Winter is ruled by the water element; it is the time to rest, reflect and vision. This season, we find balance when we withdraw and focus energy inward. As we glance out at the world surrounding us, we see examples of this withdrawal everywhere: the skies become darker, trees live without their lushness, green growth comes to a halt and animals slow down or hibernate. Winter is the season of death and rebirth, a necessary aspect of the yearly cycle to create space for new life. Winter is predominantly a cold, wet and damp season. This same process and energy is occurring internally and deep within our system is the need to slow down and take pause, too. The busy schedules we commonly keep towards the end of the year can pull us out of sync with the natural cycle of the Earth and although we have less energy to exert in winter, we can find ourselves moving at a fast pace. This may leave us feeling depleted in the new year, which can artificially create stress that destabilizes our immune system, releases the heat we so greatly need and can cause dis-ease and discomfort throughout the body. The food you put into your body each day is the best medicine to address energy imbalance, stress, physical pain, weight challenges, and even anxiety and depression. This healing goes beyond the medicinal power we find in whole ingredients. Food holds the power to elicit creativity, foster community, encourage flexibility, and even bring out curiosity, courage and adventure. But of course, like all things, there is light AND darkness to a subject as enormous and essential as "food". Every day a new study comes out that seems to contradict the recommendations that came out before it. It's a challenge to know what to eat, when to eat and how to eat... AND despite the confusion, there are foundational strategies that work every single time.
Michael Pollen said it well when he wrote, "eat real foods. mostly plants." I like to say, "Fill yourself with life and you'll feel more alive" This is The Joyful Cookbook and Cleanse. A creative and flexible movement back to our roots. To the truth that how we nourish our bodies comes from connecting with our individual wisdom and honoring the reflection that our natural environment provides. It is a belief that the wisdom of nature prevails. It is a courageous investment in self-care. Not a fad or a concept, it is a remembrance. We eat to remember that we are a part of nature, intimately connected to her cycles. The body does not deny good food and As Julia Child said: "You don't have to cook fancy or complicated masterpieces - just good food from fresh ingredients" And, from my table to yours, I hope you enjoy these recipes all winter with love in your heart! What's inside? - Breakfast recipes including Sweet Lentil Porridge, Ginger Quinoa Breakfast Bowl, Pomegranate Kiwi Breakfast Bowl and A Pumpkin Spice Smoothie - Lunch recipes including Quinoa Roasted Kabocha Squash, Sweet Roasted Root Vegetable Salad, and Italian Spiced Garbanzo Beans over Spaghetti Squash - Snack recipes, including Crunchy Black Beans, Warm Weather Pumpkin Applesauce and Butternut Squash and Fennel Crisps - Sides including Pumpkin Ginger Quinoa, Fennel Infused Brown Rice and Ayurvedic Sweet Potatoes - Sweet Treats including Raw Carrot Cake, Salted Chocolate Chews, Holiday Chocolate Fudge and Dark Chocolate Gelato - all refined sugar free! Plus... - Tips on creating a delicious smoothie every time - What to look for on restaurant menus - A sample meal plan that will ensure you feel energized, nourished and satisfied throughout the season!