Nutri-Jyoti News article archive
February 2008 - Fasting for Spring
As we move into the period of Lent, many of us decide to give up something. As a child I remember it was usually something like sweets or chocolate or a habit like biting nails.
The 40 days of Lent is traditionally a time of fasting and penance, when only the simplest food is eaten. From a practical point of view, this can be useful since after Winter, during which heavy and elaborate dishes are consumed, our bodies and digestive systems welcome a break. It's also a chance to re-adjust our taste buds to appreciate the delights of simple flavours, especially as we move towards Spring. It is an opportunity prepare ourselves for the imminent energy of Spring. So rather than seeing Lent as a period of depriving ourselves, consider it as a time to choose an activity that moves us forward.
In the next few days, I challenge you to choose an activity that will support your digestive system and also prepare your body and mind for the strong cleansing energy of Spring. Stuck? How about one of the ideas below?
- Start shopping at open air markets and eating fresh local organic vegetables (e.g. beetroot, carrots, radishes) or in the organic section of your supermarket and make sure you check the labels for origin and packaging date. Need some ideas of where to go ?
- Go for quality rather than quantity. Remember less is better, particularly during this period. Choose a particular food you normally eat a lot of and make a conscious decision to eat less of it but to enjoy what you eat just as much. Or you could decide to give it up completely. This year I'm giving my digestive system a rest from cheese for Lent.
- Choose to prepare the majority of your meals yourself to take charge of what's on your plate. If you eat in a cafeteria on a regular basis, take the time find out about what goes into your meal so you can make informed choices.
- Attend local nutritional information sessions or cooking classes to learn new skills and get supported in your objectives.
- Start using a neti pot daily to rinse your nasal passages and open up your sinuses. It can help to clear out blockage, increase general vitality and prevent fatigue. Read more here
Copyright © 2008 Janet Gomez All rights reserved
Want to publish this article on your site in its entirety without changes? Feel free, but please include the following resource information: Janet Gomez, nutritional consultant, produces the "Nutri-Jyoti News", a free bi-monthly e-newsletter for busy professionals. Feel ready to learn how to use nutritional strategies to manage your energy levels. Sign up for her FREE e-course "5 Nutritional Keys to Vitality in your Life" on the Nutri-Jyoti home page.