 Here we look at the different effects (on our bodies and our energy) of 10 different groups of foods:
* Quick Zaps
* Exotics
* Sweet Tempered
* Cools
* Fresh Ups
* Stabilizers
* Very Refined
* Soft-n-Creamies
* Belly Fillers
* Heavy Duty Stuffers
QUICK ZAPS
pop drinks, candy bars, ice cream, chocolate, white sugar, cakes, cookies, and toppings made with refined sugar, sweet cold drinks, alcohol, stimulants (coffee, tea)...
These may be the cause of hyperactivity, nervousness, tiredness, stiffness in joints, neck, shoulders, headaches, vulnerability to infection, slowness to heal, urinary tract and vaginal infections, lower sexual vitality, loss of mineral reserves (teeth, bones). On the emotional or behavioural level, may be at the root of extreme mood swings ranging from almost ecstatic to depressive, feeling sorry for oneself, feeling the 'victim', blaming others. Fearfulness, feeling overwhelmed, lack of concentration, indecisiveness, and lack of will power. Because these foods have an extreme effect on the blood sugar level, one may feel compelled to always take more to avoid the inevitable letdown after the high, thus, a subtle but real form of addiction.
Every food has its positive side and even these may be beneficial at the right time, in the right amount. Physically you may experience a short quick burst of energy. Emotionally these types of foods may also temporarily be soothing, make one feel elevated, and allow a person to 'let go' both emotionally and physically.
EXOTICS
tropical fruits (banana,oranges, pineapple, dates, figs, kiwi, mango, etc.) raw tomatoes....
Because they are so high in fruit sugar, Exotics can have some similar effects as Quick Zaps. Their main distinction is their tropical origin. Suited to warm climates, they have a cooling effect on the body through high fluid, low mineral content. Results: can make one feel cold, lacking in energy, lethargic, fragile, lacking sexual energy, lacking in mental clarity and direction.
On the positive side, these foods can cool you down quickly when it is too hot. They can help create colourful contrast in daily fare.They are relaxing for someone of overactive (yang) condition.
SWEET TEMPERED
rice malt, barley malt,corn malt, dried fruit, pear or apple concentrate, maple syrup, fruit juices, honey...
These sweeteners have a much milder effect than the highly refined Quick Zaps. While giving a boost to energy, they do so in a gentle manner which the body can assimilate quite well.They may also have the effect of making one feel relaxed and content. Malts are the most balanced of these in composition and provide even burning fuel. Honey, maple syrup, and fruit sweeteners could produce some similar effects to Quick Zaps and Exotics if consumed in large proportion.
COOLS
lettuce, salads, summer vegies such as cucumber, zucchini (courgette), and bell peppers, radishes, sprouts, mushrooms... Temperate fruits - apples, pears, berries, cherries, plums...
Of good quality, in season, these foods are refreshing, relaxing, softening. They help to tame down wild temperaments and lessen cravings for extreme sweet food. They reduce heat both due to weather and fever, or overactivity. Bring lightness into life. Can help create a positive, gentle attitude.
They can be too chilling, especially if raw, for cold weather or for weak people. They can thin the blood partly because of high water, low mineral content. They can make one feel dilated, soft, watery, lacking in fiery quality, indecisive, overly sentimental, and lacking in strong will power. If eaten too often can have a general weakening effect.
FRESH UPS
dark leafy greens, wild spring greens,dandelion greens, spring onions, nettles, mustard greens, parsley, chives...
These foods have a strengthening, purifying effect on the body through the creation of mineral rich blood. Give rosy cheeks and good complexion. Greens, especially wild greens, have a strong cleansing effect which should be taken into account when experimenting with them.
STABILISERS
cabbages, kohlrabi, carrots, corn, peas, onions, pumpkins,parsnips, turnips, rutabagas...
These foods are beneficial to the spleen and stomach through their natural, mild sweetness (intensified through cooking). They have a nourishing' effect and can make one feel more centered, more grounded, earthy, rooted. Eating them regularly gives one a feeling of consistency and appreciation for simplicity. Also help to bring clarity of mind and purpose.
If someone were to eat too much of any one kind of food, even if it is very good food, to the exclusion of others, it could have effects. One could become less flexible, less open to change, or less daring over time. That's one of the reasons variety in diet is so important.
VERY REFINED
white pastas, white rice, white bread and other white flour products, such as cakes, cookies, and croissants, white sauces....
Foods of little real nutritional value have to be consumed in large quantities to meet needs. Empty calories lead to obesity. Floury, pasty foods tend to collect, form deposits, create bulginess and pasty complexion. They may make one feel less directed, hesitant, unwilling to take risks and ultimately less in "connection" with the environment and oneself.
If of organic quality, they may offer a nice change to wholefoods desserts and cooking. Sometimes useful while making a gradual transition to more whole foods.
SOFT-N-CREAMIES
milk, yogurt, quark, milk drinks, yogurt drinks, ice cream, sweetened yogurts, creamy cheeses,whipped cream, coffee cream, white sauces, sweetened tofu or soy products....
May cause accumulation of mucous in the respiratory system and thus ideal breeding ground for infections (bronchitis, coughs, colds). May increase sensitivity to irritants, cause or aggravate allergies, pimples, colds, and ear infections. Flabby muscle and tissue tone. May lessen desire for fresh food and vegetables because it is so filling. Dairy cows are followers, dairy foods can have this same effect- making it difficult to make independent decisions, stand on one's own, have sharp, clear thinking. Can become habit forming because it is so comforting and tempting to the palate.
Dairy foods have the positive effect of being soothing, subconsciously reminding one of childhood. It is a concentrated source of fat, protein, calcium, etc. and the production of it is not necessarily harmful to the animal. (Although in many cases this is unfortunately not the case).
BELLY FILLERS
nuts, seeds, nut butters, cold pressed oils, bread...
As a high quality source of vegetarian energy, nuts, seeds, and cold pressed oils give energy and warmth through high protein and oil content. In the right quantity they are nourishing and filling.
Too much can lead to a heavy, stuffed feeling and thirst. Too much oil is hard for the liver to digest. Excess collects under the skin and can cause skin eruptions, oily or dry skin, dandruff, and fatty hair. A tight liver can be at the root of a smouldering, bad temper.
HEAVY DUTY STUFFERS
salty cheese, eggs, red meat, overly salted food, fried, baked,or overcooked food ...
The body must work hard to burn off animal fats. They are slow to digest and difficult to break down giving a heavy sluggish feeling. May give the body too much aggressive energy more suited to fighting than to producing results. Pain in the back of the head and shoulders and general tightness may be effects. Intolerance, selfrighteousness, smouldering explosiveness, irritability can also be signs of overconsumption of these foods.
© Copyright Katriona Forrester & Marlise Binetti 2002
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