It's not just what you eat, it's how you eat.

At the start of a new year, many of us make resolutions to lose weight, eat more healthily, or drink less alcohol. These are all well-meaning goals, but the reality is that, after a few days or weeks, we often falter. This can lead to feelings of guilt, shame, or failure, which only harms our self-esteem and creates an unhealthy relationship with food.

Our relationship with food can be complicated, particularly when it comes to dieting. This is because dieting often involves restriction and denial, while our natural need for food is rooted in nourishment and care. Food is essential for our survival – it sustains us and enables us to thrive. At its core, dieting is somewhat of a denial of this basic, primal need for nourishment.

The messages we receive about what's "good" or "bad" for us seem to change daily. We're constantly bombarded with new food fads, with superfoods rising and falling in popularity. One week a food is a hero; the next, it’s villainised. The constant back-and-forth can understandably leave us confused. But the truth is, no food can be simply labeled as "good" or "bad." A balanced diet depends on factors like age, activity level, climate, and personal health, all of which change over time and with the seasons. In Chinese philosophy, the idea of balance is central, focusing on moderation or the "middle way," avoiding both overeating and undereating in a natural, holistic manner.

But food is only part of the equation. According to ancient Chinese dietary wisdom, how we eat is just as important as what we eat. In a world that prioritises speed and multitasking, we could benefit greatly from this age-old approach. One core principle is that good digestion is key to maintaining overall health. If the digestive system is compromised, it can lead to chronic health issues. This insight is not only common sense but also highlights how our modern reliance on conventional medicine has overshadowed ancient knowledge.

Chinese medicine stresses the importance of eating while relaxed and focused on the meal. In today’s fast-paced world, this might seem difficult, but it’s a practice worth adopting. Eating while distracted, rushed, or emotional can disrupt digestion, leading to disorders like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a condition now common in Western society. A helpful rule of thumb is to savour each bite, enjoy your food, and eat in moderation.

Another essential aspect of Chinese philosophy is the alignment of our eating habits with the cycles of nature. Our bodies are most efficient at digesting food during the early part of the day, particularly between dawn and midday. By contrast, our bodies are primed for rest in the evening. This means that hearty breakfasts and lunches are ideal, while lighter evening meals should be eaten at least three hours before bed to allow time for digestion.

When making changes to your eating habits, it’s often easier to take small steps. Rather than overhauling your entire diet, start by focusing on one positive change at a time. For example, if you tend to skip breakfast, try having it a few times a week. Or, if you tend to eat late in the evening, aim to shift your mealtimes earlier for a few days. Most importantly, cultivate a good relationship with food – enjoy and appreciate whatever you eat, savour each bite, and be mindful of the nourishment it provides.