The end of the seasonal cycle, winter, brings cold and darkness. Enter a resting interval, just as lakes and rivers freeze and snow falls all things in nature. Get up with the sunrise, which can be afterwards in winter and the natural rhythm in the winter is to go to bed early. This is a time to slow down, rejuvenate also to simplify our life. In this winter chronicle I will be pleased to offer you advice on the best way to nourish yourself remain powerful and warm through the winter and to store energy.


Winter is a time when yin dominates yang; a time of conservation, darkness and stillness. Winter is ruled by the element of water and the organs associated are bladder and the kidneys. The kidneys are considered the root and base of all yang and yin qualities where the qi ~energy~ is stored, plus it is. An individual who has healthy, critical kidneys gets the ability to flow with life, to accomplish a fantastic amount without anxiety, is active and courageous while remaining composed.


The emotion associated with the winter is fear, and like the kidneys, fear is rooted. Anxiety is required to safeguard and keep us away from risk, when excessive it also injures the kidneys and generates insecurities about life.


Is dark blue or black and the flavour of foods that nourishes our water, kidneys and bladder is salty. Such taste can be seen in cheese, kelp, mineral salt, miso, nori, salt water fish, seaweeds, millet and barley. Bitter foods can also be suitable since they bring body heat lower and deeper and cool the outside of the body. These foods contain celery, watercress, lettuce, oats, quinoa, turnip and rye.


Winter is a time to cook food it brings the energy of the food within where nourishment is necessary to keep you warm, deep. Soups, braised dishes and roasted root vegetables warm your body and re-establish moistness. Seaweed is a wonder food in supporting your kidney energy.


The name legume comes from the Latin legumen or legere, "to assemble". As one of the most inexpensive types of protein, beans are nutritious as they are practical, and that's the reason they are an intrinsic part of cultures all over the world. Ounce per ounce, some beans have as much protein as a similar amount of meat.


A few of the therapeutic properties contain reducing cholesterol, lowering blood pressure, regulating colon function and preventing constipation. Classified as a low-glycemic index food, they are digested and help people and diabetics who have low blood sugar. They may be a great source of calcium, potassium, iron, zinc, and several B vitamins including folate and are low in fat.


Chinese medicine covers the legume ~specially the dark/black coloured one~ as a tremendously beneficial food for the kidney-adrenal functions.


Legumes and beans are diuretic and generally drying. They're not the ideal food for dry, lean, frail or weak persons. To counteract this tendency, combine beans with olive oil ~refried beans or oily foods, hummus containing meat eaten with beans~, sausages or oily sesame seed butter. Legumes are a great food for powerful, solid, heavy man. With their drying quality, they are valuable when you will find signs of yeasts and edema, soybean being the exception.


Everyone needs more vitality, and together with the foods that are proper and by preventing toxins, limiting the amounts of sweet-flavored foods and eating moderated amounts of dietary protein you are able to nourish the kidney energy and improve vigor, resistance to longevity and disease. Some of those foods are:


Micro-algae (chlorella, spirulina, wild blue-green) fish, liver, kidney, bone and its marrow, cereal grass, almonds, milk, clarified butter, nettles, royal jelly, bee pollen, black beans, millet, wheat, black sesame seeds, chestnuts, mulberries, raspberries, strawberries and walnut.


It is necessary to find the energy tonic that is correct for the condition, knowing the property as there is no health or food product which is good for everyone and when it's suitable for you. I will be glad to help you discover what is appropriate for you should you feel you might be in need of a whole food tonic.


It is useful to create a listing of foods which might be in season, including foods of all five flavours: pungent, bitter, sour, sweet and salty. Foods that have been prepared mindfully and with regard have the power to bring a family together, to nourish our bodies, hearts, minds, and spirits also to link to the cycle in the earth's. We move through life actively composed, gentle although courageous when we're nourished as one integrated being and our actions are sensible.


Basic Pot of Beans


They're because they do not digest them well, many individuals who do not appreciate the advantages of beans. Often the thing is incorrect selection of legume, improper preparation or inferior food. Start with adding legumes slowly allowing your digestive system time to adjust. Adding a bit of kombu seaweed and spices for flavour can help. Drenched beans with 1 tbsp of baking soda or apple cider vinegar are alternatives.