As the seasons change, so do our nutritional needs. Eating seasonally isn’t just about savoring fresh flavors—it’s a strategic way to support your body’s health, immunity, and hormone balance. But are the foods on your plate nourishing your well-being or silently draining your energy?

Every bite you take sends a signal to your body. It can either:

• Support: Provide essential nutrients that boost energy, balance hormones, and strengthen immunity.

• Drain: Contribute to inflammation, hormone imbalances, and metabolic disruptions.

Modern diets often include processed foods high in refined sugars and unhealthy fats. These "drainers" deplete vital nutrients, disrupt gut health, and can lead to chronic conditions like fatigue, hormonal imbalance, and weakened immunity.

On the other hand, nature's seasonal bounty offers "supporters" packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants your body needs for optimal functioning. Seasonal superfoods help you sync with the rhythms of nature and support your health through every seasonal shift.

Why Seasonal Eating Matters

1. Better Nutrient Density
   Seasonal foods are fresher and contain more nutrients because they're harvested at peak ripeness. For example, strawberries picked in summer are richer in vitamin C than out-of-season berries shipped from far away.

2. Hormonal Harmony
   Seasonal produce contains compounds that can help balance hormones naturally. For example, cruciferous vegetables in winter (like kale and Brussels sprouts) support estrogen detoxification, which is crucial for hormone health.

3. Enhanced Immunity
   Seasonal superfoods often align with your body's needs. Winter’s citrus fruits are packed with immune-boosting vitamin C, while summer berries provide antioxidants that protect against sun damage.

Winter Foods: Planning a holiday gathering? Serve up some of these seasonal superfoods!

As we transition into winter, we want to focus on nutrients and supplements that are supporting immune function through the winter season. Not to be confused with “temporary support” products, which are meant to be taken when you’re feeling unwell, here are some “seasonal support” supplements for longer term immune resilience:

1. Citrus Fruits:  Create a festive citrus platter with sliced oranges and grapefruit (sprinkled with fresh mint) or serve up citrus-infused water. Benefits: Great source of vitamin C

2. Garlic & Onions: Make a roasted garlic hummus dip or add caramelized onions to your charcuterie board. Benefits: Support immune system to fend off infections

3. Cranberries & Pomegranates: Make a holiday salad with mixed greens, toasted nuts, fresh pomegranate seeds, and dried or fresh cranberries. Or add a cranberry-pomegranate jelly to your cheese board. Benefits: Rich in heart-healthy antioxidants

4. Ginger & Turmeric: Brew up a pot of warming golden milk lattes or bake up some spicy ginger cookies. Benefits: Support healthy inflammation

   If you love to snuggle up by the fire this time of year with a cup of herbal tea, you’re doing your health a favor. Here are some unique benefits of popular herbal teas and why you might choose one over the other: 

   • Peppermint to promote calm digestion

   • Chamomile for relaxation and sleep

   • Ginger to soothe digestion and warm the body 

   • Hibiscus to support heart health
     

   Just remember—celebrations can be beautiful and special without taking a toll on anybody’s health!

   Which of these ideas do you like best?

If you are looking to support your body during the holiday season, fill out our short online application to schedule an appointment.