Embracing Winter Solstice
Welcome to Winter, which officially kicks off this evening, December 21st at 9:27pm CST.
In that moment, we are tilted as far away from the Sun as possible, resulting in the Sun taking its lowest and shortest path through the sky.
Winter Solstice.
In many cultures, the Winter Solstice symbolizes the rebirth of the sun and is often associated with renewal and new beginnings.
Monday, I attended a Winter Solstice Retreat presented by my friend Theuressa, Tea & Yoga. 
We were given the opportunity to reflect on our celebrations (highlights, peak experiences) and challenges (obstacles to connection, areas of potential growth, change) for the year.
While this week may be a bit crazy for you, (I’m still working on decorating the tree) perhaps before the New Year you can carve out a bit of time to reflect on the past 12 months.
Consider what’s working in your life and what needs to change.
What do you need to release? What will you continue doing? What new habits or adventures would you like to begin? How will you bring those changes about?
Schedule a bit of quiet time to sketch out your plans.
Craving Warm and Comforting Foods?
With winter, we crave more substantial foods for energy and warmth. Our bodies need warm, moist foods like soups, stews and protein-rich foods.
The “digestive fire” we build in cold weather is crucial for health, immunity, weight management and overall well-being. Because this fire is strong in winter, we tend to be hungrier.
See, it’s not your imagination, you really ARE hungrier. I know I am.
This is the season to include spices like fresh ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, turmeric, cloves and warm, herbal teas.
Plan to enjoy regular and more warm meals that include lentils, beans, whole grains and grounding (root) vegetables like beets, carrots, turnips, sweet potatoes. Avoid cold, raw food and drink.
Think of eating foods that provide comfort and energy and feel like a cozy bear hug.
A note of caution: avoid ultra-processed foods, artificial ingredients, refined sugar– and be careful not to overdo those delicious Christmas cookies.
I know–they’re AMAZING!
Well, do the best you can and remember to save some for Santa, served with a warm glass of oat milk.
I’ll share a few more ideas on winter eating next week.
Wishing you a season full of light, blessings, and your favorite celebrations.
Sending you love and a cozy bear hug,
Health Coach Carol
“There are two ways of spreading the light; to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it.”—Edith Wharton