In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), winter is the season to focus on nurturing Kidney Qi, the foundation of our energy reserves. However, the Five Elements remind us that all organs are interconnected, creating an internal support system that naturally uplifts the other. Recipes that nurture multiple organs provide an even greater opportunity to bring balance and vitality to the body
Inspired by ancient Chinese wisdom, these recipes offer a guide to preparing delicious, nourishing meals that support your body’s natural balance. Whether you substitute ingredients or mix things up, use these ideas as a starting point to create meals that nurture both your health and spirit
Getting Better Results
- Begin each day with a warm drink, such as Anise Tea or Ginger Scallion Tea.
- Include foods for Kidney Qi: black beans, walnuts, sesame seeds.
- Bone broth, fish, and lean meats are ideal, as are plant-based foods like tofu.
- Add fruit or cooked vegetables to any meal.
- Add some sweet to nurture the Stomach which supports the Kidney.
- Enjoy your morning coffee or tea. A daily glass of wine is good too.
Daily Meal Plan
Sunday, January 12th
Monday, January 13th
Tuesday, January 14th
Wednesday, January 15th
Breakfast
Lunch
- warm root stir fry
- Left over tea eggs
Thursday, January 16th
Friday, January 17th
Saturday, January 18th
Sunday, January 19th
Breakfast
Lunch
- lemon shrimp saute
- Leftover Soup
Dinner
- kidney bean soup
- Any Leftover Veggies, Rice or Noodles
Alternate Food Choices
Vegetables
Bean Sprouts, Carrots, Celery, Cucumbers, Cilantro, Kabocha, Scallions, Sweet Potatoes, Any Greens
Fruit
Apples, Avocados, Berries, Clementines, Goji Berries, Pears, Tomatoes, Red Dates
Beans/Spices
Black Beans, Kidney Beans, Bean Curd, Brown Sugar, Cinnamon, Garlic, Ginger, Maple Syrup, Rice Vinegar
Shellfish
Clams, Oysters, Shrimp
Ocean Fish
Cod, Salmon
Seeds
Black Sesame, Pumpkin, Sunflower
Broth
Bone, Chicken, Vegetable
Oils
Avocado, Olive, Sesame, Sunflower, Walnut
Nuts/Grains
Almonds, Chestnuts, Pine Nuts, Walnuts, Chinese Barley, Oatmeal, Quinoa, Rice
