Boost your yin with this smoothie
A few years ago I shadowed an acupuncturist who showed a great interest in the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) properties of food. She introduced me to a couple of great books that I refer back to for assignments and personal interest.
After obtaining my TCM diagnosis in class, I quickly referred back to these books to see which foods I should be eating more of to help build yin. In TCM, the yin substance is referred to as the water of the body and is used to help fuel it. Compared to yang which is warm, yin is cool in nature and the key to restoring and supporting yin is rest. Therefore, stimulating foods like caffeine, alcohol, and sugar may not be the best things to be eating if you know you have a yin deficiency. Signs of a yin deficiency includes: warm palms and soles, afternoon fever, red cheeks, dry throat, dry eyes, insomnia -- many heat symptoms!
Balancing our yin and yang is especially important in the spring, because yin helps qi energy to flow smoothly -- preventing liver stagnation!
A great way to build yin is through the food we eat. Since getting a Vitamix, I've been making smoothies left, right, and centre. Keep in mind though, you don't want to eat too many cold and raw foods as it can be damaging to the TCM spleen!
Ingredients (* denotes yin foods):
- *1 Apple (I used a Fuji apple), washed and chopped
- *1/2 lemon, juiced
- 1 celery stalk
- *1/4 tsp honey
- *1/2 cup pineapple
- *1 cup spinach
Other smoothie-friendly foods include: avocado, banana, mango, pear, pomegranate, watermelonDirections: Blend and enjoyTo complete this all-around (yin) breakfast with healthy fat and protein: I scrambled an egg, and had mashed avocado on toast (1 avocado, 1 tsp of lemon juice, sprinkle of salt and red pepper flakes)PS. Other smoothie recipes that I love!