Healthy and Vibrant with the Wisdom of the Chinese
Besides breathing, according to ancient Chinese beliefs, dietary intake is the most crucial source of human energy, supplementing one's innate life force.
Hence, 5 Elements Nutrition emphasizes the energetic effects of our meals on the body, mind, and soul, giving secondary importance to calories or nutrient density.
In 5 Elements Nutrition, all foods are attributed to the 5 elements: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water. Additionally, they are classified based on their thermal effects on our body as cold, refreshing, neutral, warm, or hot.
The fundamental aim of 5 Elements Nutrition is to maintain our physical and spiritual balance. When the five elements within our body are in harmony, we remain healthy and robust, capable of rectifying minor imbalances without external assistance. This dietary approach isn't a short-term diet restricted to specific situations. Rather, it's about cultivating a deeper understanding of the effects of our daily sustenance on our organism. What benefits us and why?
By consciously integrating the fundamental principles of 5 Elements Nutrition into our daily lives, we experience lasting health and vitality. The goal isn't to rigidly adhere to a prescribed eating plan but to build upon the presented recommendations, allowing you to sense what suits you best. In a short time, you'll be empowered to align your nutrition with your genuine needs.
Embrace Balanced Eating with 5 Elements Nutrition
Keep a Balance Mix up the five essential flavors – sour, bitter, sweet, spicy, and salty – to create a well-rounded diet.
- Tune in to Seasons! Learn from our ancestors and follow a key rule of 5 Elements Nutrition: Eat foods that grow naturally with the seasons. Our bodies respond to the weather and temperature changes. So, during chilly winters, warm up with foods like local veggies instead of exotic fruits, which suit summer's heat.
- Master Cooking Techniques! Unlike raw diets, 5 Elements Nutrition focuses on cooking methods that boost food's energy. Especially in cooler regions, a mostly raw diet isn't ideal. A long-cooked veggie soup, for example, is better at protecting against colds than fresh orange juice. In colder months, have at least one warm meal daily to energize your body.
- Strengthen Your Core! In 5 Elements Nutrition, the Earth element, connected to the stomach and spleen, plays a vital role. Opt for neutral-warm foods like grains, carrots, and nuts to boost your entire body. Avoid white sugar – it drains energy and weakens organs. Choose naturally sweet options like dried fruits or nuts instead.
- Go for Energy-Rich Foods! Fresher food means more energy – it's that simple! Microwaves, frozen meals, and such are energy drainers. Regularly eating frozen foods weakens your defenses, making you more prone to colds and other issues.
- Begin with a Nutrient-Packed Breakfast Start your day right – it's important! Between 7 and 11 a.m., your stomach and spleen work best. Make the most of this time with a hearty breakfast, aligned with 5 Elements Nutrition principles, for a strong beginning to your day.
