Achieve Better Health through Seasonal Eating
– Lessons from our Ancestors –

For thousands of years, our ancestors ate the foods they found in their local climate during the four seasons: autumn, winter, spring and summer.

It is only in the last one hundred years that industrialization and globalization provided Americans the ability to have nearly any food they want at any time of year. Globalization allows consumers in Ohio to eat broccoli harvested in Arizona during the winter and Arizonans to eat broccoli harvested in Ohio during the summer.

While globalization provides a wonderful convenience to consumers, health issues may arise by eating foods not in season for the climate in which you live.

For example, tropical fruits are grown in warm, wet climates and eaten during warmer months because they are “cooling” to the body. However, because of globalization, you can access tropical fruits even in the winter months. Eating tropical fruits during the winter can cool the body when it really needs warmth from heartier, heavier foods like soups.

Conversely, beans, potatoes and heavier grains that are typically harvested in the fall to be eaten in winter, are mistakenly eaten during spring or summer, a time when lighter, cooler foods should be eaten. Eating heavy foods during summer can cause heat build-up in the body, whereas eating cooling foods in the winter can cause too much cold and tightness.

Along with heating and cooling, foods also cause your body to “expand” or “contract.” Heat causes “contraction” and cold causes “expansion.” It is important to maintain balance between consuming warming, contractive foods and cooling, expansive foods, especially in winter in summer. Note, though, that “hot” doesn’t necessarily mean the food is warming in nature. Hot tea, for example, can be cooling to the body, even though it is a warm beverage. It is not the “temperature” of the food; but the food itself that is heating or cooling.

Another mistake people make is eating “wet” foods in the spring. Springtime brings moisture. Therefore, consuming too many wet foods in the spring can cause excess mucus buildup and sinus problems. Conversely, wintertime is typically “dry”. Therefore, eating dry foods during winter can cause an imbalance, whereas eating wet foods in the winter are beneficial to the body. Summer can be dry in some climates and wet (humid) in others. In any case, it is important to understand your climate and what foods contribute to your health and well being versus break you down.

Spring is also a time for planting and “cleansing.” Out with the old; in with the new! Therefore, eating light, dry, raw and “sprouted” foods are very beneficial this time of year. Sprouted foods contain higher nutrients because all the plant’s energy goes into beginning its new life – much like a human embryo.

This is nothing new! Other cultures around the world have been eating seasonally for thousands of years. Both the Chinese and Indian cultures base their healing modalities on bringing the body back to homeostasis (the body’s natural state of balance) through diet and lifestyle. Seasonal eating is an important part of both Chinese and Indian (called “Ayurveda”) philosophies. They believe each person has his or her own seasonal constitution. Meaning you could be an “autumn/winter,” “spring” or “summer” constitution. The way you eat during your season is critical to maintaining balance and, therefore, good health.

As a benefit to members of YOUnique Nutrition™, seasonal profiles are available in the membership area. Your seasonal profile will help you identify what diet and lifestyle you can adopt to achieve optimal health. You simply take a short test to determine your seasonal profile and are then matched up with your corresponding profile.

Additionally, the Nutrire™ shopping tool allows to you select foods for your blood type that match each season. You can then print out a shopping list for the grocery store, so that you can purchase the foods that are most beneficial for you and your family.

Remember, eating foods that are best for your season and blood type help ensure your long-term health and vitality.