Your Guide To Healthy Living

Sweet potatoes are one of the most accessible and nourishing foods for supporting energy and overall health. In Chinese Medicine, they are valued for their ability to strengthen Qi and nourish Blood while gently warming digestion. They are grounding and supportive without being heavy, making them an ideal food for people who feel tired, stressed, or depleted. Photo courtesy of Cakra Baja Niaga From a nutritional perspective, sweet potatoes provide complex carbohydrates that r

Why this gentle, grounding stew supports energy in fall Fall corresponds to the Lung system in Chinese medicine, a time when the body benefits from warmth, moisture, and gentle nourishment. Cooler, drier air can weaken immunity and energy if digestion and fluids are not supported. This wonderful stew is warming and moistening, helping conserve energy as activity naturally slows. Ingredients • 1 tablespoon olive oil or sesame oil • 1 small onion, diced • 2 slices fresh ginger

Flu season got an early start this year and is already here! Knowing the early signs can help you act quickly. Most of us recognize the flu by its classic symptoms: fever, chills, body aches, and fatigue. But this season in the Bay Area, many people are reporting something different at first: digestive upset, diarrhea, and a dry cough, with the familiar fever, chills, aches, and fatigue following a day or two later. The best protection is wearing a mask, along with good handw

How This Recipe Supports Energy In Summer According to Chinese medicine, Summer heat depletes fluids and Qi through sweating, while taxing digestion—leaving the body fatigued. This dish cools without shocking the system, supporting the Spleen's role in energy production and easing depleting Heart heat, all while delivering steady, grounded fuel. Ingredients • 1 cup cooked brown rice (cooled to room temperature) • 1½ cups cooked chickpeas, rinsed • 1 large cucumber, diced • 1

Walnuts are a small food with significant health benefits, and their appearance offers a helpful clue. Shaped remarkably like a human brain, walnuts have long been associated with brain health – an example of what many traditions call the “doctrine of signatures.” Modern nutrition and Chinese Medicine both support this intuitive connection. From a biomedical perspective, walnuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and polyphenols. These nutrients support cognitive

In Chinese Medicine, Spring corresponds to the Liver system, which thrives on gentle movement, light nourishment, and foods that are green, mildly sour, and not heavy. This dish supports digestion, smooths energy flow, and provides steady fuel without overstimulation. Ingredients 1 cup red lentils, rinsed 1 cup brown, black or red rice 3 cups water or vegetable broth 1 tablespoon olive or sesame oil 1 small onion, thinly sliced 1–2 slices fresh ginger, minced 1 bunch baby bok

From my friends at EatingWell.com comes a meal you can cook year-round and is a perfect way to start the fall season. This healthy, easy...

Salt is one of the most essential—and misunderstood—minerals in the human diet. While excessive consumption is linked to health issues...

Adding nuts to dandelion greens provides a delightful crunch and boosts the dish with healthy fats and protein. This version incorporates toasted almonds (or your nut of choice) for a rich, nutty contrast to the slightly bitter greens. SERVES 4 Ingredients: 1 bunch fresh dandelion greens (about 4-5 cups), washed and chopped 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 3 cloves garlic, minced ½ tsp sea salt (or to taste) ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat) Juice of ½ lemon ¼ cup chop

As the chill of winter fades and spring brings its vibrant colors and fresh flavors, it's the perfect time to embrace lighter, nutrient-packed meals. This Vibrant Quinoa & Spring Vegetable Salad is a refreshing way to enjoy seasonal produce while nourishing your body with wholesome ingredients. Why This Recipe? Spring is all about renewal, and that applies to our diets as well! This salad is: Loaded with seasonal veggies – fresh asparagus, peas, radishes, and herbs Protein-pa

Most people drink tea made from the leaves, which tend to contain caffeine. Tea made from flowers is caffeine free and wonderfully...

Honey has been cherished for centuries as more than just a sweetener. It offers numerous health benefits, making it an excellent...

Vietnamese Cinnamon-braised Lamb Stew, also known as Thịt Cừu Kho Quế, is an excellent dish for winter. This stew combines tender lamb with the warm, aromatic flavors of cinnamon and other spices, making it comforting and hearty—perfect for cold weather. SERVES 6-8 Prep time: 30 minutes Cook Time: 60-120 minutes Total time: 90-150 minutes Ingredients 2 lbs (900 g) lamb shoulder or leg, cut into chunks 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 1 large onion, finely chopped 4 cloves garlic,

Goji berries, also known as wolfberries, are small red fruits native to Asia. These vibrant berries have been used in traditional Chinese...

Maintaining a healthy liver is crucial for overall health, and surprisingly, one common kitchen ingredient can lend a helping hand -...

The liver is one of the most vital organs in our body, responsible for various essential functions like detoxification, metabolism, and...

Happy New Year! I know that for many of us, the last few weeks of 2023 were unusually full of indulgences. Whether you filled up your...

In traditional Chinese food culture, five spice cooking is used during the cold winter season to flavor warming meats such as beef or...

Compared to the rest of the country, we may not have a full-fledged winter here in San Francisco, but the weather still gets cold enough...

Do you know anyone who seems to defy time by continually looking as radiant and youthful as they always have, no matter how many years...