The cold, dark days of winter tend to drive us indoors seeking warmth. Whether it’s the heat of a roaring fire, a hot steamy drink, or a spicy bowl of chili, we crave the feeling of cozy comfort! This is a recognizable shift and often a welcomed contrast to the hot days of summer. Cold foods like leafy green salads are less often on the menu, while hot, nourishing broths and roasted root vegetables take centre stage.
We savour warm comforting foods to fend off the chill of the colder months. The shift to warming foods is not only about the temperature of food; it’s also about the energy that warming foods bring to our body, and the vital role this plays in achieving balance and well-being.
According to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the “temperature” of food is categorized as “warming” and “cooling” based on the ingredient’s thermal properties and their effect on the yin and yang energies in the body.
Yin represents the cooler, nourishing, and more peaceful energy aspects, while yang represents warmer, energizing, and more active energy. Although contrasting, yin and yang are truly complementary and, according to TCM guidance, need to be balanced for harmony and well-being.
Warming foods (yang), often red, orange, or yellow in colour, such as turmeric, cinnamon, root vegetables, and mangoes, not only increase internal body heat, but they’re also thought to improve circulation, boost energy, improve digestion, and increase metabolism.
Amid the need for warmth in the cooler months, balance is also essential. TCM teaches that too many heavy and dense warming foods can leave us feeling sluggish. Just as crisp, cold winter air is invigorating when we’re warmly bundled, the contrast of cooling ingredients can help cut through the richness of warmer foods.
Cooling foods (yin), such as leafy greens, celery, cucumber, watermelon, mint, and berries are often green, blue, or purple in colour. They’re thought to help clear excess heat and toxins from the body to leave us feeling light and calm. They can also be soothing and may help reduce inflammation, as cooling foods are often hydrating and high in fibre, which aids digestion by promoting regularity in bowel movements.
Just as with yin and yang of foods, this season brings both the giving and receiving of gifts, and the stress and enjoyment of planning nostalgic traditions. Days filled with quiet reflection can also be followed by the noisy bustle of holiday gatherings, bringing a harmonious and balanced sense of joy that nurtures the soul.
In the spirit of balance, listen to your body this season: recognize and honour what you need more of, and what you need less of. These six delicious seasonally-inspired recipes can help bring harmony to your holiday table.
This collection was originally published in the December 2025 issue of alive magazine.