We tend to focus on only calories in and calories out when we try to lose weight. To shed a few pounds, we would put ourselves on some diet plan. Most people will lose weight for a limited period of time, but then slowly go back to the old ways of eating. Why? Because most diet plans instruct people to eat only certain “acceptable” foods regardless of their body type and lifestyle.
Each one of us has a unique body, and those acceptable foods may not always align with our individual needs and satisfy our craving. So as all diets work, they all also don’t work.
So what do we have to do?
The best thing you can do is to be open to different methods, get to know your body, and figure out what really works for you.
To help my clients find their best diet, I use some theories that resonate with me personally, that which I find the most useful and interesting. Today, I want to talk about one of them, which is called 5 elements theory.
Based on ancient Chines philosophy, we are surrounded by 5 energy fields: wood, fire, earth, metal, and water. These elements are constantly moving and changing. Keeping all of the elements in balance promotes harmony in our surroundings and ourselves.
In the creation cycle, one element gives birth to the next nourishing it through the flow of energy. Wood creates fire, which creates earth, which creates metal, which creates water, which creates wood.
In the control cycle, however, water controls fire through its power to dampen flames. Fire controls metal through its capacity to smelt one. Metal controls wood through its’ ability to cut trees. Wood controls earth through the fact that trees secure the soil. Earth controls water through providing the foundation of streams and rivers.
There are foods, seasons, emotions and bodily functions that are associated with each of the elements. I’m going to focus on the emotions, bodily functions, and foods to make it simple. Knowing which emotions are associated with them will help you align with your body wisdom, and by eating foods that are associated with them we can promote balance in your body.
I have a list of statements below that are associated with each of the elements. Check each statement that feels true to you and add the numbers of the checks at the end of each quiz. Find out which elements have the most and least checks.
WOOD
□Irritable, frustrated, and impatient
□Lack of purpose and ambition
□Ruthless
□Compulsive and repressive
□I suffer from PMS, high blood pressure, tight muscles, or headaches.
□I have a problem with the liver or gallbladder.
□I crave alcohol or other unhealthy ways to relieve stress.
Total number of checks _____________
FIRE
□Anxious and nervous
□Agitated
□Hypersensitive
□Poor self-image and low self-esteem
□I suffer from insomnia, acne, or skin rash.
□I have a problem with the heart and small intestine.
□I have circulatory problems.
Total number of checks_____________
EARTH
□Overthinking
□Dependent and needy
□Vague and self-doubting
□Obsessive and intrusive
□I suffer from hemorrhoids, loose stools, fatigue, or food allergies.
□I have a problem with the stomach or pancreas.
□I crave carbohydrates and put on weight easily.
Total number of checks_____________
METAL
□Insecure
□Withdrawn and isolate yourself
□Regretful and pessimistic
□Judging
□Stubborn and sometimes unreasonable
□It’s hard for me to express grief and find healing.
□I am susceptible to colds, cough, flu, pneumonia, tuberculosis, and other respiratory problems.
Total number of checks_____________
WATER
□Indecisive
□Lack of confidence
□Fearful and timid
□Restless
□Prone to urinary tract infection.
□I have sore joints or back problems.
□I have a problem with the kidney or bladder.
Total number of checks_____________
The elements that you gave the most checks are the ones that are in disharmony. The ones with the least checks are the ones that are in harmony.
I have a list of the foods of each of the elements below. You can take a look at the elements that are in disharmony and start incorporating some of the foods in your diet.
WOOD
Artichoke, broccoli, carrot, string bean, leafy greens, parsley, zucchini, avocado, grapefruit, lemon, lime, plum, pomegranate, green lentil, cashew, chicken
FIRE
Asparagus, brussels sprouts, chive, dandelion, endive, scallion, tomato, apricot, raspberry, strawberry, red lentil, pistachio, shrimp
EARTH
Chard, collards, eggplant, parsnip, pumpkin, spinach, squash, sweet potato, banana, apple, cantaloupe, coconut, date, fig, raisin, chickpea, almond, pecan, salmon, tuna
METAL
Cabbage, cauliflower, celery, cucumber, daikon, radish, onion, peach, pear, soybean, walnut, cod, turkey, beef
WATER
Beets, burdock, seaweed (hijiki, kombu, wakame, etc) kale, water chestnut, blackberry, blueberry, cranberry, watermelon, kidney bean, chestnut, crab, lobster, ham, pork
According to 5 elements theory, the way you cook changes the energy of your food. Stir-frying and deep-frying give food a wood energy, grilling and barbecuing give food a fire energy, boiling gives food a water energy, baking gives food a metal energy and steaming gives food an earth energy.
I believe adding foods to your diet is one of the secrets for successful weight loss. We tend to focus on eliminating foods from our diets, but you will stop craving junk or unhealthy food naturally if you start nourishing your body with the food that your body actually needs.
As you increase your awareness about the foods you consume, consider that each food has its own unique energy. Food has distinct qualities and energetic properties.
By understanding the energy of food, you can choose a sustainable diet that suits your body the best.
Remember, these elements are constantly moving and changing. So you should check in with yourself from time to time and see which elements are in harmony and disharmony.
You can also record what you eat and see what your natural tendencies are and bring yourself back into balance by adding certain foods.
If you are interested in exploring this theory further, there are many charts with more details of the characteristics and components of each element available online.
As I said in the beginning, this is one of many ways of refining or correcting your approach to your weight-loss. I hope this blog helps you learn there is no one size fits all diet plans, and gives you a different perspective of dieting. Falling off the diet wagon has nothing to do with your determination and will power. All you need is to find the best diet that works for your special and unique body.