1. Fill up on fresh leafy greens
Spring and green are synonymous. Leafy greens do not only mean spinach and iceberg lettuce. Look for rocket and watercress; try a new lettuce. And why not give kale a try. Sage Organic Café in Gardens, Cape Town has recently had an abundance of dark green, flat leaf kale at their Tuesday organic market. Kale is an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, anti-oxidants and dietary fibre.
2. Up your energy
During the cold winter, the energy in our bodies often freezes. Spring is the time when this energy begins to thaw and move upward and out. Many spring vegetables with their strong rising energy facilitate this process. Think of spring onions, chives and leeks. Lightly fermented foods are also very useful for releasing stagnated winter energy. Have a pickle or two. Try a little sauerkraut.
3. Sprout forth
Why not start sprouting? There is nothing more rewarding than eating your own home-grown sprouts. Very cheap and easy to make, all you need is the seeds, a jar and a piece of muslin. Or you can invest in a sprout-growing kit. Kitchen Garden has developed a low-cost kit for easy home sprouting. They have an abundance of sprout varieties on offer and will ‘ship’ throughout the country.
4. Rise a little earlier
When the sun rises, energy also begins to rise. The cock crows, flowers open, people begin to move and the hustle and bustle crescendos. Hop on the band wagon; catch a free ride and use the momentum. Waking late and trying to catch a moving train is exhausting and hard work. Feel the reward of early accomplishment and save the downtime for late afternoon.
5. Get outdoors
Lie-ins and lazy indoor days should now be a thing of the past. Get out there and acclimatise. Welcome the gentle sun and feel the crisp air. Take note of your surroundings and experience the changes that begin to emerge. Look for the blossoms, smell the flowers and listen to the birds. And say thanks for everything.
6. Breathe in the fresh air
We take breathing for granted. Take a daily walk outdoors and do some deep, conscious breathing. Expel the stagnant office air and vent your frustrations. Breathing releases pressure, gives us new perspective and assists us in facing our challenges.
We know when spring has sprung. We feel it in the air. We see it in the crowded cafés. Join in the fun. Experience the now. Forgive yourself for winter indulgences and forget about summer madness. Spring is the time for pampering our bodies, freshening our minds and lifting our spirits. Embrace it and use it.
To help you get started go to www.sageorganicproducts.com or www.kitchengarden.co.za and be well on your way to a delightful spring.
Janet has travelled the globe attending courses, conferences and seminars in Europe, the USA and Japan, all the while targeting and building a considerable knowledge base in wholefoods, wholefood cookery and nutrition. To find out more about Janet go to www.janetsteer.com.