The ever changing weather of Wisconsin makes it difficult to eat well. Often the dietary recommendations from dietitians, and popular magazines just don’t work in the rapidly shifting weather that is Wisconsin. They may seem unappetizing at times or make a person feel heavy or “off” after a meal.
People throughout history have altered their diets to match what they need to survive the climate at hand. In the winter the diet naturally shifts to heavier meats, fats, and vegetables that can be stored. In the summer there is tendency to fresh fruits and greens. Traditional healers paid attention to how foods made people feel and how that knowledge could be applied as medicine.
In general it is healthier to adjust your diet to the season. The foods you choose will likely be fresher and appropriate to making you feel good at that time. If you enjoy eating at restaurants, consider choosing the restaurant based on the weather and the season. For example India is very hot and humid, therefore when it is a hot humid day in July, a restaurant serving the food of India would be appropriate. Choosing a restaurant in this way makes for a better dining experience, as you will find the food matches what your body needs.
Think about your favorite restaurants and when you like to go there, you may find you are already adjusting what you eat based on the weather and season. Here are some suggestions of types of ethnic food based on the climate of the country of origin.
- Hot, humid-- India, Vietnam, Thailand, Mexican
- Hot and dry-- Middle eastern/Arab/Egyptian
- Cold and damp-- Szechuan (China), English
- Cold-- German, Nepal
- Temperate-- Japanese, Hunan (China), Greek, French
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