Truth is not a
matter of conviction or agreement.
You can agree or disagree about opinions or conclusions,
but a fact needs no agreement; it is so.
(Krishnamurti)
Do I need to follow some sort of tai chi diet?
No - it is up to you what you eat.
However, to get the best out of
tai chi it is important to consider eating sensibly.
Fasting and
diets are not
really favoured by
taoism.
Eating a balanced range of food is regarded as being more
healthy than
cutting-back radically or over-indulging.
The tai chi approach is to listen to your body.
Listening to your body
Make sure that you do not get too hungry.
If hungry, eat something that will satisfy and provide sufficient energy to
last until meal time - a banana or a fruit salad is ideal.
If you have just eaten and still feel hungry, allow time for the food to
settle.
Listening to your mind
We are inundated by adverts selling sweets or desserts.
Sugar is very addictive, so it is hard not to eat chocolate or other
desserts.
From a health point of view, desserts are not food.
Tai chi advocates moderation; so you can eat chocolate if you want to, but
don't pretend that it is good for you.
Am I overweight?
The weighing scale can provide a measurement, but
what does the number mean?
Everyone is a different size and shape, so can general rules apply?
Tai chi is about
awareness.
A weighing scale will not tell that you are overweight, but exploring with
your hands will.
It may not be pleasant to find fat, but there is no use denying the
evidence.
Things to eat
The following food is generally considered to be good for your health:
Water
Pasta
Rice
Wholemeal bread
Bananas (ripe)
Fresh fruit & vegetables, especially grapes, carrots (raw)
Quorn
Tofu/soya bean curd
Seeds
Nuts
Beans and pulses
Oats
Bran
Soya milk
Low fat food
Low intake of dairy produce
Things to avoid
The following things are considered to be bad for
your health:
Additives
Alcohol
Caffeine
Fat
Meat
Preservatives
Salt
Sugar
Processed food
Canned food
Despite what your mind is telling you, chocolate has no nutritional value.
Eating habits
Drink a lot of water.
Drink water before, during and after every meal.
Pasta and rice should constitute the largest part of your diet.
Eat small portions of food, often.
Eat less as the day proceeds.
Take your time when eating; chew slowly and thoroughly.
Breakfast is an important meal.
Keep meal times regular.
Consider how the food is cooked, steaming, grilling and boiling are
preferable to frying.
Healthy eating
Most adults have a pretty good
idea how to eat well.
As with all things, it is up to the individual whether they choose to or
not.
The advantages of healthy eating are well known: improved complexion, skin
tone, hair, teeth, bones, fewer health problems, longevity and better sleep.
What you eat affects your health, your mood and your energy.
Middle road
The tai chi approach to food is to be moderate; to avoid excesses and
extremes.
Food can be a fun
activity but far too often people eat from boredom or depression.
They rely
upon sugar rather than savour the flavour of each item thoroughly.
Eating out
Some restaurants cater for healthy eating; they
sell
organic/vegetarian
food.
Many do not.
Page created 11 January 2006