Nourishing Harmony: The Ayurvedic Wisdom of Seasonal, Easily Digestible Foods & Warming Winter Soup Recipe

In a world where dietary trends come and go, the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda stands the test of time, emphasizing the importance of eating in harmony with the seasons. Ayurveda, the traditional system of medicine that originated in India over 5,000 years ago, places a strong emphasis on the connection between food and overall well-being. In this blog, we delve into the benefits of consuming easily digestible foods that change with the seasons, exploring the personalized approach of Ayurveda and spotlighting the nutritional powerhouse, Kitchari, along with the winter-friendly buckwheat and its remarkable effects on blood sugar and heart health. At the bottom of this page you will find a recipe for our version of warming winter buckwheat soup packed with seasonal vegetables and a kick of health!

Understanding Ayurvedic Doshas

At the heart of Ayurveda lies the concept of doshas – Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. These doshas are the building blocks of one's constitution or individual make up and are responsible for governing various physiological and psychological functions within the body. Similar to how certain regions tend to have dominant elements such as water, fire, wind, earth and space; each person has a unique combination of these doshas, creating their Ayurvedic profile.

1. Vata Dosha: Representing the elements of air and ether, Vata is associated with qualities of movement, coldness, and dryness. It governs functions such as breathing, circulation, and elimination. During the transition from fall to early winter, Vata is predominant.

2. Pitta Dosha: Pitta, associated with fire and water elements, embodies qualities of heat, intensity, and sharpness. It governs digestion, metabolism, and hormonal balance. Pitta is typically more dominant during the summer months.

3. Kapha Dosha: Kapha, composed of earth and water elements, is characterized by qualities of heaviness, coolness, and stability. It governs aspects like structure, lubrication, and immunity. Late winter into spring marks the Kapha season.

Without much understanding at all you may notice how these elements show up within the characteristics of your life and those around you. You may consider someone who is sharp and intense both in features and personality and recognize that they may have a strong influence of Pitta dosha. While that friend who tends to air on the side of movement, is drawn to social activities and may be lighter in frame- think more airiness, will be a force of Vata dosha. The you have stability, grounded earth element, both physically, mentally and emotionally- you know this person in your life and they are rulled by Kapha dosha.

Understanding the Seasonal Influence

As the seasons change, so do the predominant doshas in the environment. While early winter is characterized by an increase in the Vata dosha {air & space}, late winter shifts towards Kapha {earth & water} dominance. The transition from Vata to Kapha is crucial to understand, as it influences the dietary and lifestyle recommendations within Ayurveda.

Late Winter: Embracing Kapha Season

Late winter is often considered the Kapha season, marked by qualities of coolness, dampness, and heaviness. Kapha governs the structural aspects of the body and is responsible for providing stability and support. During this season, there is a natural tendency for the body to hold on to more moisture, potentially leading to feelings of sluggishness and congestion.

In Ayurveda, Kapha season calls for a balance of warmth and lightness to counteract the cool and heavy qualities of the environment. While early winter recommendations focused on grounding and stabilizing Vata, late winter invites practices that uplift and invigorate, helping to prevent the accumulation of excess Kapha.

Kitchari with Buckwheat in Late Winter

As we transition from the cold, dry Vata season to the cool, damp Kapha season, the importance of easily digestible, nourishing foods becomes even more apparent. Kitchari, with its balanced combination of rice, mung beans, and warming spices, remains a staple during late winter and really most of the year as long as we are making seasonal appropriate adjustments.

The simplicity of Kitchari makes it an ideal choice to pacify Kapha without overwhelming the digestive system. The inclusion of warming spices like ginger, cumin, and mustard seeds helps stimulate digestion, combatting the potential lethargy associated with Kapha dominance.

Buckwheat, with its gluten-free and nutrient-dense profile, continues to shine in late winter. While supporting stable blood sugar levels, buckwheat also provides a sense of lightness, making it a valuable addition to the diet during the Kapha season. Its rich magnesium content further aids in maintaining heart health, aligning with the Ayurvedic principle of addressing the body as a whole.

Ayurvedic Tips for Late Winter Wellness

1. Incorporate Lighter, Pungent Foods: Embrace the Kapha season by introducing lighter, pungent foods into your diet. Include vegetables like radishes, mustard greens, and daikon radishes, which can help balance the heaviness associated with late winter.

2. Engage in Regular Exercise: Combat Kapha-related lethargy by incorporating regular exercise into your routine. Opt for activities that generate warmth and stimulate circulation, such as brisk walks, yoga, or dancing.

3. Herbal Teas and Detoxifying Spices: Support digestion and gently detoxify the body by sipping on herbal teas with detoxifying spices. Ginger, cinnamon, and fenugreek are excellent choices to kindle the digestive fire.

4. Maintain Adequate Hydration: Although Kapha season tends to be damp, staying hydrated is crucial. Opt for warm water with lemon or herbal infusions to maintain optimal hydration levels.

Expanding on Ayurvedic Principles in Late Winter

Late winter, with its shift towards Kapha dominance, provides an opportunity to delve deeper into Ayurvedic principles that support overall well-being. Ayurveda emphasizes the interconnectedness of the mind, body, and spirit, acknowledging that each person's constitution is influenced by a delicate balance of doshas and the prevailing season.

1. Mindful Eating: Ayurveda encourages the practice of mindful eating, emphasizing the importance of being present and attentive while consuming food. In late winter, this mindfulness extends to choosing foods that align with the qualities of the season – light, warming, and nourishing.

2. Balancing Routine: Late winter invites a balance of routine, incorporating both energizing and calming practices. Establishing a consistent daily routine helps stabilize the nervous system and supports overall well-being. Include activities such as meditation, breathwork, or gentle yoga to foster a sense of grounding.

3. Seasonal Cleansing: Ayurveda recognizes the value of seasonal cleansing to remove accumulated toxins and support the body's natural detoxification processes. During late winter, consider incorporating practices such as tongue scraping, oil pulling, or gentle detoxifying herbal formulations to aid in cleansing.

4. Oil Massage (Abhyanga): Abhyanga, or self-massage with warm oil, is a rejuvenating practice recommended in Ayurveda. During late winter, use slightly warming oils like sesame or mustard oil to nourish the skin, improve circulation, and counteract the cool, damp qualities of the season.

Winter-Friendly Foods According to Ayurveda

1. Root Vegetables: Root vegetables are the stars of the late winter season, providing a sense of stability and grounding. Incorporate sweet potatoes, carrots, beets, and turnips into your meals for a nutrient-rich and comforting experience.

2. Winter Squashes: Varieties such as butternut squash and acorn squash are excellent choices during late winter. Roasting or steaming them can enhance their natural sweetness and make them easier to digest.

3. Nuts and Seeds: Nourishing fats are crucial during late winter to combat the dampness associated with Kapha. Almonds, walnuts, and sesame seeds can be sprinkled over meals or enjoyed as snacks to provide a dose of healthy fats and essential nutrients.

4. Warm Spices: Spices play a crucial role in Ayurvedic cooking, and during late winter, warming spices take center stage. Cinnamon, ginger, black pepper, and cloves can be added to various dishes to enhance flavor and promote digestive warmth.

5. Oils: Choose warming oils such as sesame oil or mustard oil for cooking. Ghee is also an essential go to for Ayurvedic cooking and is known as The Golden Nectar in Ayurveda. These oils contribute to the overall sense of warmth and help balance the cool, damp qualities of the late winter season.

As we navigate the late winter months, understanding the transition from Vata { ait & space} to Kapha {earth & water} dominance allows us to tailor our dietary choices and lifestyle practices accordingly. By embracing easily digestible foods that change with the seasons, such as the comforting Kitchari and the winter warrior buckwheat, we align ourselves with the wisdom of Ayurveda and support our well-being on a holistic level. So, as late winter unfolds its cool and damp embrace, let your plate be a canvas for warmth, balance, and the nourishment your body truly deserves.

Warming Winter Buckwheat & Mung Bean Soup

1 cup mung beans, rinsed and soaked overnight

1 cup buckwheat groats, rinsed

1 root vegetable of your liking

1 winter squash, chopped

3-4 carrots, chopped

3-4 celery, chopped

1 shallot, finely chopped

1 inch ginger, finely chopped

2 tablespoons ghee or sesame oil (olive oil is okay if it’s all you have)

1 teaspoon curry powder

4-6 cups vegetable broth

3-4 cups baby spinach, rinsed

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

1 tablespoon tamari, shoyu or coco aminos (optional)

chopped cilantro & sliced lime for garnish

Directions:

The night before making this soup soak mung beans in clean water to sprout. This will help the digestibility of the beans and absorbtion of liquid once you are making the soup

Clean and chop all vegetables into desirable chunks. Finely dice shallot and ginger. Set all vegetables aside. Place a large pot over medium heat adding ghee/oil until melted and warmed. Add shallot and ginger, cook on med-low until golden brown. Add curry powder to oil cooking 1-2 minutes on low to activate and warm spices. Add vegetables starting with the most dense; carrots & root vegetables- cook 2-3 minutes coating in curry powder and oil. Add the rest of the vegetables to pot, stir and coat.

Rinse and strain mung beans and buckwheat groats. Add to pot with vegetables, bring to medium heat. Keep stirring all ingredients together in dry pot. Once everything starts to sizzle add vegetable broth and bring to a boil (up your broth if you want it more soupy). Reduce heat, cover and simmer for about 15 minutes. Test softness of mung beans and groats. Once grains are tender add spinach, stir in and cook for another 5 minutes. Turn off heat, cover and let soup sit 5ish minutes. Add a splash of balsamic and optional shoyu.

Chop cilantro and slice lime for garnish.

Serve soup into small/medium size bowls, top with cilantro and a squeeze of lime. ENJOY!