Don't Diet..... Change Your Eating Habits!

Chinese medicine diet therapy, also known as Chinese food therapy, is rooted in the belief that food can impact the body’s energy and overall health. Here are some key principles to consider when creating a Chinese medicine-inspired diet plan:

1. Fresh, Whole Foods: Prioritize fresh, unprocessed foods. These are considered full of Qi (vital energy). Avoid foods with chemicals or preservatives.

2. Cooking Methods: Lightly cook vegetables to preserve beneficial enzymes and vitamins. Properly soak and cook beans and grains for easy digestion.

3. Individual Constitution: Tailor your diet to your specific constitution. In Chinese medicine, people are categorized into different constitutions (e.g., Yin, Yang, Qi deficiency, etc.). Adjust your food choices accordingly.

4. Nature and Flavour: Each food has a nature and a flavour. Balance Flavors (e.g., sweet, sour, bitter, salty, pungent) to support different organ systems.

5. Seasonal Eating: Adjust your diet based on the season. For example, eat warming foods in winter and cooling foods in summer.

6. Herbs and Spices: Incorporate herbs and spices like goji berries, dates, cinnamon, and ginger.

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Spleen Qi Deficiency in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), it’s essential to focus on foods that support digestion and nourish the Spleen. Here are some dietary guidelines

1. Cooked Whole Grains: opt for cooked whole grains like rice, oats, roasted barley, sweet rice, spelt, and millet. These provide sustained energy and are gentle on the digestive system.

2. Root Vegetables: Include roasted root vegetables such as pumpkin, sweet potatoes, squash, carrots, corn, parsnips, and yams. These are grounding and supportive for the Spleen.

3. Cooked Vegetables: Consume a variety of cooked vegetables. Steamed or lightly stir-fried veggies are easier to digest. Onions, leeks, garlic, and turnips are favourable.

4. Proteins: Limit protein intake to 10-20% of your diet. Choose small amounts of naturally sweet proteins like chicken, beef, lamb, chicken.

5. Beans: Incorporate beans such as chickpeas, black beans, kidney beans, and fava beans. They provide plant-based protein and are gentle on digestion.

6. Nuts and Seeds: Walnuts are a good choice. They nourish the Spleen without being too heavy.

7. Spices and Sweeteners: Use warming spices like black pepper, fresh ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Natural sweeteners like molasses, rice syrup, barley malt, dates, figs, and cherries can strengthen Qi.

8. Avoid Cold Foods: Steer clear of raw fruits, salads, citrus, wheat grass, and raw vegetables. Cold foods like ice cream or smoothies slow down digestion.