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traditional foods for winter and SAD  

post #1 of 16
10/31/06 at 4:30pm
Thread Starter 
Winter has arrived here- we have had snow for 2 weeks, it is cold, and I feel awful! I was active and happy all summer, but since it has turned cold, I feel depressed, lacking in energy, and irritable with the kids. Also I am cold most of the time. Can anyone help direct me towards key traditional foods that might help this situation?
post #2 of 16
10/31/06 at 4:39pm
What about foods that are high in fat? Cheese, eggs, yogurt, cod liver oil, raw ice cream, etc. This is what helps me when I feel yucky. I suppose it's the NT version of comfort food! Also, I love to bake when it's yucky outside. I will make something yummy, even if it's not NT, about once a week, just because everyone loves it. We look forward to it, and it helps keep our morale up.
post #3 of 16
10/31/06 at 4:48pm
I just wanted to say that my Dh and best friend are really prone to SAD. They both got those lamps and do much better during the winter. Dh sits in front of his while he eats breakfast. We also turn on all the lights of the room we are in.I would think that foods containing tryptopaphan would help your brain make seritonin--turkey, milk, pumpkin, sunflower seeds are a few I can think of....

Jen
post #4 of 16
10/31/06 at 4:50pm
ginger tea and other warming foods are key. Also eat you foods cooked ( not so much raw, more lactofermented drinks I guess)

tanya
post #5 of 16
10/31/06 at 6:02pm
CLO, CLO and more CLO. (You're taking your CLO right?)
post #6 of 16
10/31/06 at 8:57pm
Pastured lard is a traditional source of "sunshine nutrients" for people in inland areas.
post #7 of 16
10/31/06 at 10:39pm
Quote:
They both got those lamps and do much better during the winter.
Jen - can you tell me which one ? I've vaguely heard of them, but don't know which brand is good, etc. The elderly person I care for may benefit.

Thanks

PS: I just bought the Chromalux full-spec light bulbs which I like the 'warm' light it gives.
post #8 of 16
11/1/06 at 12:56am
Quote:
Originally Posted by HerthElde View Post
CLO, CLO and more CLO. (You're taking your CLO right?)
I have to second this. CLO, and specifically the DHA and EPA in it, is critical to proper neurological functioning. I have a history of severe depression and have found that I literally can't not be depressed without it.
post #9 of 16
11/1/06 at 1:08am
Oh, and if you can swing it, you and the boys can come visit me for a few days. We have a guest bedroom! That'll help.
post #10 of 16
11/1/06 at 2:07am
Do you know the max. to take during the winter - maybe a tablespoon per day instead of a teaspoon per day, as recommended ?

thanks !
post #11 of 16
11/1/06 at 2:57pm
Thread Starter 
Thanks for all the responses. I was feeling so great, and the last couple weeks just sort of hit me like a ton of bricks. Yes, I have been taking CLO. Maybe not enough. I will double check my dosage. I have been making tea with ginger almost every day. I (unfortunately) ran out of beef. Am anxiously waiting for my folks to butcher. Trying to eat more fat. My appetite is down, so it is hard. I hope to buy some tanning minutes at one of the local places...same idea as the sun-lamps, right? I too find that helps.

HerthElde- we may be in town Friday. I will let you know forsure. I'm sure a visit would perk me up a little!
post #12 of 16
11/2/06 at 7:56am
Subbing. I think I have SAD!
post #13 of 16
11/2/06 at 12:17pm
I am really curious about you people that have SAD. Why don't I ever hear about the opposite phenomenon - people that feel great in winter and yucky all summer? Too much sunshine? I find that happening to myself.

I love feeling that the seasons are closing in. It is a relief from overactivity and a bigger relief when clocks are turned back again! It is a time for the spirit to turn inward. I want to come inside, make it cozy and cuddle up with blankets. My mind still feels active. So I think of long nights and how people used to tell stories all winter.

A little OT - that being so, I was angry to find out that DST is going to go even longer next year. I always thought if we must put clocks ahead, it should start April 1st and end Oct 1st. This means it's already two months too long right now and will be longer in 2007.
post #14 of 16
11/2/06 at 12:27pm
warming foods: ginko for circulation, cayenne, and frankincense. make an infusion. not helpful for sad, but maybe arthritis!
post #15 of 16
11/2/06 at 9:53pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by *Di View Post
Jen - can you tell me which one ? I've vaguely heard of them, but don't know which brand is good, etc. The elderly person I care for may benefit.

Thanks

PS: I just bought the Chromalux full-spec light bulbs which I like the 'warm' light it gives.
Dh says: Daylight bubs, full-spectrum, or natural sunlight. He is an electrician and actually put together his own light-box system.
post #16 of 16
11/4/06 at 11:30pm
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