine, Spring Greens, Asparagus, Quinoa, Citrus Peel, Alfalfa

What to eat
· Local and in season foods. This is a great time of year to check out local farmers markets!

· Foods with ascending and expansive qualities of Spring

· Pungent and naturally sweet flavored foods


Pungent
Basil, fennel, caraway, dill, bay leaf, rosemary, garlic and onion


Sweet
Complex carbohydrates- grains, legumes, seeds and other sweet starchy vegetables like carrots and beets.
Things to keep in mind:
1. Our relationship with food mirrors our relationship to life.

2. What does it look like for you to nourish the “spring within?”

3. Play, play , play!! As adults we get so busy that we forget to delight in the sheer joy of being alive... Right now take a moment to feel that joy bubble up, and experience gratitude.