Changing your Diet in the Spring – Weekly Wellness Tip

Mon, Mar 27, 2017

Enjoy our weekly wellness tip from Licensed Acupuncturist, Michael Savalli.

The weather may not agree, but the calendar says it’s spring.  If winter was the time for turning inward, and stillness, then spring is a time for doing and activity.  It’s a time of rapid change, and energy that moves upward and outward.  Harmonizing yourself with this season, calls for you to do the same.  

For starters, the weather in early spring can be unpredictable.  Changing rapidly from warm, to cold.  It’s a good idea to dress warmly in layers this time of year.  That way you can easily adapt to whatever Mother Nature sends your way.  Also, get active.  After resting all winter, now is the time to get moving.  Just start slowly, and progress gradually.  You don’t want to overdo it too quickly and risk injury.

We adapt our diet to spring, by moving from heavy nourishing foods of the cold months, to lighter, more moving foods.  Lightly nourishing foods for early spring are cabbage, sweet potato, carrots, and beetroot.  As the weather becomes warmer, you can add in things like mint, sweet rice, shitake, peas, sunflower seeds, pine nuts, and cherries.

TCM theory calls spring the time of year when liver energy is most active.  It’s associated with the eyes, and tendons, and is linked to the emotion anger.  Be aware of that this season.  A little anger gets you moving, but too much can be destructive.  The foods you chose have an impact as well.  For example, spinach is good for the blood, but too much of it can cause us to feel bloated and irritable.  If that’s the case, try balancing that spinach with some cooling tofu.  Mint tea with honey is gently warming and helps the energy move upward and outward.  Green peas and green beans help invigorate our digestion, and clear excess heat. 

I hope these few spring tips from TCM help kick-start your spring!

Ingredients:

¾ lb. string beans, blanched

3-4 slices fresh ginger root

1 clove garlic, minced

Salt to taste, Red pepper flakes (optional)

1-2 Tablespoons oil

1 Tablespoon cider vinegar

1 Tablespoon honey

Preparation:

Heat some oil in a wok, or pan.

Toss in sliced ginger, then garlic, blanched string beans, then salt.

Stir-fry 3-4 minutes.

Stir in the honey.

Place in a bowl, and toss with cider vinegar.

Add optional pepper flakes.

Try this recipe and share your experience with us on Facebook by tagging “HandsOnHealthWellness” so we can see!

Meet Michael Savalli, MSOM, L.Ac

Michael is a board certified NY State Licensed Acupuncturist, who received his Masters Degree in Oriental Medicine from New York College of Health Professions.  While in this program, he also specialized in Chinese Herbal Medicine. If you or anyone you know is interested in staying healthy this season, schedule your appointment and learn how Acupuncture and herbs can boost your immunity. 

631-601-6491

Click to learn more about Michael Savalli, MSOM, L.Ac

Caring For Cancer

Come join us in this beautiful support group and connect with others who have been or are going through treatment. We will be providing a group meditation and mini acupuncture sessions. This event is free and open to the public. Caring for Cancer meets every 2nd Tuesday of the month at 7pm.  Please call to reserve a seat as spaces are limited. 

631-601-6491

In good health,

Elizabeth M. Martin, MSOM, L.Ac, LMT and the Staff at Hands on Health and Wellness