DIET and NUTRITION

Food and supplements are the building blocks of health, how we eat and prepare our foods affect our health.

One thing to know is that diet refers to nutrition, in the sense of what you eat and how and when you eat it. In general, it is not limited to a plan or restriction for weight loss, unless that is what is being worked on. Oriental medicine sees the body as a whole, and in so, it takes into account what is being put into that system, and how that may help or hinder it.

Here are some concepts that will always impact your health and outcome:

Our digestive system likes to be warm: that means, unless specifically stated for clearing heat purposes, that you should drink room temperature water, and make sure your food is cooked, especially during the winter. Soups, stews, broths will generally be your friends. Salads and raw food should be eaten in moderation and ideally with a cup of tea or soup to balance out the cold, but mainly during warmer weather. Fruits or food kept in the fridge can be taken out a few minutes beforehand for consumption, so they are not as cold.

Quality matters: eating clean foods, with fewer pesticides make a difference. To achieve that, either buy organic, grow your own, or make sure to wash and clean your fruits and veggies really well. Keep in mind that some smaller farms may use all organic practices, but not be certified, so getting to know the local farms can help. Another thing to keep in mind is that every year a list comes out of the dirtier and cleaner produce, usually known as The Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen, and that can be used as a guide.

The processing also matters: more and more studies are coming out linking some of the ways we process food to more or less health impacts. Usually trying to use unbleached products, such as sugar and flour and checking for fillers or additives is a good way to start that change and reduce overall inflammation and immune response. A good rule of thumb is that if the ingredients list on the label is too long, it may be better to either avoid that item/brand or to have it very sporadically.

The way you prepare it affects it: no food will be healthy or good for you when deep fried. Veggies have less impact when smothered in dressing or dipping sauces. Learning new ways to prepare old recipes can be good and nutritious, and thankfully, technology has improved to make it quick and easy at home as well. Investing on an airfryer, rice cooker and slow cooker can be ways to keep food tasty, healthy and hassle free.

How you eat it: To start with, overeating can happen to anyone, especially during the holidays. It should not, however, be the norm. Changing your daily dishes can create a big impact on your eating habits, even if just switching to the dessert plate instead. Sitting down to eat is underrated, but very important. Taking your time and enjoying your meal has been linked to better digestion and mental health, and decreased quantity consumption necessary for feeling satisfied.