Balancing Foods for Spring

What Happens to Our Digestion in Spring?

Because like increases like (i.e., part of the Golden Rule of Balance), the increased humidity in the atmosphere will presumably also manifest in our stomach, which will lower our digestive fire and slow down our metabolism, leading to feelings of heaviness, fatigue, lethargy, and a small appetite. You may also notice excess mucus, a cough, clammy skin, and weight gain.

To avoid these symptoms, Ayurveda recommends that we gradually and comfortably adjust our diet to favor cooked and warm foods that are dry, light, and predominantly pungent, bitter, and astringent in taste. In general, your plate should contain less grains, a moderate amount of protein (preferably for lunch and not dinner), and more vegetables. Don’t forget to move your body more often—walking, hiking, dancing, biking, and any form of exercising will enhance your metabolism. Likewise, it’s a good idea to refrain from napping during the day or sleeping in after sunrise.

Due to the natural softening and opening up of the microcirculatory channels during this season, Ayurveda sees spring as the best season for annual detoxification and cleansing. The release of toxins is much easier with open channels. Please keep in mind that before you indulge yourself in cleansing (and it must be the right kind of cleanse for you!), you need to prepare your body, especially your liver, by adjusting your diet and perhaps adding a few self-care treatments to your daily regimen. There is nothing more damaging to your system than a premature, harsh, or improper detox. It is wise to consult with an Ayurvedic medical professional before undergoing any kind of cleanse or detox.

Vegetables:

• Artichoke, arugula, asparagus, bitter melon, broccoli rabe, burdock root, cabbage, carrot, chard, collard greens, daikon radish, fiddlehead, green bean, kale, lettuce, parsnip, red radish, spinach, sprouts, watercress

Fruits:

• Cherry, grapefruit, mango, pineapple, strawberry

Grains:

• Barley, buckwheat, millet, quinoa, rye, red basmati rice

Spices & Herbs:

• Ajwain, allspice, basil, black pepper, cardamom, cilantro, cinnamon, cloves, coriander, cumin, fennel, fenugreek, ginger, mint, nutmeg, rosemary, saffron, sage, star anise, tarragon, turmeric

Nuts & Seeds:

• Almond, pine nut, sunflower seed

Legumes:

• Adzuki bean, black lentil, split chickpeas, green lentil, kulthi lentil, mung bean, whole red lentil, yellow mung split dal

Examples of foods to avoid or decrease in the winter:

• Heavy, oily, cold → Nuts, meats, dairy, avocados, coconuts, bananas, cucumbers, sweet potatoes, winter squashes can all result in weak digestion and weight gain
• Overly salty → excess salt in any meal can result in retained moisture
• Leftovers → any leftovers, but especially starchy foods can lead to congestion and weight gain 
• Excessively sweet →  cookies, cakes, pies, chocolates can bring about flu-like symptoms and sluggishness