Winters in the Netherlands are generally erratic, dark, heavy, cold and damp. Winter is therefore pre-eminently a season where both our mind and our body have a high risk of becoming completely out of balance. Depression and melancholy are lurking.
According to Ayurveda, the doshas are kapha and vata dominant in winter, And that is why it is important to pay extra attention to our diet and lifestyle. It is not for nothing that we see that flora and fauna also tune in to turning inwards every year, for rest and recovery or. Preservation of the life energy. Winter stands for reflection, and plan for the future. Below you will find a number of tips that will help you on your way to staying in balance.
Take warm/warming food
Take less raw food such as salads, because they can weaken your digestive fire. Increase your fire (Agni) by making more use of warming spices such as cinnamon, clove, cumin and ginger. Integrate more fat into your diet like ghee, Sesame oil or olive oil.
Go for seasonal vegetables
How about pumpkin, parsnip, various types of cabbage, carrots or sweet potatoes? They are all warming and also packed with nutrients that our bodies need. Don't forget the fruit such as oranges, Mandarins, apples and pears.
Drink warm water or herbal tea regularly
Avoid ice-cold drinks and go for warm water with lemon in addition to hot (boiled) water, honey or ginger. You can also make your own drinks to unleash your creativity a little more. A cup of homemade hot chocolate with some whipped cream and topping of cocoa powder gives some extra energy and a temporary feeling of happiness .
Undergo regular oil massages (abhyanga)
Indispensable during the winter are the Ayurvedic massages with warm herbal oils. You will find an extensive range in our range, such as a massage in combination with the swedana (steam room). Alternatively, you can also give yourself a short daily massage with warm oil such as sesame oil. This has a warming effect. It strengthens your skin, Warms your muscles and calms your nervous system.
Create warmth and coziness
December is the festive month that many look forward to, It is the moment of being together and pampering yourself in the magical atmospheres around the winter paradise, Faith and the Light. Provide a cozy atmosphere at home, pleasant and inviting living environment. Go 'cocooning', Stay at home on the couch or in a pleasant place where you can completely relax. This is what you can do with candles, warm blankets, soothing mood music, Smells and reading, watching movies or meditating.
Be more aware of exercise
Despite the cold and damp weather, go outside regularly. Catch the sun when it comes out unexpectedly. Light gives you positive energy and strength again. Respect your boundaries. In your work, make sure that you do not become overloaded, especially at the end of the year. And pick up some yoga workouts that you enjoy (such as light stretching exercises or meditation exercises aimed at breathing).
Ayurvedic winter soup with pumpkin and lentils
Ingredients:
- 1 small pumpkin, peeled and diced
- 1 cup red lentils
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, Chopped
- 1 tablespoon ghee (or olive oil)
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
- 4 cups vegetable stock
- Sea salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: a handful of fresh coriander
Procedure:
- Heat the ghee in a soup pan and add cumin seeds. Let it brown a bit until the fragrance is released.
- Add the onion, garlic and ginger and fry until translucent.
- Add turmeric and cinnamon, followed by the cubes of pumpkin. stir well so that the spices coat the pumpkin.
- Add the redder lentils and vegetable stock. Let the whole 20-25 minutes until the pumpkin and lentils are soft.
- Use a hand blender to puree the soup until smooth or leave it coarse.
- Season with salt and pepper and garnish if necessary. with fresh coriander.
This recipe is suitable for 2 – 4 people.
Enjoy your meal!
