Healthy all year

 With more emphasis on eating seasonally it may seem a new idea, yet for many it has always been the norm. Those who grow their own may wonder what all the fuss is about -after all this is a common sense practise. While it is recognised that these foods are fresher, plentiful, taste better and are more economical, another way of looking at seasonality comes from a different culture's view on food and health.

The Food of Love

What comes to mind when food and love meet? There are many associations; Valentine's Day, the heart, nurturing, family, aphrodisiacs. All can involve providing in some way and it is not necessarily about the food itself, but the act of giving or receiving.

Taking this a bit further, thinking about hospitals, loved ones, food can bring up feelings of vulnerability. Being a patient or having a family member, loved one or friend in the hospital can stir up feelings of helplessness. What can be given or in fact received when a stay in the hospital is necessary- flowers, cards, sweets, slippers? Traditionally, yes, but perhaps these may not feel suitable and create a desire for something else, something that can empower both the giver and receiver. I'm sure you know where this is going.

Now, imagine this, homemade, wholesome and nutritious food. Food made with attention and affection, prepared and brought to the hospital by families and friends. A thermos of soup, a stew, vegetable juice, a homemade smoothie, fresh fruit, a salad - food medicine sanctioned by the wisdom of nature itself, designed with a purpose; nourishment for recovery of the body, mind and spirit. Everyone benefits.

So with the best of intentions we go home to prepare this wonderful beneficial offering- a gift from the heart. Suddenly inspiration flies out the window. We ask ourselves, what if the patient's condition prevents them from eating this, what would be helpful or in fact wanted. Where do we begin? Here are some suggestions;

Ask the patient, the staff, the doctor. Are they on a special diet, how do they feel about the food being served and what might appeal - make suggestions from the list above.  Also observe the food on the patient's meal tray or menu to help determine what is allowed.

 
Examples of foods and what they can help (and what doesn't help)

Digestive issues-easy to digest foods such as blended soups made with homemade chicken or vegetable stock, carrots, celery, parsley, potato, ginger. Other vegetables such as onion, spinach, broccoli, kale may be used as the condition tolerates. Also slow cooked chicken or fish stews, pureed vegetables, vegetable juices or fruit only smoothies.

Post operatively for minor surgery- use clear soups and vegetable juices until solid food is tolerated than protein to help with healing, esp. fish, as well as leafy green vegetables, green soups, berry rich smoothies, vitamin C rich fruits and vegetables such as oranges, broccoli, red peppers also garlic added at end of cooking to help prevent infections.

Foods that are high in salt, sugar, wheat, dairy, caffeine, additives and fat as well as highly processed foods will slow recovery.

See our two recipes for restorative broths. They replenish essential electrolytes and help to alkalise -so important for healing to occur. Don't forget to use these at home as well.



With Valentine's Day just around the corner, this article wouldn't be complete without a recipe to nourish the place where love resides. Oily fish, dark leafy greens (magnesium) and antioxidants, especially those found in berries, a little red wine and dark chocolate are all heart friendly.

Enjoy this tasty tribute to love, not totally guilt free, but then Valentine Day only happens once a year!

 

Naturopathy Appointments

Sharyn will be taking appointments to see clients for Naturopathy in Oxford and Todenham, near Moreton in Marsh (clinic locations below)

Sharyn Singer
01865 589 333
07804 308 333
sharynsinger@btinternet.com
www.colouryourhealth.com
www.eatarainboweveryday.com

The Oxford Natural Health Centre
3 Church Cowley Road, Iffley, Oxford, OX4 3JR
Telephone: 01865 715 615
www.oxfordnaturalhealth.co.uk/centre/

The Alain Rouveure Galleries
Todenham, Moreton in Marsh GL56 9NU
www.alainrouveuregalleries.com

 

Sharyn’s Upcoming events

More workshops are scheduled in March, April and May, details coming soon, see events page on www.colouryourhealth.com.

At this writing there are only few places left on the ‘Spice up Your Life’ workshop with Sophie Grigson and I on the 24th February in Winchcombe see above website for details. The workshop on the 25th Feb. at Haddon Acre, S. Oxfordshire is fully booked.

For more health tips and recipes, see my blogs; http://natureswisdomteam.wordpress.com/2012/01/15/naturopathy/

http://howtoeatarainbow.wordpress.com/category/introduction/

Looking for a new health retreat in a lovely UK setting?
There is one starting at Croydon Hall in Somerset called Get Fit Love Life  www.getfitlovelife.co.uk women’s health & fitness retreat. They are offering a holistic approach led by a team of qualified instructors and consultants who bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to guide you every step of the way. For more information, contact Dawn Sadler on tel. 01984 642200 email bookings & enquires info@getfitlovelife.co.uk.

Until next month, to your good health,

Best Wishes,

Sharyn