Food
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)
Food
Eating is not a leisure activity.
We need to eat in order to survive.
What you eat directly affects your quality of
life.
The term 'diet'
quite literally refers to your eating habits.
Food is how we consume the chemicals required to enable our bodies to
function.
Our choice of food affects the immune system, mood, nerve and muscle
responses.
Actual food
Humans were never meant to eat packet products saturated with
additives, flavouring, preservatives, sugar and salt.
These unnecessary chemicals harm the body.
Is a chocolate bar food?
Does it have any nutritional value whatsoever?
Eat real food; rather than processed or
artificial products.
If the food did not come off a tree, a field or out of the ground, you
may want to reconsider eating it.
The consumption of meat has been associated with many health problems, so
try going without.
The term 'meat' includes poultry and fish.
Taoist diet
Taoism favours wholesome, natural eating:
· no meat
· no sugar
· no fat
· no salt
· no additives
· no flavouring
· no preservatives
· no caffeine
· no chocolate
· no alcohol/cigarettes/drugs
· no processed foods
· organic food is preferable
· raw food is preferable
· high water intake
· only eat when hungry
· fast one day each week*
If you have health problems or concerns about dieting or
fasting, please
consult your doctor.
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.
When your mind is telling you to eat... is it your addiction talking? Can
you really trust it?
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?
Kung fu 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
Organic products
Pasta
Rice
Wholemeal bread
Bananas (ripe)
Fresh fruit & vegetables, especially grapes, carrots (raw)
Tofu/soya bean curd
Seeds
Nuts
Beans and pulses
Oats
Bran
Skimmed milk
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
Chocolate
Fat
Meat
Preservatives
Salt
Sugar
Processed food
Canned food
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 microwaving are
preferable to frying or boiling.
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.
Fasting
Fasting is a traditional method of eliminating toxins and
gaining spiritual clarity.
But it must be approached with caution.
How you begin a fast, how you break a fast and what you do during (or don't
do) during a fast are all considerations.
Fasting affects your body in quite significant ways.
If you are interested in fasting, then do some research beforehand; find out
if it is the right approach for you.
During your fast, drink filtered water, avoid driving and try to rest.
Eating out
Some restaurants cater for healthy eating; they sell organic food. Many do not.
Page created 11 January 1993