For most, March is a month of renewal. The dark days of winter have passed, the evenings are brighter, flowers are starting to bloom, and crowds of joggers resume their regular circuit. As your skin starts to shed its winter cost of insulating fats, now is the time for fresh starts, cleansing, and renewal.
March is a critical time to kick start fat metabolism and support your liver. Without doing so, you may experience some less than desirable side effects due to the change in climate. Just like the snow on the ground begins to melt, excess winter fat in the body starts to dissolve, leading to symptoms such as sinus congestion, post nasal drip, and sluggish digestion.
It is fair to say that without adapting your diet to the season change, it won't be all sunshine and roses at this time of year. Don't let this excess mucus and moisture dampen your mood! We have combined a collection of 10 recipes specifically designed to support your body through this time of transition.
Juicing Spring Cleanse
Spring is the best time of the year to cleanse and detoxify. It's time to say goodbye to the rich desserts and heavy comfort foods which will only serve to clog you up at this time of year. Instead, lighter recipes take center stage, and will help flush away the excess of winter.
Ayurveda recommends going through a seasonal cleanse each spring. However, if you don't have the time, or a full cleanse is not appropriate for you right now, add cleansing vegetable juices, such as this colorful Celery, Beet & Carrot Juice or refreshing Kale Lemonade with Ginger & Apple, which will assist your body to naturally detox each day.
Ingredients like kale, beets, and celery work to purify and expel metabolic toxins (ama) circulating in the blood due to their light nature and bitter and pungent tastes. In liquid form, the nutrients from these vegetables are efficiently absorbed into the bloodstream, allowing your digestive tract to cleanse with ease.
Not a fan of juicing? This Beet Cleanse Soup is the perfect alternative. Beets are one of nature's most important cleansing ingredients as they flush the liver by stimulating the flow of bile. This encourages strong fat metabolism, right when you need it the most!
Combat Coughs & Congestion
There is no denying that March weather is unpredictable. As soon as you feel the warmth start to increase, a storm rolls in or the rain returns. With the ever changing conditions, your pantry (and your wardrobe!) need to be prepared for all eventualities. Luckily, we have some recipes that can help!
If scratchy or sore throats are sweeping through your household, you can whip up some Honey & Spice Throat Coat in no time which will ease the pain and kill off any nasty bugs. It will also break up excess mucus and open your airways for improved breathing. Avoid heavy foods like milk, cheese, ice cream, and wheat to prevent spring coughs and congestion.
Even if you are feeling well, it is better to be safe than sorry and enjoy a diet of light and nourishing meals such as Mung Dal Kitchari (Kapha Reducing) and Sweet Potato with Kale & Ginger. Both of these options are easy to digest and help prevent congestion by stimulating circulation. Not only that, they feel like comfort food, but won't bog down your digestion. Add some Parsley & Cilantro Chimichurri Pesto for an extra cleansing effect.
Boost Your Metabolism this March
To keep metabolism strong in March, focus on light, nourishing foods that are diuretic and warming in nature, such as Asparagus with Mustard & Tarragon. Diuretic foods, like asparagus, help you shed excess water weight and reduce puffiness. Warming mustard and tarragon also stoke your digestive fire (agni) and rev up metabolism.
The pungent and bitter tastes are two of the best to balance your body in March and stimulate sluggish metabolism. Pungency stimulates agni while bitter foods cleanse the liver and encourages healthy elimination. Try this Star Anise & Cinnamon Black Bean Chili or Red Lentil Dal for the perfect combination of pungent and bitter, and a truly stimulating evening meal!
Here are some amazing recipes for keep stronger and healthy:
Written by John Immel, Asheville, NC
In collaboration with
GABRIELA ANA
HOLISTIC HEALTH COACH
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