How to look after yourself in the Winter

For some reason, the naturopathic idea that raw is good seems to have taken off in the West. On the surface, it makes total sense. Raw is fresh and nutrient rich so that can only be good, right? Well yes and no. The right question is ask is not only what are we eating but who is the eater? Both Ayurveda and Chinese Medicine strongly subscribe to the idea that our bodies need warm, nourishing food in the colder months to warm our spleens and support our digestive power or Agni. There is no point in eating nutrient rich food if the firstly the nutrients cannot be absorbed and secondly, if the food contains qualities that will not keep the body in balance. In the winter, we want to reduce the "cold" quality of food and promote the warm, oily, comforting qualities. If we are not successful in this, then Vata or Wind will increase causing havoc on our health.

Soups are ideal. They are warming, easy to digest and easy to prepare. Root vegetables like Parsnips, Sweet potatoes and Potatoes are very grounding and comforting in the winter and with just the right amount of spices, will keep you warm throughout the day.

FΩRMIdea London, 14th February 2018.

Tarik Dervish is an experienced Ayurvedic Practitioner and Yoga Teacher/ Trainer. He runs Ayurveda for Yoga Practitioners courses in Central London which are British Wheel of Yoga accredited. Discover Tarik's website YogaWell.