Seasonal Wellness Tips for Xiao Xue - Lesser Snow
Xiao Xue is the 20th of the 24 two-week solar terms that make up the year according to the ancient Chinese calendar. It falls on the 22nd or 23rd of November each year.
During Xiao Xue, northern areas may reach freezing temperatures and it is common to see the first flurries of snow at this time. However, they tend to be short and light, with any snow that settles on the ground melting fairly quickly. Hence, this solar term is given the name Lesser Snow.
Read on for my seasonal wellness tips for Xiao Xue and learn how to stay healthy as the temperature falls.
Turn on Your Internal Central Heating
As the weather grows increasingly cold, it is essential to keep our bodies as warm as possible. Our metabolic processes generate heat, and it is important to eat foods that support this function.
Key Nutrient - Iron
Iron is an essential component of haemoglobin, a protein that transports oxygen from the lungs to the tissues via red blood cells. This supports healthy cellular activity and energy production.
Some particularly iron-rich foods include:
Lean meat, seafood, poultry
Legumes
Nuts
Dried fruit
Consuming some vitamin C at the same time as iron aids its absorption, so consider pairing these foods with some citrus fruit, sweet peppers, or broccoli.
Key Nutrient - Iodine
This mineral supports thyroid function, and this small, butterfly-shaped gland plays a vital role in metabolic function.
Some good dietary sources of iodine include:
Seaweed (kelp, laver, nori, wakame, etc.)
Seafood (fish, shellfish, etc.)
Eggs
Try to consume some of these foods regularly to support your thyroid gland and maintain metabolic health.
Eat More Good Mood Foods
During Xiao Xue, the skies can often be overcast. Coupled with shorter daylight hours, this can have a negative impact on our moods. Fortunately, there are some foods that may help to give us a boost when eaten regularly:
Seeds
Seeds, such as pumpkin and sunflower seeds, are rich in B vitamins, magnesium, and healthy fats, all of which contribute to brain health and mental function.
In Chinese medicine terms, they are said to clear internal heat, which can reduce irritability and anger.
Bananas
Bananas are a good source of L-tryptophan, an amino acid that our bodies use to create serotonin and melatonin. These two proteins have a significant impact on mood and sleep.
In Chinese medicine, this fruit is said to regulate the Heart to improve mood and induce tranquility.
Oats
Oats are an excellent source of B vitamins, and like bananas, they also contain L-tryptophan. They provide slow-release carbohydrates to help keep our blood sugar stable and can benefit both metabolic and digestive health.
In Chinese medicine, oats are considered warming and nourish both qi and Blood to keep the body functioning at its peak and reduce the symptoms of anxiety.
Grapefruit
Have you ever noticed that the smell of grapefruit can make you feel immediately uplifted? This is because it contains limonene, an aromatic chemical that has been shown to have anti-anxiety and antidepressant activity.
In Chinese medicine terms, grapefruit promotes the circulation of qi, and its fragrance is said to refresh and clear the mind.
Why not try combining these foods to create a healthy breakfast that helps to keep the winter blues at bay?
For more personalised seasonal wellbeing advice, you can book a holistic health coaching session via the contact page.
References
买雯婷 (2011) 第一养生药膳 - Tangmark Publishing and Distribution, Beijing