Welcome to Part 3 of this spring series.
Here are links to Part 1 (home) and Part 2 (lifestyle), if you haven't seen those yet.
Part 3 of the seasonal home is all the about the kitchen and integrating seasonal foods.
Our keywords from ayurveda for spring are light, dry, warm and refreshing.
These keywords are important because they are the general qualities that are going to help you harmonize with the season. And when you are in harmony with nature you will experience more health and vitality.
This coincides with interior design because the way you set up and design your home influences all areas of your life, so it's important to do it intentionally. It affects everything you do at home to support yourself and your family, including the routines and habits that make you feel good (like seasonal foods).
Let's get right into setting up your spring kitchen by looking at the natural shifts in diet you're likely feeling already and exact foods you'll want to stock up on.
As spring hits you might be noticing the arrival of warmer weather creates less desire for heavy, substantive foods and an increasing preference for lighter fare. Your appetite may decrease, and you may find yourself craving a lot of fruit, fresh vegetables, and salads.
Spring is time to embrace bitter, pungent (spicy) and astringent tastes. You'll also want to relish in foods that are light, drying and warming to the body.
Below is a list of foods that fit into this category.
FAVOR THESE FRUITS & VEGGIES:
Apples, apricots, blueberries, cherries, cranberries, dried fruit, lemons, limes, peaches, pears, pomegranates, prunes, strawberries, raspberries, artichoke, asparagus, bell peppers, beets, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celery, chard, chilis, collard greens, corn, dandelion greens, endive, garlic, green beans, kale, leeks, lettuce, onion, peas, white potatoes, radishes, spinach, sprouts, turnips, beans, lentils
FAVOR THESE SPICES & GARNISHES:
All spices will generally be very supportive
FAVOR THESE OILS:
Corn, flax seed, sunflower, safflower, mustard
GO EASY ON:
Avocado, cucumber, olives, sweet potato, squash, zucchini, oranges, bananas, pineapples, figs, dates, coconuts, melons
If you like some recipes that incorporate these foods, you can find like to 12 of my favorites in the free Spring Design Guide. Download it HERE.
