Authenticity in Diet

One thing that appeals to me, personally, about Chinese medicine is its dietary theory. It does not proclaim any particular food or eating style as “bad.” The only foods that are problem foods are the ones that exacerbate your ailments. The Chinese believe that each type of food has a different temperature and therapeutic property. There are books written about the therapeutic affects of every meat, vegetable, grain, bean, milk, seed, and fruit in the Chinese diet. It can be hard to apply these principles to American cuisine! There is no guide to tell us the therapeutic affects of eating pizza, barbecue sauce, or doughnuts. 

Part of that has to do with the fact that none of these things are really “food.” They are highly processed, commercial products that are sold for human consumption. While I enjoy them as much as anyone else, I have to admit that they lack something very important: Authenticity. 

Good eating habits boil down to a pretty simple eating philosophy. Eat less “crap.” Eat more “food.”

“CRAP”

Carbonated Drinks: Sodas have been shown to reduce bone density in people who drink 

     them. Fizzy water is still okay.

Refined Sugars: Cause rapid blood sugar spikes that wreak havoc on the body, and are 

     a major contributor to the sharp rise in our nation's diabetes rates.

Artificial colors & sweeteners: These are chemicals that are made in labs, and there is a 

     lot of research showing that artificial colors are linked to hyperactivity and artificial 

     sweeteners can be carcenogenic.

Processed Foods: are low in nutritionaldensity and high in dyes, preservatives, starches,

     and/or fats. They also leave your body dissatisfied, causing you to eat more!

“FOOD”

Fruits and Vegetables: the healthiest food on the planet. They are high in micronutrients, 

     macronutrients, and disease-fighting antioxidants.

Organic lean meats: are high in protein but low in fat and toxins.

Omega's are essential for brain health, and can boost heart health and lower triglycerides.

Drink Water! It flushes the body of toxins, and nourishes every cell in the body. 

    Since we are made of 70% water, it is the best thing for us!