spring in focus

Take your cues from the rhythms of nature and embrace Spring as a period of renewal and rejuvenation for your skin and body. As we transition through the seasons, growth and new beginnings unfold. It is often said that ‘if you keep doing the same thing, you'll get the same outcome’. Spring brings with it an opportunity to reset, refresh and rebalance after the colder months.

recharge and restore

This is the time to replenish our lost immune resources following the colds, covid and flu from winter. Vital nutrients including vitamin A, C and zinc are in high demand when our bodies are under threat and fighting infection. By the time Spring arrives, these crucial nutrients are very commonly depleted and need a boost. You can bolster your nutrient levels with simple and accessible Spring foods such as baby carrots for a rich source of carotenoids, green peas for a rich source of zinc and delicious strawberries, kiwifruit and citrus for your vitamin C.

Ancient health systems such as Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine have long believed we should follow the cycles of nature for optimal physical health and emotional wellbeing. This is the season to tend to our liver and gallbladder. In Chinese Medicine Spring is associated with the element of Wood which correlates with the gall bladder and liver meridians. If the energy in these two meridians is stale or stagnant you may see allergies arise, suffer from muscular aches and pains, headaches, or from an emotional perspective you may have trouble seeing your way forward.

When it comes to every aspect of our health, the liver and gallbladder play a very central role, particularly in areas such as energy, vitality and hormonal balance. In Spring, we naturally reduce our intake of heavy and richer winter foods for produce that emphasises detoxification such as fresh greens including broad beans, asparagus, spring peas and sprouts. Our intake of raw foods increases with an abundance of young beets, baby carrots, radish and cucumbers. These foods all work to stimulate the detoxification capacity of the liver, purify the gallbladder, and eliminate substances we no longer need such as old hormones, pesticides and stored body fat.

Spring really is the time to rise with the sun and set our intentions for the warmer months ahead. Physically and emotionally, it is the time to plant and sow seeds in preparation for stepping out into the world with fresh perspective and a heightened energy.

spring inspiration

Spring Pea, Squash and Goats Feta Salad

½ cup spring peas

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

500g squash or heirloom zucchini

Handful zucchini blossoms (If you can find them)

1 handful fresh mint

1 small handful goats feta

Grated rind of one small lemon

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Slice squash into wedges and aim for varied shapes and sizes. Warm the olive oil on medium high heat and add the squash. Sauté and stir frequently until lightly browned and tender. Add the peas and zucchini blossoms for 1-2 minutes until the blossoms have slightly softened. Remove from the heat, crumble the feta over the top and add the zest of one lemon. This dish is served warm and is a lovely accompaniment to a frittata for a light and simple Spring lunch.

health tips for men this season

Eat lighter, more cooling foods Spring is a time to let go of those richer, heavier comfort foods that we craved throughout Winter and transition into lighter and more cooling foods. This transition however should be slow and mindful. This may include salads and raw in season fruits and vegetables to stimulate detoxification.

Move your body As the hours of sunlight increase and the temperature starts to rise, your body will feel ready to start moving again as you awaken from your Winter hibernation. Embrace this need to move through fitness classes, gym sessions, nature walks, jogging or a range of outdoor activities. This will help increase mood and energy by releasing endorphins, improve muscle strength, endurance and cardiovascular system efficiency and assist with lymphatic circulation.

Spend time in nature The winter months are usually associated with spending more time inside, often strained over computers or other electronic devices. Taking time out in nature allows you to ground yourself emotionally and physically and sparks a sense of aliveness within. The colour green is also associated with the liver and gall bladder meridian which often needs some extra attention as we enter Springtime.

Embrace change It is our resistance to change that causes suffering, not the change itself. Springtime is a wonderful reminder to consider the positive aspects of change and the potential for growth and healing that can be found in transitions. Just like a tree sheds itself after the cold winter and begins to grow and reach up towards the sun, we too must learn to embrace change with positivity and an open mind.

Be mindful Connecting to ourselves, each other, and the environment around us encourages us to live in the present moment and become more aware of our surroundings. By being mindful we decrease stress, enhance flexibility, harness equanimity, improve concentration and mental clarity, improve emotional regulation and create space to treat ourselves and others with kindness, acceptance and compassion.

women's health week

In recognition of this years Women's Health Week, join us for a Women's Nutrition Workshop presented by naturopath and clinical nutritionist Freya Lawler. Be guided by her wealth of knowledge, and walk away feeling equipped with essential and interesting information surrounding women's health.

All guests are welcome to attend in combination with their booking on Thursday, September 8 at 10:30am, held in our Wellness Centre.