According to Chinese wisdom, paying careful attention to your health during the harsh winter days will allow you to stay healthy throughout the year. Proper nutrition is one of the cornerstones of a healthy lifestyle, so food during the cold season takes on special significance.
An essential aspect of nutrition, especially in traditional Chinese practices, is consuming food according to the current season. Winter is the time for hot drinks and hot food, more calorie-dense meals, with a focus on Yang energy, which generates internal warmth and stimulates blood circulation.
In winter, our body, like all of nature, switches to an "energy-saving mode." Therefore, to maintain activity at an optimal level, it is important to focus on Yang products, notable examples of which include red meat and red wine, as well as vegetables and fruits that ripen above the ground.
During the cold season, the following foods are beneficial: beef, pork, lamb, chicken, duck, fish, shrimp, tofu, butter, broccoli, ginger, radish, beans, greens, onions, hot peppers, bananas, walnuts, dates, sesame seeds, coffee, and chocolate. Soy broth and dishes with celery and mushrooms (400 g of celery and 50 g of mushrooms, spices to taste) also promote health.
The method of food preparation is also important in winter nutrition. Yang energy is stimulated by roasting and frying. However, the "golden rule" of healthy eating still applies: do not subject food to prolonged heat treatment to preserve the "vital energy" it contains.
For elderly individuals during the winter period, fractional meals are recommended. Food should be consumed in small portions, increasing the number of meals to 5-6 times per day. A traditional Chinese winter dish—stewed lamb with white radish and ginger—provides energy, relieves fatigue, improves kidney function, and is beneficial for impotence.
Young people are recommended to consume more grains (porridge, baked goods, noodles) with the addition of a small amount of animal fat and an adequate intake of animal protein.
Remember, no matter how healthy your diet is, it alone cannot preserve your health. Don’t forget to lead an active lifestyle daily!
