W i n t e r
The Essence of Yin | Eating to nourish our kidneys & blood
Living in harmony with the seasons, we nourish ourselves with healing, Yin-building recipes throughout the Wintertime; strengthening our foundation and offering our body warmth and support as we gradually deepen our roots and journey within.
Winter Greens
Spinach, chard, kale in soups & stews.
Dark greens and foods that contain calcium support our body’s absorption of Vitamin D, they are also high in antioxidants and provide our digestive system with beneficial moisture to help cleanse and detoxify our colon.
Bright Citrus
Vitamin C and the sour flavor in citrus fruits benefit our immune system and help to balance some of the heavier flavors and ingredients in Winter recipes.
Beans & Tofu
Beneficial sources of plant-based protein, high in fiber.
Help cleanse and detoxify the colon after eating rich, heavy meals.
High moisture content in tofu provides balance in dry, Winter environments.
Versatile and delicious in plant-based enchiladas, stir-fry, burrito bowls, dumplings, curry & chili.
Recipe Ideas:
- Warming lentil stew with mashed potatoes
- Meat-free lasagna with plant-based ricotta
- Dumplings with tofu, leeks, & bok-choy
- Kale and Japanese sweet potato soup
- Spanish red beans with spinach and cilantro
- Thai Green Curry with tofu, carrots, broccoli, bamboo shoots, pea pods & bell peppers
- Enchilada wraps with black beans, avocado, and veggie queso
Salt
Builds Yin, concentrates our energy in the deeper levels of our body. Nurtures our Kidneys. Grounds.
Adds beneficial moisture to our body, aiding digestion and keeping our skin and hair soft.
Helps break down heavier ingredients in the digestive process.
Softens and lubricates tissues.
Beneficial Sources of Dietary Salt
- Soy sauce
- Sea Salt
- Seaweed
- Kombu
- Miso
Try adding a stick of kombu to homemade beans. Create a miso soup with spinach, seaweed, and tofu. Enjoy plenty of fresh, green vegetables in stir fry with soy sauce or tamari. Liquid aminos is also a great soy sauce alternative, however a little bit of quality 100% soy sauce can help us reach our sodium levels during the Wintertime. Try adding small amounts of spicy peppers or seasonings to help keep your digestion strong, and limit eating or snacking late at night. Try eating dinner earlier in the evening if possible.
Late Winter provides a landscape to gently cleanse our liver and prepare to lighten our body with brisk movement as we work to welcome Spring. A beneficial cleanse after the holidays is also advisable to unburden our liver and revitalize ourselves as we prepare to head back to our daily lives after celebrating the Solstice & New Year.
Winter Wellness
Acupressure
You’ve probably seen at least one viral video boasting the dramatic results of a daily facial guasha routine, but there are constellations of pressure points throughout our entire body that encourage blood flow and help support healing.
By exploring our body with acupressure during the asanas, we can relieve tension and alleviate stress patterns. Try massaging any areas of tension or tenderness that you sense. Pay attention to the rhythm of your breath. Sometimes a few minutes of deep breathing can be just as powerful as making it to a complete studio Yoga class. Honor your unique situation and body, sometimes that means resting.
Winter Bedtime Ritual
Light a few candles for a soothing Yin practice on the floor in your bedroom. A few minutes in legs-up-the-wall or halasana (plow), followed by a long hold in a supine twist can be deeply nourishing.
asana & Pranayama
Daily Winter wellness practices can include journaling, meditation, and focused breathing. Practice every day to help renew & revitalize your physical body. A dedicated Yoga practice can also serve as a potent tonic for spiritual rejuvenation during the darkest and coldest season. Close your eyes… In stillness we arrive to rediscover and honor the light within.
Detoxifying twists, nauli, and postures that stimulate our digestive system pathways offer a beneficial refresh post-holidays.
Yoga sequences that incorporate more grounding and restorative energy for our body are also highly beneficial and healing during the Wintertime.
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