Food as medicine.

“Nutrition advice can be so confusing these days.

Prior to becoming an acupuncturist, I worked as a nutrition editor for a women's health and fitness magazine for many years. I saw diet trends come and go. Nutrition myths debunked and revisited. I sleuthed through scientific journal articles, interviewed dieticians, and helped develop meal plans and articles for the active woman. I even became a certified nutritionist. That was 18 years ago.

Growing up in a Chinese household, my mother fed us very traditionally with whole foods, a wide variety of protein, and herbal soups. There were very few packaged foods and drinks in our kitchen. My siblings and I did not drink pop or had access to snacks all day. Today, as a mother of two, I try my best to combine my knowledge of evidence-based Western nutrition with the time-honoured principles of my culture. I find this approach to be the most nourishing and sustainable way to eat — and I bring this perspective to my clients when addressing nutrition, as nutrition is a very important aspect of health in Traditional Chinese Medicine.

What does that look like in real life? For me, it’s no longer following what’s trendy and it’s using food as fuel and medicine – and yes, fun too. It’s finding balance and respecting my body’s constitution. For examples: I do eat salads – but not as the main meal. I do have cold drinks (I love a good iced matcha!) – though not during my period and only around lunch time. I eat carbs – especially around exercise. I eat red meat (a lot!) – but also other forms of protein like eggs, pork, chicken, and liver. I don’t drink alcohol – but if it’s time to party, I'll take a rye and ginger please. I start every day with a shot of hot water to rev up my “digestive fire” – a TCM concept that is at the core of healthy digestion, or in Western view, the gut microbiome. I marry the principles of TCM with what works with my body. 

I’m in my mid-forties and I attribute my healthy relationship with food to the reasons why:

• My yearly bloodwork is good
• I don’t have any signs of perimenopause
• I don’t have any cravings for sugar
• I sleep well

I am not writing this to brag. I’ve had my fair share of struggles. I just want to offer you a different perspective on midlife. It is possible to feel great in this season of life – and I want that for you. If nutrition is not your strong suit, I suggest starting small. An accessible and gut-friendly way to incorporate TCM nutrition into your life is with herbal soups.