Hey friends. If you’re been experiencing the twenty plus consecutive days of grey, my deepest condolences (and solidarity). I’ve found it very tough this past week! As much as I have been leaning into the slowness of the season, it wouldn’t hurt to have some brighter days to raise morale and differentiate the days. As I’m sitting here writing this, snow is falling and sticking, which is a welcome change.
Things I’ve been leaning on to get me through this period of blah:
Hot baths (as usual), specifically to start the day, and finishing off with a cold shower for energy, immune health, nervous system regulation and metabolism support.
Candles. Burning. Constantly. While I meditate, in the bath, beside me at my desk, on the counter while I cook, and while we watch tv. It makes me feel like I’m in a period piece and adds some romance to the drab.
Vitamin D, it’s so important to supplement in the winter, which I’m sure you’ve heard a trillion times, but I find that knowing ‘why’ encourages action. Vitamin D the most important fat-soluble vitamin for reducing the risk of and addressing depression; Vitamin D receptors in the brain stimulate serotonin production and support neurotransmitter synthesis. It also increases endorphins, supports healthy aging, and the pituitary’s (sometimes called the “master gland” - sorry for the problematic word) - ability to secrete hormones.
I’ve also been going fulllll comfort food in my cooking escapades. Rebecca Firsker’s Chicken and Greens Pie, and Chicken Piccata have been two standouts along with plenty of sesame, spelt sourdough from Blackbird. However, for a nutritionist-to-be, my plate has been less vegetable focused than I would like to admit…hence the need to create a green soup that is as functional and cleansing as it is delicious!
One thing about me is, I place emphasis on including a variety of cruciferous vegetables in my diet: kale, broccoli, rapini, brussel sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, turnip, radishes, boc choy, etc. for the following reasons:
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