SPRING IS HERE
Spring Equinox was September 23 and marks the day when the Earth’s poles are the same distance from the Sun. It happens around this date each year. In some cultures it is considered the the first day of Spring. On this day there are roughly 12 hrs of day and 12 hrs of night.
Spring is about renewal, rebirth and fun, and reminds us of our youth. It has a rapid movement associated with it and the energy goes 'up and out' of our body. So we are encouraged to eat things that grow this way. Things like sprouts, rocket, young plants and foods and leafy greens.
The organs in the spotlight this season are the liver and gall bladder, and the colour associated with these organs is green. So eat as many green foods as you can, and as the liver is our major organ for detox, cut down on alcohol, fats and oils and the heaviness of a winter diet. Eat simply, lightly, less.
The focus in Spring is about playfullness and being outside more. So spend less time in the kitchen than you did in WInter, and use cooking methods like stir frying and steaming and start to make more salads as the weather warms up more.
Include whole grains and good quality complex sweeteners like raw honey, maple syrup and rice syrup. And cut down on your salty foods. Things like tamari, miso, preserved foods and salty meats. A perfect meal in Spring would be Steamed Fish with Spring Salsa, Stir Fry Veggies and Quinoa.
It's time to get outside and enjoy the new seasons produce. There are lots of great Farmers' Markets around so maybe I'll see you at one.
**SALSA VERDE**
Yields about 2 cups
Try this combination of herbs with steamed fish, or barbeque tofu. It’s great for your liver and tastes like Spring. And it’s a great way to include green food in your diet.
1 bunch each of mint, coriander, basil, flat leaf parsley
4 spring onions, finely chopped
1 clove garlic, crushed
1 tbls capers, chopped
1 anchovy, chopped
1 cucumber, diced
1 tbls white wine or balsamic vinegar
1 tsp Sea salt
**Method** – Wash and dry your herbs well, then chop them finely. Place in a large bowl. Add the garlic, capers, anchovy, (if using), vinegar and salt. Mix to combine. Adjust seasoning as necessary.
Variations
Add 2 tbls fresh thyme leaves
Chevril is an interesting addition
Fresh sage leaves will change the flavour completely. This was it goes nicely with chicken or red meat.
Integria Health: Food As Medicine Webinar this Week
Just a reminder that the second of my webinars is on Wednesday, September 28 (tomorrow night).
'Eating to Nourish the Nervous System'
For more details, and to register, go to
https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/227707966
Australia's first Sustainable Seafood Guide iPhone App launched!
Check this app out. I’ve downloaded, using it and loving it!
customercommunity.com.au/mycommunity/Newsletter.aspx?issue_id=2542&t=4776111
In Good Health,
Janella
