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Diet and Lifestyle Guidelines for February

Writer's picture: Jeannine LoveJeannine Love
A collage of various soups in bowls, featuring colorful vegetables like carrots and potatoes. Rustic table setting with silverware.

In February, we're still experience cold weather, but we may also enjoy some warmer days here and there, pointing to the warmer weather that will be coming in spring. The days are noticeably longer now too. It's natural to want to slim down, rejuvenate, and refresh yourself in late-winter, so consider following some of these diet and lifestyle guidelines for February.


Diet

You may notice that your body naturally wants some lighter foods now, particularly green leafy vegetables and bitter greens; but it still wants warm, cooked foods, such as soups, stews and roasted vegetables.  Try a Hearty Lentil Soup or a Mediterranean White Bean Soup - both are loaded with vegetables, legumes, and greens.  Eat lighter protein, such as fish or poultry; and avoid, or cut down, on wheat, red meat, sweets, and dairy, because these foods may add to the mucus congestion and heaviness that you may be feeling. Lastly, be sure to drink lots of water to stay hydrated. I encourage you to try warm water because it keeps your digestive fire strong. You can add a slice of lemon and/or a piece of fresh ginger to your water to further aid digestion. 


Herbs

Add warming spices like ginger, black pepper, turmeric and cinnamon to your meals to keep your body warm and to aid digestion. Try Masala Chai with cinnamon, cardamon, ginger and cloves, but use almond milk or another milk alternative instead of cow’s milk if you’re congested. Other herbs to include in your diet are lemon, fennel, nettles, and liver herbs, such as burdock root, dandelion root, and milk thistle seeds. If you’re prone to sinus congestion, use a neti pot to keep the nasal passages clear. I add several drops of an Echinacea Tincture to the saline mix in my neti pot. It helps to ward off a sinus infection.


Older women practicing yoga indoors on mats, performing upward dog pose. Bright room with mirrors, relaxed and focused mood.

Exercise

If possible, exercise in the morning between 6:00 and 10:00 am. To limber up and lubricate your joints, give yoga a try.  Add cardio to your routine like jogging, walking, or dancing. Either way – get moving.


Dry Brushing

Try dry brushing before your morning shower. Dry brushing reduces the heaviness you may be feeling right now. It stimulates the circulation and dislodges toxins. It can also help detoxify and cleanse the lymph system.


Have a happy and healthy February!


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