There are a many different theories and a lot of different people telling you how to eat healthy. Most of these theories have credibility to them but it is also important to understand that there is no right way to eat, and that as an individual it is up to you to find your happy balance.
That is one of the beautiful things about Chinese medicine diet therapy. Just as treatments are tailored to an individual, proper diet is deciphered by how you are feeling in a day to day basis.
For example, you would choose a certain food if you are feeling bloated, and would choose a different food if you were feeling irritated and stressed.
We look at food as having different properties and functions as we consume it.
Take cucumber for example, this vegetable is cooling and water dense; consider ginger, it is warm and spicy. If you were feeling very bloated and having loose stools, you would likely avoid cucumber. If you had recently consumed hot and spicy food and your stomach was upset, you would likely avoid ginger.
Alternatively, if you are outside enjoying the sun and it is hot out or you have a sunburn, cucumber could be a great choice. If you have some abdominal discomfort and are feeling nauseas, ginger tea could work well.
As you may be able to tell, you are making choices based on how you are feeling.
Often we will do things the other way around and eat food we crave. Chinese medicine diet therapy suggests we listen to our bodies, consider any symptoms or messages that are coming up, and then eat and drink accordingly.
I will be exploring in more detail over the next few weeks this topic.
