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Food Works for Ourselves and the Next Generation

There is much written and recommended regarding diet and nutrition.  Most of us feel somewhat frustrated with our daily diets and the information conveyed by the media. Moment by moment the complexity of making food choices compounds particularly when incorporating the dimension of eating to enhance various conditions such as fertility. 

The idea of diet, within the philosophy of Chinese medicine, tends to be much simpler.  It is believed our destiny is to walk between heaven and earth in grace, elegance, and in perfect health, for heaven and earth provide all our needs.   The heavens supply the air we breathe, a substance we cannot do without, and an abundance of food is offered from the earth.

Using these precepts in counseling women desiring to become pregnant, the first recommendation I offer is to breathe – “Breathe.” I say, “Let’s breathe together.”  The dynamics of our daily schedule figuratively and literally leave us breathless! The second recommendation is to advise women to eat from nature.   In practical terms, this means to shop from the outer perimeter of the grocery store, concentrating on fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and meats, fishes and foul.  These ingredients and pure drinking water are the essentials for a healthy body and mind.

The nutritional state of many women is precarious, meals are skipped in an effort to loose or maintain weight, the nutritional value of the food is marginal, and metabolism is in constant flux trying to keep up with the latest diet or hormonal shift.  Regulating meal times is an important component: three core meals and at least two snacks during the day will keep metabolism and hormone levels more stable. 

On a daily basis I am asked, “What food is the right food?”  Three components comprise a nutritionally sound meal and are the building blocks of life:  carbohydrates, proteins and fats…yes, I said fat!  Fats (fatty acids) are a source of energy to the body and contribute texture, flavor and aroma to our food.  Fatty acids have a number of essential structural and biochemical roles in our bodies, several serve as precursors to essential hormones.  When our diet lacks these fatty acids, we see poor muscle tone, loss of menstruation, bruising, low body weight, dry skin, and hair loss.  This is not “potato chip fat” these are specific fats such as omega 3 fatty acids which are bountiful in fatty fish, salmon, grass-fed beef and unsaturated fatty acids found in many nuts and seeds.  

Carbohydrates are the primary source of energy used to fuel the body.  This category creates one of the larger conundrums in our dietary decisions – simple verses complex carbohydrates.  A simple rule of thumb – if it grows from the ground and is in its natural state, eat it. If has been processed, enriched, bleached, pre-cooked, salted or sugared – skip it.  Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, and legumes are all excellent sources of complex carbohydrates.

Protein is a collection of amino acids, which participate in every process within the cell; many are enzymes that catalyze biochemical reactions vital in promoting body structure, function and growth.  Sources such as lean meats, fishes, poultry, eggs, beans, legumes and reduced fat dairy products all contain essential amino acids necessary for cellular structure.

The following are general guidelines:  allow approximately two thirds of your diet to come from complex carbohydrates, focusing primarily on vegetables from the ground, deep and dense in color: red beets, winter squashes, dark leafy greens; seasonal fruits: blueberries, strawberries, melons, citrus; whole grains: brown rice, barley, wheat berries; beans and legumes come in a vast array of colors and taste – experiment with red or black beans, chick or split peas, and lentils.  The remaining third of the meal should come from a protein source.  A visual for this amount is approximately the size of a deck of playing cards.  According to Chinese thought as it relates to health - our food should be cooked and eaten at home.  Great, if you can do it; however, there may be times when it is difficult follow those or any other dietary proposals…do your best!  Each of your doctors, for various reasons such as hormone levels and or medication, may recommend an alteration in these guidelines, follow their advice.    

In America, changing our diet and relationship with food is a matter of life and death.  Decisions and choices tend to be easier when made on behalf of something greater than ourselves such as the gestation of a new life; however, know with certainty, the behavioral changes and food choices made during this period will not only support your efforts to become pregnant but will serve the health and wellbeing of you and your beloved family.  Your decisions and choices matter to the next generation.

Andrea Lewinter, CNC, L.Ac. has earned a Master of Acupuncture degree from the Tai Sophia Institute, a B.A in Business Administration and B.S. in Nutrition.  She is a Certified Nutritional Consultant and has formal training in Neuro-Linguistic Programming.  As a Five Element acupuncturist, Andrea perceives her patients’ symptoms as a representation of their life experience.  Employing the philosophy of Chinese medicine, laws of nature and administration of acupuncture, her patients gain relief from their ailments, and develop new perceptions and the ability to elegantly manifest their life’s destiny.  Andrea has enjoyed a successful career in business and considers her greatest accomplishment and gift as being the Mom to her beloved children Kimberlee and Mark and grandmother to Megan.