A WINTER REJUVENATION

Turmeric, ginger and cinnamon (not to mention fresh veggies) will do your body good

What is “healthy” varies depending on who you ask to when you ask them. Fat was once bad; now it’s good. Kale used to be a garnish; now it’s the star of the plate.

I find it simple. If it comes in a box with a long list of ingredients I generally avoid it. There are exceptions: I buy mayonnaise, certain dairy products, Italian-cured meats now and again, and various Asian condiments. If I’m on the road, I’ll pick up a Pep ‘n’ Ched at a gas station.

In the winter, I make and freeze large batches of cabbage rolls, meatballs, stews and soup for when I don’t feel like cooking. Summer is easy because I can whip together a salad.

As my Instagram feed will attest, my tiny family eats from a wide range of cultures and styles. One hour is the maximum time I like to spend on dinner and not dirty more than two cooking vessels. There are lots of vegetables and sometimes rice or potatoes. When by myself, I’ll usually opt for something vegetarian. I quit eating sugar and wheat in 2000 and it wasn’t easy. Now I have no desire to eat it.

I like the way things are going with more focus placed on vegetables, berries, fermented foods and the tonic qualities of spices. And now is a good time to look into winter rejuvenation. The time of excess has passed.

Turmeric is popular and has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. It’s the spice that gives curry powder its yellow colour. Curcumin is its active ingredient and is a powerful antiinflammatory. Bromelain found in pineapple, black pepper and fat increases its effects. It’s supposed to be good for everything from arthritis to gastrointestinal disturbances.

People swear by it though there are few studies to back up that enthusiasm.

Ginger has been used in traditional Chinese medicine since ancient times as a digestive aid and anti-nausea treatment.

Ginger has also been used to help treat arthritis, colic, diarrhea and heart conditions, as well as the common cold, flu-like symptoms, headaches and menstrual cramps.

Cinnamon is another anti-inflammatory said to lower blood sugar levels and protect cognitive function and brain health.

Is this true or hype? I like to think traditional remedies used for centuries have some merit.

PHOTOS: KAREN BARNABY The holidays — and all the excessive eating they bring — have passed and now it’s time to get on track with your food choices.

Healthy and delicious smoothie bowls let you play around with different combinations of greens and berries. The options are endless.