Summer Qi Chats | Week 13
You are HOW you eat & it’s time to chew!
This week we discuss the changes in the season as we shift into Autumn and how to prepare!
Nourish the Spleen + Moisten the Lungs
We move from the Yang Summer Qi towards Winter’s Yin. As we transition, we can alter our dietary habits to support the digestive system. The Spleen & Stomach’s function is to transform and transport Gu Qi (food energy) to the body. What slows this flow of Qi, damp foods. The Spleen Qi can get stuck with the overconsumption of dairy, gluten, alcohol and sugar. No food is bad. But you do want to find balance in how often you eat ‘damp’ foods. No sluggish Spleen for you!
As for eating for the Lungs, we want to increase the circulate of body fluids to help gently activate digestion & keep hydrated. Drinking water and cooking with vegetables can help moisten the lungs. Pears are an excellent food for the lungs.
YELLOW LIGHT!
As discussed from last week, it’s time to slow down. Lessen our social engagements, decrease our workload and even slow down our cooking methods. Moving away from the more raw foods and begin longer cooking periods for vegetables. Think ‘al dente’ for most salads so you can enjoy more ‘chewy’ foods. Grains are beneficial to the gut as we move towards the colder seasons but it is important to know what grains work best for your digestive system as some don’t tolerate grains properly. Baking, blanching, wok frying, roasting, boiling and simmering are great cooking methods during ehe autumn season. Take your time. Slow it down!
Neuro-Qi Tip o’the day!
DRINK + CHEW
Continue to have a good habit of hydrating yourself throughout the day. (Slicing pear into your water can moisten the Lungs)
Switch up HOW your cooking with chewy grains and al dente veggies
Double your chew time. Try to masticate your food in your mouth down to an apple sauce texture before swallowing (smaller bites can help!)
*Video posts every Friday by 11:30am MDT
