As the days become colder, more and more people are asking us how we stay raw during the winter months. So, on this brisk November day, I’m listing a few things that work for me…
Staying active is key. Once again, exercise pumps the blood and increases the circulation. It also allows the body to release endorphins, the “feel good” hormone which can help combat those winter blues so many of us experience. Embracing the winter rather than resisting it, really makes a difference. Engaging in fun outdoor activities with the family is a great way of doing this. To keep the blood flowing at home when I’m working, I’ll hop on the rebounder periodically to warm up and strengthen my immune system simultaneously!
As far as food & drink go, my morning ritual of extra spicy firewater really helps kick-start the day. Cayenne is very warming and good for the circulation. Garlic, curry, chili pepper, onions, ginger are other heating spices that can be added to various dishes. Raw soups gently warmed in a dehydrator or in a Vitamix can be comforting. A cup of cacao made from warm water or almond milk, raw cacao and agave can really hit the spot on those cold blizzardy days. If you’re not concerned about being 100% raw, using unpasteurized miso in a warm broth can be delicious – just make sure not to overheat it. And remember to always allow food to sit at room temperature before eating – never straight out of the fridge!
During the winter months, I tend to crave denser foods. A few crackers, gRAWnola, sprouted cereal or a dessert can be satisfying emotionally as well as physically. Of course, they are balanced with lots of chlorophyll-rich living foods. Fattier foods such as durian, olives, avocados, nuts & seeds also give me the extra fuel and insulation that my body needs.
Years back when I found winters more challenging, I began adding a lightly steamed potato or yam to my evening salad. It didn’t trigger cravings and really help me feel grounded and warm. These days, I rely on my infrared sauna to heat me to my core!
todays food log:
- e3live
- firewater
- 1 liter green juice (kale, cabbage, celery, daikon, artichoke, lemon)
- 1/2 avocado with fermented black radish
- 1 liter green smoothie (bok choi, sunflower greens, chia, pear, banana)
- 1 salad with sun dried tomato dressing (yum)
- 1 wild bar
- pudding (banana, prunes, chia, cinnamon)
- water
November 6:
- 2 ozs e3live
- firewater
- 1 liter green smoothie (sunflower greens, spinach, parsley, chia)
- a few olives
- 1 liter green smoothie (romaine, red leaf lettuce, banana)
- 1 biosphere banana energy bar
- onion crackers with hemp oil & garlic
- kombucha
