Practical Ways to Embrace the Seasons
Take advantage of God's design in your local environment
Pick a Fruit
If you had to choose a single fruit to represent each of the four seasons, what would it be? For me, spring would be identified by the apricot because it is delicate, fragile, and fleeting. Summer would be identified by a watermelon — because that is what everyone wants at a hot summer picnic. Fall, would be a pumpkin (yep — it's technically a fruit). Can you imagine an October without a jack-o-lantern or a Thanksgiving without a pumpkin pie? Winter would be an apple. Why? Because it is the single fruit that can be eaten fresh — even in the coldest of climes when nothing can grow. The apple is designed to last in cool storage for months.
It is no accident that certain fruits grows best in certain climates and temperatures. This is all part of God's design. When considering good health, we should look to the environment and the world around us to determine what might be needed to best nourish our bodies.
Here are some simple thoughts to consider:
Climate
Since all climes across the globe (and even from region to region) can vary dramatically, we must pay attention to what is happening in our own local areas. What is the temperature like? How much sun, wind, and rain does the region experience? What foods grow naturally during the seasons? These clues help us know how to live within our environment.
Food
In the spring and summer, cool, juicy fruits and vegetables high in antioxidants often grow. Fresh herbs are readily available and in their peak. The body requires more water because it is sweating more. In the fall and winter months, hearty vegetables grow naturally. They sustain the body through the cooler temperatures. The foods that grow during these months can often endure long periods of time in cold storage. Fresh leafy vegetables can provide vitamins and minerals. We should cook with spices that warm the body -- and enjoy hot soups and stews. In addition, more calories may be needed to keep the body warm.
Exercise
In the summer months, we sweat more. We need to account for this by limiting our outdoor exercise or ingesting plenty of extra water. Water sports are in their prime of availability and can help ease the higher summer temperatures. We must also be careful to limit our sunshine exposure in order to not damage the skin. In the winter and autumn months we can enjoy hiking and walking and snow skiing.
Clothing
We must bundle up in the cool temperatures, making use of wool and silk — which hold in body heat. In the summer we should wear cooler clothing like cotton and linen — which draws heat from the body. [1]
Oils
Healthy fats and oils are essential to good health year round. In dry weather, however, our bodies need more oil to keep our skin supple and nourished from within.
Sun exposure
In the winter, we must make extra efforts to get enough sunshine for our vitamin D, taking advantage of the sun when it shines. In the summer months, we should build up our bodies internally with nutrition that will strengthen against sun damage (without having to wear sunscreen, which can be toxic [1]). Foods rich in Omega 3's, flavonoids, lycopene, and antioxidants have been shown to naturally (and internally) fight against the sun's damaging rays [2].
Growing seasons
While not every area has the same fruits and vegetables growing in their region, here is a general sample of a seasonal variety. Some overlap. Some may differ in your area -- choose the vegetables that work for you.
Spring
Arugula
Artichokes
Apricots
Cherries
Mint
New Potatoes
Peas
Strawberries
Grapefruit
Pineapples
Summer
Avocados
Blueberries
Cucumbers
Peppers
Zucchini
Corn
Watermelons
Tomatoes
Figs
Grapes
Autumn
Butternut Squash
Sweet Potatoes
Turnips
Ginger
Cauliflower
Brussel Sprouts
Pumpkins
Winter Squash
Apples
Pears
Winter
Endive
Collard Greens
Winter Squash
Turnips
Sweet Potatoes
Leeks
Kale
Brussel Sprouts
Star Fruit
Persimmons
Hopefully this will give you some food for thought concerning how you might live within your own environment. We certainly don't advocate NEVER eating something if it is not in season — i.e. imported from another region. The Proverbs 31 woman is highly regarded for being like the merchant ships and bringing "her food from afar" (Proverbs 31:14). However, some of the best advice I have ever heard is, "know your farmer." If you know your farmer — you are likely eating local, and therefore seasonally. In addition, you will know exactly what you are eating and how it is grown. And as an added benefit, you will be supporting local business.
Next: Harnessing the Healing Power of the Sun
Return to: Biblical Health Study
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[1] Reader's Digest Complete Guide to Sewing c. 1978 p. 58.
[2] http://draxe.com/75-of-sunscreens-are-toxic-what-to-do-instead/
[3] http://greatist.com/health/6-food-groups-will-protect-you-sun