By Carole Hyder
In our last post, Lisa’s article focused on the physical space of where you eat. In this next part of the series, I focus on what to eat and when.
The approach is based on the 5 Chinese Elements:
Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water
This method for nourishment follows the rhythmic pattern of nature, one that can influence our own state of health.
Ways to incorporate the 5 Element concept in our eating choices:
1. WOOD
Foods appropriate for Wood are asparagus and celery because they’re green and grow upward. Lemons and limes are also appropriate because they are sour, the taste for Wood. Grapefruit, sauerkraut, pickles and vinegar also fall into the Wood category.
Eat Wood foods when you are beginning a project, trying to hold a vision or wanting to move forward.
2. FIRE
The Fire element manifests as a bitter flavor, vegetables that branch outward, fruits that grow around a central pit, and the color red. Romaine lettuce, watercress and dandelion greens are Fire foods. Fire also has a thermal nature so hot and spicy foods are also appropriate—-ginger, cinnamon, cloves, hot peppers, cayenne.
Fire foods are appropriate when you are looking for more passion, more power, and more ways to express yourself.
3. EARTH
Sweetness in life is expressed by the Earth element. Foods that have Earth qualities are sweet fruits, figs, dates, honey, squash. Oranges and carrots are also considered Earth foods because yellow/orange are the colors for Earth.
Eat Earth foods when you need comforting and stability.
4. METAL
Metal foods are pungent—–mustard greens, basil, radishes, cabbage, cucumbers. Metal foods can also be white, such as garlic, cauliflower, and parsnips.
Concentrate on Metal foods when your efforts are focused on eliminating or separating from things in your life, bringing closure, or grieving.
5. WATER
Salty is the taste associated with the Water element. This includes salt, seaweed, kelp, and fish. The color for Water is black so black beans, blackberries, dark grapes, eggplant are associated with Water.
Eat Water foods when you want to re-charge, slow down, and be reflective.
As you can see, this is a complex topic. A comprehensive book about the 5 Chinese Elements is Warren King’s “Love Your Organs, Love Yourself” – www.loveyourorgans.com. Take a look for more ideas and inspiration on what foods might be right for you, and when.
A healthy lifestyle is beyond just food and exercise. 
By Lisa Janusz
Recent Comments