Fitness trends might still be pushing cold smoothie bowls and raw salads, but on February 21st, Ayurvedic practitioner Dr. Smita Nair is urging a return to the "Indian Winter Bowl." According to Dr. Nair, the body's digestive fire (Agni) is naturally higher in summer but becomes sluggish in the cold. "Eating cold, raw foods in winter is like pouring water on a dying fire," she explains. "It leads to bloating, mucus formation, and weakened immunity" .
The solution lies in the traditional winter plate. Dr. Nair champions the "Khichdi Template"—a combination of moong dal and rice (or millets) cooked with ginger, hing, and ghee. This provides complete protein that is incredibly easy to digest, giving your gut a much-needed rest.
She also advocates for switching to warm grains. "Bajra (pearl millet) and Jowar (sorghum) are not just carbs; they are warming agents that lubricate joints and provide sustained energy," she states. Instead of a cold breakfast, opt for a warm bowl of vegetable poha or moong dal chilla.
The "Bowl Strategy" is simple: ensure every meal is warm, cooked, and contains healthy fats like ghee or sesame oil. This anchors your digestion, allowing your body to focus its energy on fighting infections rather than struggling to process raw food .
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