Spring Lifestyle – A New Birth

Spring is a time for renewal, repair, and cleansing. The fresh tender sprouts from the earth are an antidote to the long winter of eating “building” foods needed in the colder months.  Spices and herbs can help in the natural cleansing process to lighten the body and to prepare it for the warm days of summer.

RuchiCharya is a seasonal system from India which uses the life force of seasonal foods to help detoxify the ama (effects) of winter on the body and to maintain healthy balance during the season. The Indian health system of Ayurveda suggests the following (RuchiCharya)for a Spring Lifestyle:

– Enliven your natural energy as the earth warms
– Stimulate digestion which gets sluggish in winter
– Reduce winter congestion
– Increase metabolism which slows in winter

Choose vegetables in this season that are grown locally and organically, if at all possible as this will help in the natural defense sytems as we share the same microsystem.

SPICES: turmeric, cumin, coriander, clove, ajwain, fenugreek, dried ginger, Chinese cinnamon and fennel.
: kiwi, Valencia oranges, limes, grapefruits, lemons,

FRUITS: kiwi, Valencia oranges, limes, grapefruits, lemons, prunes, pineapple, papaya and pomegranate

HERBS : cilantro, mint, fresh ginger and lemon

VEGETABLES: asparagus, beets, sprouts, dandelions, spring greens, parsley, broccoli, cauliflower, daikon, radish.

GRAINS: barley, quinoa, wheat, millet, rye

FOODS TO AVOID: sugar and honey, fried foods, alcohol, coffee, chocolate, excessive amounts of dairy and red meat

© Kavita Mehta
photo credit Millbrook Inn and Restaurant, Vermont

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