Warming Foods

Warming foods have the effects of raising the yang, energy (qi) of organs, warming and improving the circulation, and dispelling the cold. These types of food are suitable for people who are deficient in yang. Usually presenting with the following symptoms; cold hand, cold feet, cold body, diarrhea, stomach pains or discomfort after eating or drinking cold things, bloating after eating, lack of energy, sore joints, edema and fluid retention.

GENERAL GUIDELINES:

· Avoid raw, uncooked foods and foods that are cold in temperature
· Stews, soups, congees and slow roasted foods are easiest on the digestive system
· Avoid iced beverages and iced cream
· Do not use hot seasonings/spices to excess as they will create sweat and in turn cool the body down

· Grains: quinoa, sweet (glutinous) rice, wheat germ

· Vegetables: leek, mustard greens, onion, radish, scallion, squash, sweet potato, turnip, watercress

· Fruit: cherry, litchi, peach, raspberry, strawberry

· Nuts and seeds: chestnuts, pine nuts, pistachio nuts, walnuts

· Fish: anchovy, lobster, mussel, shrimp, trout

· Meat: chicken, lamb, venison, kidneys (both beef and lamb)

· Herbs and spices: basil, black pepper, caper, cayenne, chive seed, cinnamon bark, clove, dill seed, fennel seed, fenugreek seed, garlic, ginger, horseradish, nutmeg, peppermint, rosemary, sage, savory, spearmint, star anise, turmeric, thyme, white pepper

· Beverages: chai tea, jasmine tea

Common supplements: algae, ginseng, apple cider vinegar