Fog lingering till late morning, the gentle light rays of the sun traveling through the fog and the pleasant coolness in the air adds enthusiasm to the atmosphere. The cozy warmth of the quilt in this chilly weather! This is the usual scene of everyone’s favorite season, ‘Winter’! The intensity of the October heat starts to subside in November and is gradually replaced by winter. As the sun starts to move in the southern hemisphere, the heat in the atmosphere is reduced to a great extent, which in turn increases the coolness in the air. The days begin to shorten, and the nights become longer.
We have already mentioned about ‘Pitta Prakop’ in our article on Sharad Rutucharyaa. The coolness of winter reduces Pitta Prakop. During this season, the Vaat and Kapha doshas are also in their natural state. Consequently, there is less possibility of contracting an illness during this period. Moreover, the strength of the body naturally increases. This is the reason we call Winter a healthy season, making it a highly beneficial season for our health.
Winter has a favorable effect on our digestive power. The coolness in the air makes our skin contract, which in turn stops the sweating from the body. Due to this, heat is trapped in the body. Hence, the digestive power gradually starts to increase. That’s why we feel hungrier during this time. During the winters, our bodies are capable of digesting any food that is consumed. Therefore, the important part of winter Rutucharyaa is consuming plenty of food. In our diet we should include Roti made from Wheat, Bhakari made from Jowar and Bajra, and Rice. Foods like Mung, Masur, Matki, dried Peas, Gram (Chana) and Chawali should also be consumed.
The strength of the body increases in winter. Considering this, Udid is very beneficial. The foods made from Udid Dal such as Wada and Ladu, are very useful during this season. There is no harm in consuming all the vegetables like Potato, Cauliflower, Cabbage, Carrot, Snake gourd, and leafy vegetables like Chakwat, Fenugreek, Spinach and Dill. Oil and pure ghee can be used freely while cooking. We can freely consume delicious foods fried in oil. Fried foods like Shev, Chiwda, Chakali, Kadboli, Karnji, Ladu, Shankarpali, Chirote, and Vade are allowed in winter. We do not make such food during other festivals. We make it only during Diwali. Our custom of “Diwali Faral” is based on Ayurveda’s Hemant Rutucharyaa.
We should consume all types of food that taste sweet, salty, sour and spicy. However, sweet foods help in increasing the strength of the body. We can include sweet dishes like Shrikhand, Basundi(Rabdi), Gulabjam, Barfi, Shevai Kheer and Gajar Halwa in our diet frequently. We may also enjoy these dishes at weddings after Tulsi Vivah.
Like sweet foods, non-vegetarian food is also very useful in increasing the strength of the body. We can include Mutton, Chicken, it’s soups and Fish in our diet. Food made from eggs is also beneficial. Vegetarians can consume nutritious foods such as milk, Paneer, Kharwas, pure Ghee and Malai.
We definitely need to add foods like Ginger, Pudina(Mint), Garlic, Coriander, Curry leaves and Lemon to our diet. All spices such as Cinnamon, Cardamom, Bay leaf, Cummin seeds, Ajwain(Owa), Black Pepper, Coriander seeds, and saffron can be used freely in cooking. All these foods not only increase the taste of the dish but also help in digestion. They also make the food delicious by adding taste and smell to the food.
Another delicacy we may enjoy during this season is ‘dry fruits’! All dry fruits including Cashew nuts, Almonds, Raisins, Walnuts, dried Figs, and dried Dates are particularly useful in strengthening the body. Laddus prepared from Gond (Dinkache) and Ahlieev are also healthy. Fruits such as Apple, Banana, Guava, Pomegranate, Papaya, Orange, Mosambi, Chikku (sapodila), Grapes, and Custard Apple can be included in our diet. We can consume it in the form of juice, Koshimbir, or Rayta.
The food described in this article should be consumed in accordance with your body’s needs and digestive capacity. However, when we feel hungry, we must eat promptly. Not eating when we are hungry may cause harm to the body.
Dr Mayuresh Aagte
Note : Please use all of the foods mentioned in this article after consulting with your doctor and taking into account your age and health.