Naturopathic Source

When the weather is cold, you system is more receptive to soups and stews versus salads and raw foods. Some people with very strong digestive systems and lot of body heat do well with raw vegetables all year round, but many people don't.

Those who tend to frequently feel cold or with symptoms of weak digestion such as gas, bloating, intestinal cramping, constipation or diarrhea often benefit greatly from limiting or eliminating raw foods from their diet for a period of time.

Eating seasonally is always the best idea. In the winter, eating more winter vegetables such as squash and sweet potatoes, cooking/steaming/stir-frying vegetables and poaching/warming fruits is the best idea for most people. In the spring, summer and fall, raw fruits and vegetables are great and very healthy, as long as any digestive symptoms you experience do not worsen.

Several of my patients with weak digestive systems who eat a lot of raw fruits and vegetables have been shocked when I recommended eliminating raw foods for a period of time. They had heard more than one time that raw foods were the best. But once they did it, they felt so much better and their digestion became stronger and more effective.

Once an acquaintance asked me, "What's the best diet?" and I replied, "There isn't one." My response was met with a shocked look and bulging eyes, but it's true: there is no best diet because everyone is different and knowing what is right for your system is the key to a healthy diet. Please remember that the next time you are reading or hearing about information on a "healthy diet".  NOTE: Junk food, deep fried food and fast food are not good for anyone -- I am talking about "real food" : meats, fish, poultry, fruits, vegetables and grains, (in no particular order).

TC