Good nutrition helps harness Yin and Yang

Good nutrition can help you harness the forces of Yin and Yang (check out more in Monday’s post) and balance the body’s natural energies to maintain good health.

Over and over again, I’ve found that a balance of  good nutrition can help people boost their energy, and control their cravings.

I’ve used the theory to deconstruct my own sugar cravings and increase my energy and mental alertness.

Cravings are the way our body tells us something is out of whack, out of balance. Do not ignore your cravings, listen to them and use the balance of Yin and Yang to give your body what it needs.

Every food can be divided into Masculine Yang Foods and Feminine Yin foods. Yang Foods are considered weight lifter foods and can make you feel grounded and focused, aggressive and forceful. These foods include:

• Beans
• Grains
• Poultry
• Red meat
• Cheese
• Eggs
• Salt

Yin Foods are considered “yoga” foods and can make you feel light and happy, although sometimes spacey and scattered. These foods include:

• Caffeine/alcohol
• Sugar
• Dairy products
• White flour
• Fruit/nuts
• Leafy vegetables

Listen to your body. If you are craving ice cream or tootsie rolls – Yin foods – take a look at your diet. It is possible you may be eating a Yang diet of heavier foods like meat, cheese and eggs and your body is seeking balance.

Instead of reaching for the sugary empty calories on the Yin list, try reaching for the fruit and leafy greens and see if that does not balance out your body thus, reducing the craving for sugar.

On the flip side, if you are buzzing throughout your day drinking coffee and munching bagels, chances are come evening time that double big Mac is sounding pretty darn good. Just be aware of where that craving is coming from and choose the healthier lean protein foods to balance you out.

As a person with a cooler Yin body type, I do my best to ensure I am eating enough warming Yang foods in my diet such as whole grains and beans. I know I am out of balance when I am drinking hot tea on a 90 degree day.

By keeping these food balances in mind, you can combat your cravings and feel your energy soar.

Sherri Sacconaghi, is a certified health coach who counsels clients one-on-one and through group presentations and a tele-seminar series. For information, go to: www.themissionofnutrition.com

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