WHAT'S YOUR SEASON?

Warm up with this comforting fall soup of sweet and seasonal squash, hearty mushrooms, and nutty wild rice. The ingredients in this recipe are especially beneficial for nourishing qi and draining excess fluids in Fall body types. Serves 6 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil 1 cup diced yellow onions (about 1 small onion) 8 ounces sliced mushrooms, such as button, brown, or crimini (about 2 cups) 3 cloves garlic, minced 4 cups peeled, seeded, and cubed butternut squash (about 1

For Indian Summer body types, the most ideal foods to eat include foods with a neutral thermal nature and those that nourish qi. This unique period of time between late summer and early autumn represents the balance point between yin and yang, where yang is at its peak in summer, and yin is the dominant energy in winter. As the central foundation within the cycle of seasons, Indian summer offers a stable haven between the extremes of hot and cold, and a grounding connection t

One of the fundamental principles from Chinese medicine (and other humoral medicine systems) is that foods offer energetic properties beyond just calories and macronutrients like carbohydrates, fat, and protein. Foods impart a specific energy to the body when eaten – one that has been described as a "thermal nature" or thermal energy. According to humoral dietary theory, foods can have a warming, cooling, or neutral effect on the body. Hot peppers are one of the more obvious

One of the ways to support the digestive system is to eat pickled foods. Fermented pickles, in particular, are rich in probiotics that restore healthy gut flora and enhance the immune system. They also provide digestive enzymes and increase the bioavailability and absorption of vitamins and minerals in foods that have been pickled. Especially recommended for supporting the characteristically weak digestion in Indian Summer body types, pickled foods are also beneficial for all

Melons are the ideal food for refreshing the body on a hot summer day and calming the yang of Summer body types. Watermelons, in particular, are one of the most cooling fruits according to Traditional Chinese Medicine dietary theory. With over 90% water by weight, watermelons are beneficial for clearing heat and nourishing yin. They also have a mild diuretic effect. Red-fleshed varieties are high in the antioxidant lycopene. Eating too much watermelon should be avoided by Fal

If you’re not already, you should be. The Allium family of vegetables includes garlic, onions, scallions, leeks, chives, and shallots. These vegetables are rich in sulfur-containing compounds that are not only responsible for the vegetables’ characteristic odor and pungent flavor, but also for a wide variety of health benefits. High in antioxidants and phytonutrients like quercetin and anthocyanins, the Allium vegetables have antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and anti-inf

This recipe incorporates the pungent and peppery flavors of watercress and radishes, which benefit Spring body types by moving and circulating qi within the body. Orange zest and juice add a refreshing citrus flavor to this grilled chicken salad, which can be served as a starter or light meal. Serves 4 Prepare the chicken: 1 tablespoon grated orange zest 1/4 cup fresh orange juice 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 tablespoon sliced fresh green onio

This quick recipe is ideal for a weeknight meal since it can be prepared in less than 30 minutes. The beef, fennel, onion, garlic and ginger help to warm up the body for cold winter nights. Fennel adds a hint of spice and mild licorice flavor, but it doesn’t overpower the palate. This recipe can be served with steamed rice or other whole grains. Serves 2 to 3 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil 8 ounces beef sirloin, cut into 1/4-inch strips 1 teaspoon soy sauce 1 cup sliced ye

Brassica vegetables are some of the hardiest crops out there, able to tolerate cold temperatures and grow throughout the winter months. Examples of brassica vegetables include cabbage, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, kale, kohlrabi, bok choy, turnips, and collards. Also known as cruciferous vegetables, brassica vegetables are part of the mustard family. They are a diverse group of vegetables taken from different parts of the plant, i.e. leaves, stalks, stems, flowers

This fall recipe is a preview from our upcoming book. The tart dried cherries are beneficial for warming the body and strengthening qi, while the whole grain rye berries help to reduce edema and excess fluids in the Fall body types. It can be served as a side dish or on its own as a vegetarian meal. Serves 4 For the salad: 1 cup rye berries, rinsed and drained 3 cups water 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt 1/4 cup dried cherries 1/2 cup water 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil 1/4 cup

We are what we eat. And think. And do. And absorb… Eating and cooking are some of our favorite activities here at WYS, but we also recognize that individual health depends on much more than diet alone. There are a myriad of factors influencing our well-being, from our constitution and body type to our environment and lifestyle factors. Taking a holistic view, our health depends on: 1. Genetic constitution – our body type and genetic makeup, inherited from our parents at birth