Food is the Best Medicine.

Before I go into food, let me explain the reasons of all today’s meal first…..Having been back  to U.S for almost 3 weeks, well, my stomach clearly doesn’t adjust as well as my academic ability does. I have digestion problems these days, feel bloated before and after each meal, and didn’t go to bathroom as often as I usually do  That sounds awwwwwwwwful and annoooooooooying . I guess here might be a good place to discuss the problem, since most of you guys are immersed in a healthy living style and know a lot about body balancing.  I searched over the internet and find I am kinda lack in fiber intake. I realized that in the last few weeks,  my breakfast only contains soymilk and home made bread, which contains about 0g fiber. Even though I take onion, carrot, grounded beef and tofu for lunch or dinner, there is No significant amount of fiber in it. It might be O.K if I don’t suffer from digestion problems. But at this special moment, I need to really do some research and make a fiber-rich meal!!!

I believe food is the best medicine. So start with the most nature ingredients. Here is my research result: several food may help :

1. Edamame (whole green soybeans) : 5 grams of fiber for 1/2 cup

Some Typical Chinese Food:

2. Black Fungus : ” it has a reputation in Chinese herbal medicine for increasing the fluidity of the blood and improving circulation. It detox the body. It is “scavenger” of digestive system. It can adsorb dust and impurities in digestive system on its special pectin and excrete together”.

3. Black Sesame : In traditional Chinese medicine, black sesame seeds have sweet and neutral properties, and are associated with the Kidney and Liver meridians. They function to tonify yin jing and blood, moisten the intestines, and help build the spirit

4. Walnuts: Typically, walnuts are used to treat pain and weakness in the knees and back, aid in digestion, and relieve asthma. Recent evidence suggests walnuts may play a role in lowering blood cholesterol levels

5. Pearl Barley: These whole grains are rich in protein, vitamins, minerals and amino acids essential for our health. More importantly, barley is one of the richest sources of both soluble and insoluble fiber.1 cup for 6 grams of fiber.

Alright, enough. Now on to how I used them today:

I used ingredients 1 and 2, with some Carrots to make the lunch:

Getting so much trouble spelling the word : Sauté. For those of you who can live without this word in your daily Asian creations, I totally understand the pain…every time I need to go to Google and let it spell right for me. Sigh, I don’t have a French keyboard!!!! So I made a decision today which would make my blogging life thousands times easier. Since I made stir fried veggies or meat everyday – blame it on my typical Chinese stomach, that I am gonna transform the word Sautéed dish in to Warm Salad – Asian Style. Oh yes, happy about my decisions

It’s a quite easy salad. Heat the pan with 1 tsp of veg oil. Stir fry the edamame first, for about 2 minutes still it changes color. Then stir in the black fungus, adding 1/2 cup of water, let it simmer for about 5 minutes. Lastly the carrot. If you like , add 2 tsp of soy sauce. The black fungus is quite crunchy, and the edamame too, fresh, nutty, butter flavorful.

In the afternoon, I made a special tea with ingredients 3, 4 and 5:

The black one is the grounded sesame, the yellow one is the walnuts, and white one is the barley powder.  Add in the hot water bit by bit, and constantly stir the mixture till its really smooth.  The “tea” is kind of thick textured, the roasted smell from sesame and walnuts is a hit.

Result? feel much better now. Hope feel even better tomorrow.

Dear friends, do you have any food suggestions you think might help? I would love to hear it!! thank you!