Are You Truly Nourished?
Image by Silvia from PixabayMany of us are eating—yet still starving ourselves.
It’s a curious idea, but an honest one.
I remember being in a summer class with an instructor who had an incredible physique. One day, I noticed she was eating a large salad topped with generous portions of meat. I thought to myself, I don’t eat half as much as she does, and I’m not in nearly the same shape.
Later, I realized why: she was eating the right amount of protein.
Rethinking Protein, Carbs, and Cravings
You might assume she avoided carbohydrates or sugar—but that wasn’t the case.
She ate both. In fact, she saved her carbohydrates for something she loved: ice cream.
It reminded me of discussions around longevity, including figures like Bryan Johnson, who follows a highly structured health regimen—yet still makes room for small indulgences.
Because balance matters.
As the saying goes: “I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream.”
But beyond the indulgence, the foundation of nutrition remains essential:
- Adequate protein (around 90 grams daily for many adults)
- A variety of vegetables
- Ample fruits
A simple way to think about it:
- Around 3 oz of protein per meal, or
- Alternatives like ½ cup of cottage cheese
The real challenge is learning how to increase protein intake while reducing excess carbohydrates—without feeling deprived.
And of course, managing those cravings for sweets.
The answer often comes down to awareness and structure: measuring portions and retraining the body over time.
The Role of Nutrition in Asian Medicine
So how does this connect to Asian medicine?
In Chinese medicine, food is therapy.
When someone is feeling depleted—low energy, weak, or anemic—we often turn to soups. These are not just comforting meals, but targeted ways to tonify blood, strengthen the body, and restore balance.
Whether herbal or food-based, soups:
- Warm the body
- Support digestion
- Promote deeper, more restful sleep
The Healing Power of Warmth
I once had an elderly friend I would regularly cook for—sometimes a stew, sometimes a gumbo, sometimes tortilla soup.
No matter what I made, I would always send her a bowl.
The next day, without fail, she would call to thank me and say how deeply she had slept. She told me the warmth stayed with her through the night—that it made her feel comforted from the inside out.
That is the essence of this medicine.
Supporting Balance Beyond the Plate
Chinese herbal soups are designed not only to nourish, but to heal.
Acupuncture can also play an important role:
- Helping regulate appetite
- Calming the nervous system
- Reducing stress-related eating
Herbal formulas further support this by easing anxiety and promoting balance, so we’re not turning to food simply for comfort.
Combined with:
- Proper exercise
- Mindful portion control
- Consistent meal timing
…the body can return to a more natural, healthy state.
And for those looking to increase protein efficiently—fish remains one of the most nutrient-dense sources available.
Begin Your Path to Balance
If you’re looking to improve your nutrition, support your metabolism, or create a more balanced relationship with food, a more personalized approach can make all the difference.
Chinese medicine offers a way to nourish the body, regulate appetite, and restore internal harmony—without extremes.
We invite you to schedule a consultation and explore how we can support you on your path to a stronger, more balanced life.
Many Lives Chinese Medicine
Acupuncture Redwood City
650-366-4299
Schedule a Free Consultation
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