Winter warmth

Winter has arrived here in Central Victoria. Over the past month we have been lucky enough to have sunny days, these are preceded by heavy frosts!! but the days have been divine. However over the last week, the days have become cooler and darker, now is the time to go within, physically and spiritually.

Winter is the time animals and plants hibernate and as we work through Winter, we need to focus on nutrition to keep out bodies and minds healthy and warm. Go within and focus on yourself, where are you going with your life? Are you connected to your soul purpose? Are you in alignment with your beliefs and values? As we 'hibernate' we can slow down our minds and bodies in preparation for Spring, the season of rebirth and regeneration.

Ayurveda shows us that eating warming, spicy foods helps to keep our digestive fires burning. Soups, curries, porridges, grains etc are the Winter go-to's.

Spices like ginger, chilli, cardamom, cinnamon, turmeric, garlic, black pepper, cayenne pepper etc are perfect additions to meals and drinks. Also keeping in mind that our drinks should be warm, so avoiding iced and cold drinks.

I love my spiced milk drink during the day and cacao and cinnamon after dinner 💕

Turmeric lattes are all the go now and if you are lucky you will find them in your local cafe, but you can make them at home yourself by mixing your own spice mix or buying a pre-mixed blend.

Spiced milk recipe:

In a jar mix dried ginger, turmeric and cinnamon to your taste. I like mine spicy so I have added extra ginger.

Place coconut or almond milk in a small pot and add a teaspoon or two of your mix. Warm gently and serve. Some people like to strain theirs, I dont worry about this, and if you need a sweeter drink, you can add maple syrup.

Cacao and Coconut milk recipe:

Place coconut milk in a small pot and add 1 teaspoon of cacao. Warm gently and serve with a sprinkle of cinnamon. Alternatively you can add the cinnamon in when you add the cacao. Cardamom could also be added. Sweeten with maple syrup.

Cinnamon has been used for thousands of years as a medicinal spice. It is one of the highest ranking antioxidants which basically means that it helps to control the rogue molecules that steal atoms from other molecules.

It is also a natural anti-microbial, anti-biotic, anti-fungal, and anti-viral providing strength to our immune systems.

Turmeric has hit the headlines over the last few years for its use as an anti-inflammatory. There has been much research and many peer-reviewed articles to prove turmerics worth and has been noted by some as the most powerful herb on the planet for fighting inflammation in the body.

Research also shows its benefits for cancer, arthritis, diabetes and gastrointestinal issues.

Ginger has components that are anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory and is probably best known for relieving nausea and travel sickness.

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