Chinese Diet Basics

Chinese medicine is recognized for its benefits, due to the ancient practices and not only. The Chinese Diet includes  grains, fruits and vegetables, white meat and dairy products

The temperature of food, meaning the heating effect and the cooling effect of the food, represents a main factor when choosing the right foods for a healthy meal and a proper nutrition. The Chinese Diet classifies the food based on temperature as Hot– when it has a heating effect on the body, Warm, Neutral, Cool or Cold.

Balancing the heat in food is a major principle of the Chinese Diet. It’s recommended to consume hot foods such as: black pepper, butter, chicken fat, chocolate, coffee, crispy rice, curry, hot chilies, lamb, mango, onions, peanut butter, sesame seeds, smoked fish, trout, warm foods, such as beef, brown sugar, cheese, chestnuts, chicken, egg yolk, dates, garlic, ginger, green pepper, ham, leeks, oats, peaches, pomegranates, potato, turkey, turnips, walnuts, vinegar, wine.

Neutral foods include apricots, beet roots, bread, broad beans, brown rice, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, cherries, egg whites, grapes, honey, water, milk, oysters, peanuts, peas, plums, pork, raisins, salmon, sugar, sweet potatoes and cool foods- almonds, apples, barley, broccoli, celery, corn, fish, mushrooms, mangoes, oranges, pears, pineapple, radishes, salt, seaweed, spinach, strawberries, tangerines, turnip, watermelon, wheat, etc.

Cold foods category includes bananas, bean sprouts, cucumbers, duck, grapefruit, green tea, lettuce and ice cream.

Cold food usually includes raw food, being considered inappropriate for a good digestion.

The Chinese Diet recommends the consumption of all types of food: Sour, Sweet, Bitter and Salty should be consumed, excepting the salt, that causes water retention.

The food should be fresh and pure, without chemicals, preservatives and additives. Meals should be served in a relaxing environment, away from stress. It’s highly indicated to avoid drinking liquids when eating.

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