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Connie Gayhl Knudson
Our bodies have a natural tendency to cleanse as the seasons change, particularly in the autumn and in the spring. Have you ever noticed that you get a "cold" at the beginning of the autumn season, and again, as the weather warms up in the springtime? One theory that makes a lot of sense to me, is that our bodies are attempting to cleanse out toxins and prepare for either warmer or cooler weather.

According to Ayurvedic tradition (a system of medicine from India which is thousands of years old), the year can generally be divided into three harvesting seasons and one dormant season, which would be winter in many parts of the world. Years ago, people who lived on farms (and in many parts of the world, it's still the case) ate according to the seasons, and ate a variety of different fruits, veggies and grains — whatever was in season. To be healthy, we need a variety of fruits, veggies, grains and proteins, according to our body type, as well as what's in season.

Inherent in the Ayurvedic system of seasonal eating is cleansing. Years ago, our ancestors ate a more natural diet, and our bodies used to be more efficient at cleansing naturally at the end of each harvest season (spring, summer and fall). However, nowadays, many people aren't able to include as many fruits, veggies or whole grains in their diets as they would like. This means that toxins build up in our systems, which leads to weight gain, chronic conditions and ill health. To reverse that, we all would do well to engage in some kind of a cleanse two or three times a year, to cleanse out toxins and add in the foods that keep us balanced and prepared for the season to come.


According to John Douillard, health coach and expert on the Ayurvedic approach, eating by the seasons is much healthier and more balanced than following a restrictive diet. Studies show that restrictive diets tend to be very ineffective in the long run, because you end up craving the very foods that were prohibited, and as a result, most people gained all of the weight back, plus some.

Ayurvedic tradition says that there are three basic body types. The three types can be classified as "winter," "summer" and "spring." "Winter" types tend to be cold all year long. "Summer" types tend to be hot all year long. And "spring" types tend to retain water all year long. For a more complete understanding of the different body types and practical applications, John Douillard's book, "The Three-Season Diet" is an excellent guide.

A summer type may have a faster metabolism and would need to emphasize more of the cooling foods (like fruits) that predominate in the summer, to keep from overheating. A winter type tends to naturally be cool and may have a slower metabolism, so would need to eat warming foods like oils and quality protein or whole grains. It's healthier, less expensive and easier to eat locally and what's in season. It's also important to factor in your ancestry and body type when trying to figure out which foods are best for your particular body. Hiring a health coach is one way to sort it all out and tailor a plan suited to your unique needs.
