Food and diet are a powerful and hopefully enjoyable part of our daily routine. It took me quite a long time to feel like I had it right, and I had to be taught some basic concepts and methods before I felt really nourished by my relationship to food and what I eat.

Cooking takes a little time so I put something easy to listen to on you tube and think a bit, and make a start.  Relax and enjoy.  I buy vegetables from a local box scheme, and top up with organic condiments and tofu etc from organic supermarkets or the farm shop.  I don't try and get everything I eat for cheap, but I also don't eat meat and am reduced dairy, so feel like my weekly spend is equivocal and my daily food intake is sympathetic to the world we inhabit and compassionate to animal life.

Plant based 

There is a discussion in Dietary Therapy about eating meat and its relation to nourishing and forming Blood in the body.  For me I don't miss it and feel a freedom and lightness around not participating in the death of an animal in such a casual way.  I also practice Qigong and meditation, so my energy is supported through that too.  And use supplements both vitamins and Floradix to support and nourish the Blood. Occasionally I eat free range eggs, maybe less than once a week, which is also strengthening for Blood.

Food as medicine

In Chinese medicine our energy and constitutional Qi is formed in two parts, some from our parents at conception, and some from breath and food.  We receive Qi from the air, so periods of calm relaxed breathing are helpful.  And also from our food, so lively, fresh, pesticide free fruit and vegetables, beans and grains, herbs and spices, are preferable to denatured ingredients.  All foods have a specific energetic effect and can be used to support treatment, guided by a practitioner; for example, ginger is warming and acts on the stomach and spleen aiding digestive function.