Ancient Dietary Health Preservation Manual
Do not eat in a biased manner
“Whatever you like, do not indulge excessively, for indulgence harms the body and causes illness; whatever you dislike, do not completely abandon it, for abandonment leads to imbalance in organ Qi.”
Eat light and simple foods
“Light flavors bring peace to spirit and soul”; diet should “avoid greasy and rich foods, moderate sour and salty tastes”; “light flavors nourish blood and Qi.”
Eat at regular times
“Eating when not hungry burdens the spleen; drinking when not thirsty causes stomach distension.” “To live long, eat according to appetite and time.” “Balanced flavors prevent all diseases.”
Eat at appropriate temperature
“Food should be warm, not cold.” “When eating or drinking, avoid scorching heat or freezing cold.”
Control food intake
“Moderate diet benefits the body and extends life; excessive diet burdens the body and shortens lifespan.” “Do not drink heavily when extremely thirsty, nor eat heavily when extremely hungry.”
Eat slowly and chew thoroughly
“Chewing slowly benefits health in three ways: nourishes the liver, aids digestion in the spleen and stomach, prevents choking or coughing.”
Eat with full attention
“Do not speak while eating, nor talk while sleeping.” This aids digestion.
Avoid eating after anger
“One must clear the mind of worries before eating.” “Do not eat when angry, nor get angry after eating.” A good mental state greatly benefits health.
Be cautious in food selection
“Do not eat meat that is rotten or spoiled; do not eat pigs or sheep that died from disease; do not eat meat that has not dried properly; do not eat meat that does not change color when cooked.”
Post-meal health care
“After eating, rinse your mouth several times to keep teeth healthy and fresh breath. Gently bite your teeth 36 times to fill the mouth with saliva, which helps digest food and benefits overall health without causing any illness. Eating and then immediately lying down causes indigestion, leading to many diseases.”