Chinese Diets
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A Dream Diet That Works - Wake Up!
By Matthew Scott
"Dream" diets - to think or hope that there's such a thing, let alone a dream diet that works for all is... dreaming. There are so many variables when it comes to food and people, and this is why most of the diets you read and hear about are just fads.
Each of us is unique, physically, mentally and emotionally; we therefore have unique needs, particularly where food is concerned. Chinese doctors have known this for at least 2500 years - that's how long they've been analysing food and its effects on the body. What has developed in China throughout this time is a complete system of food classification, cooking methods and food cures known as Traditional Chinese Dietary Therapy (TCDT). According to TCDT, the food that's best for each individual is governed by such factors as his/her constitutional body type, current state of health, age, the seasons, and the weather.
There's no such thing as a dream diet that works for all!
So, how do you know which foods and drinks are right, or not right, for you? To know exactly, you need to consult a trained practitioner of TCDT. Practitioners of traditional Chinese acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine also dispense traditional Chinese dietary advice.
In the meantime, though, there are some general, time-tested Chinese dietary guidelines you can follow to greatly improve your health and vitality. For example:
1. In the heat of summer consume less heating, stimulating foods and drinks like meat, fried foods, spices, alcohol and coffee, and consume more light, cooling foods like fruits and vegetables (steamed or lightly stir-fried is best).
2. Vice-versa in winter, i.e. consume more warming, nourishing foods and drinks like meats, soups, stews, a little alcohol perhaps, and less cooling foods.
3. Don't consume very cold drinks, especially during meals, as they interfere with digestion. Instead have a cup of green tea to facilitate digestion, especially of meat and greasy foods.
In TCDT the emphasis is on balance and moderation. Too much, or too little, of a food or drink or of one flavor can, over time, lead to disharmony, ill health and disease. Forget about the concept of a dream diet that works for all - instead understand that as a unique individual you need a unique blend of foods and liquids in order to function optimally, and that your dietary needs change according to your state of health, the seasons and the other factors mentioned above.
Matthew Scott is a Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner from Australia, living in China since 2000. For more dietary tips see Matthew's free Chinese Diet Report - 25 Time-Tested Chinese Dietary Principles You Can Apply Today for Optimum Weight, Health and Vitality. http://chinese-holistic-health-exercises.com/interesting-health-articles.html |