The Winter Solstice marks the beginning of the "Nine Cold Periods" (Shujiu). From this day, the Northern Hemisphere enters the coldest time of the year, known as the "Sanjiu" period. Experts in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) remind us that the Winter Solstice is a transitional time. Yin energy begins to wane, and Yang energy gradually rises. However, since the "Sanjiu" period has just started, the external environment is still dominated by Yin energy. Therefore, winter dietary supplements should focus on nourishment, and daily life should be centered on preserving Yang and protecting Yin. It is also important to keep warm and avoid overexertion.
Do not trigger a relapse through diet when you have a cold or fever.
Li Jian, Director of the Preventive Medicine Department at Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, states that although the winter diet should primarily consist of warm and nourishing foods, such as beef, mutton, chicken, and dog meat, this is not suitable for everyone. Food choices should be based on individual body constitutions.
For individuals with a deficient and cold constitution, eating beef and mutton alone may not be sufficient to achieve a warming effect. It is advisable to add more aromatic spices like ginger, Sichuan peppercorns, cinnamon, and cloves to dishes to enhance their warming properties. For those with a phlegm-heat or damp-heat constitution, consuming large amounts of beef and mutton is unsuitable, as it can exacerbate phlegm-heat symptoms and lead to indigestion. For people who are currently ill with a cold or fever, or have not yet recovered, it is also not advisable to eat warming meats like beef and mutton, or even neutral meats like pork. The diet should be light, as excessive meat consumption can lead to "food-relapse" (shifu), where the condition worsens due to improper diet.
Diets should not be overly spicy.
Experts also remind us that winter diets should not be excessively spicy. Overly spicy food can lead to internal heat. When you wear less clothing and go outside, the pores can close due to the cold, allowing cold air to penetrate the body and cause harm. Furthermore, winter is a relatively dry season, so it is important to nourish Yin. While consuming warming foods, one should also eat foods that replenish bodily fluids, such as lotus root, pears, radishes, and Chinese cabbage.
Li Jian also mentions that winter is a time for storage. This not only applies to diet but also to daily routines and exercise. Strenuous exercise is not recommended in winter to avoid excessive sweating; exercise should be limited to light sweating. It is advisable to sleep early and wake late, aligning one's schedule with the daylight hours. Additionally, it is crucial to wear more clothes to keep warm and preserve Yang energy.