Seasonal Eating

What's your favourite season?

Changes in temperature and light levels can impact the way we think, feel and act.  Seasons have long been recognised for their powerful influence on mood.  The shorter winter months are known to trigger lower moods at times, whereas spring can lead to a temporary boost in positivity.  Light may play a role in this.  The natural circadian rhythm (24-hour wake/sleep cycle) of our bodies is influenced by sunlight and as the amount of sunlight decreases, the body produces hormones that can produce periods of lethargy.  

So, what do the seasons symbolise and can you connect with any of them?

Spring

Spring marks the transition from short, dull winter days, to warmer temperatures and greener surroundings.

Spring signifies new beginnings, new awakenings, renewal, initiating new projects and starting with fresh ideas.

Summer

Summer is associated with longer, hotter and more vibrant days.  A great time to travel and participate in outdoor activities because of the warmth.

Summer represents optimism, positivity, joy and adventure.  The summer sun indicates nourishment, serving to nourish the plants as well as our lives.

Autumn

In autumn the growing cycle gives us ripeness and maturity.  Harvest is associated with abundance and prosperity.  

Autumn heralds the start of the end.  Time to reconnect and balance, with energetic oranges, browns and red tones and a cooler climate, some long for change.  The withering of this season is seen to represent sickness.

Winter

Winter is characterised by shorter days and longer nights and during this season the trees have no leaves, nothing grows and some animals are in hibernation.

Winter is a period of quiet reflection.  Observe and ensure that darkness doesn’t overshadow your growth potential.  It’s cold and dark but there’s plenty to celebrate, because winter gives way to spring, bringing hope and rebirth.
If we are so affected by the seasons, could incorporating some seasonal eating into our everyday diet ease the transitions between seasons?

• Seasonal eating supports our body’s nutritional requirements based on the season and foods eaten in the right season have greater nutrient density.  It encourages us to eat a wider variety of fruits and vegetables and have a different selection available to us at different times of the year.  During the winter season citrus fruits are abundant.  Particularly rich in Vitamin C, essential for preventing infections like colds and flus.  Winter vegetables are delicious in warming dishes (such as soups or stews) that provide comfort.
  

• Seasonal foods taste better, are sweeter and perfectly ripe when fresh.  Fruits and vegetables that have been picked at the right time and naturally ripened on the plant will have significantly more flavour and nutrition.
  

• Food makes us feel good.  As well as tasting great and nourishing the body, food also has an influence on mood.  Change the impact of a meal by changing the colours and flavours you offer on the plate.
  

• Produce grown outside during their natural growing season requires no additional energy (such as lamps or greenhouses) and consumed in the same region have the least impact on the environment.  Consuming produce that is grown close to home under natural sunlight is, therefore, the sustainable way to eat.
  

• Embracing the seasons, rather than resisting them, can make us feel happier and more in balance.
  

Be aware of which foods are in season and try to incorporate them into your daily diet.  Some produce in season for the Autumn months are listed below.

Apples, Parsnips, Pears , Onions, Blackberries, Leeks, Elderberries, Garlic, Carrots, Beetroot, Turnips, Squash.

Keep in mind that this is not always possible for everyone.  If you live in a place where seasonal fruits and vegetables are hard to come by, it can be difficult.  

A healthy diet can help us focus better, have a more positive outlook and experience fewer mood swings.  Healthy eating has even been shown to alleviate anxiety and depression symptoms, according to research.  Making small, healthy food swaps, may take days or even weeks before you start to notice an increase in energy or more sustainable focus throughout the day, but it can happen.

Head over to my website at www.thewellsmindbodycoach.com and complete the form for a free discovery call and see how I can help with nutrition advice to balance the mind and body.