Spring is on the doorstep. It is a perfect time to start to shape up and get ready for swimming season. In today’s article I will dedicate to the Yin Yang Food Theory and Energy.

Now as many of you know, food is described as the LIFE FORCE for a human body and inner self. When it is in balance it radiates as strong health, when it is out of balance it becomes weak and this manifests a variety of negative body systems. Therefore, the quality of your body energy is a vital component of your personal Feng Shui as well.

One form of energy is the food, since it is the easiest and most accessible form of energy; it is good to understand the Chinese “Food Energy Theory”.

According to this theory, the more animal fat in the food, the less positive source of good energy.
For example: if we imagine a pyramid, animal foods are on a the highest level while vegetable foods are in the middle level and root foods are on the lowest level. So the best foods are vegetables and plants, better yet, the edible roots of the plants. The golden rule is to balance the Yin and Yang food for your daily diet.

YIN and YANG FOOD

Tea is Yin        Coffee is Yang

YIN FOODS

Foods are also classified according to the yin and yang theory. If you follow the energy theory of food, it is generally accepted that when your body is more “yin” in nature, you will live a longer life because the degeneration of the internal organs is slowed down thus many people favor a diet of more “yin” foods. Yin foods are also ideal for those who feel stressed out, short-tempered and are under pressure as they serve to calm the spirit and revitalize the inner energy essence. They are generally best consumed during the summer “Yang” months to help keep the body in balance.  HOWEVER, be aware that too much yin food in the body reveals itself in forgetfulness and a feeling of tiredness. Physical symptoms could manifest in the form of diarrhea, pale complexion and lack of color in the eyes and skin. If you observe these symptoms you may want to add Yang food to your daily diet. Here is a reference list of Yin and Yang Food which is by no means exhaustive but will give you some ideas.

YIN FOODS -  is foods that are green or white in color and slow to cook. 

Grain products
Beans of green variety
Plain rice and porridge
Plain tofu bean curd
Melons
Seaweed
Green vegetables

YANG FOODS

Yang food is usually rich, heavily flavored, strongly sauced and hot. It is often fried and best eaten during the winter “yin” months. Yang foods are excellent for those who are chronically short of energy (your body is depleted of yang essence and will benefit from extra yang energy) and yang food is good for new mothers.
When there is an excess of Yang foods in the body, you may find bodily symptoms such as heartburn, constipation, cold sores, rashes, pimples, acne and ulcers. When you observe such symptoms you may want to increase your Yin foods in your daily diet.

YANG FOOD – is the food with gold or red colors and with strong taste and usually baked, fried or barbecued.

Meat products – lamb, veal beef,
Fish – salmon, tuna, cod etc
Poultry – chicken, duck, geese
Crustaceans – prawns, lobsters, crab
Carrots, tomatoes, garlic, onion
Pineapple and mango
Carbonated drinks, coffee, alcohol of all kinds
Chocolates, Sweets
Nuts
Chili

The key to a healthy body and mind is to eat the correct balance of yin and yang foods. For example: if you’re feelings stressed add more yin foods and if you’re feeling tired add more yang foods to your daily diet.

Also, please note that this article focuses on an awareness of Yin and Yang food only and is not written as medical advice. For more information and further study you may want to consult a qualified Chinese herbalist or traditional Chinese Medical or Ayurveda doctor.

PS: Share your thoughts, questions and success stories in comments.