When people hear “holistic nutritionist,” it can bring up a lot of assumptions. Some think it’s restrictive, others think it’s all supplements, and some aren’t quite sure what it means at all. The truth is, holistic nutrition is much simpler—and more grounded—than most people think. For a long time, I lived in a cycle that…
Category: Alternative Medicine
The Perimenopause Tea: 4 Ingredients, Centuries of Wisdom
Let’s be real: perimenopause can be a wild and unpredictable ride. Between the “internal furnace” of hot flashes, the brain fog that makes you wonder where you put your keys, and those 3:00 AM moments staring at the ceiling, it’s a lot to handle. While there are so many ways to navigate this stage, I…
One Year In: My Journey Toward Holistic Nutrition
This year marks a major milestone for me: one year since I started my journey into studying Holistic Nutrition. It’s a bit surreal to think I’m already a third of the way through. I have two years to go, though depending on how life moves (and how many times I have to re-read the same…
Feeling Off-Balance? How the Five Elements Explain Your Energy
Have you ever felt tired, unmotivated, or constantly restless—even after a full night’s sleep? You’re not lazy, and you aren’t broken. Your body is simply sending you a message through a system that has guided people for thousands of years: the Five Elements (五行). In this tradition, your energy—or Qi—is influenced by the world around you. Think…
Why You Feel “Heavy” (Even When the Scale Doesn’t Move)
The Sticky Truth About Dampness and Your Health For a long time, I didn’t really notice it, but once I hit my thirties, I couldn’t quite put my finger on why I felt so sluggish and foggy every late summer. It wasn’t just the heat—it felt heavier than that. It was like I was suddenly…
Light, Sweet, and Healing: Snow Fungus Dessert Soup
We’ve been battling lingering dry coughs in our house lately—you know, the kind that leaves your throat feeling scratchy and restless. The weather has been all over the place, so today I reached for a remedy from my childhood: Snow Fungus Dessert Soup (糖水). What Is Snow Fungus Dessert Soup? It’s a light, slightly sweet Chinese…
Understanding TCM Body Constitutions: A Beginner’s Perspective
I was born and raised in Canada, but growing up in a Chinese household, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) was always present in my life, thanks to my mom. Whenever we were sick, it wasn’t Tylenol or the usual Western remedies. Instead, my mom would brew up some bitter herbal tea that, to be honest, tasted…
Eating Well in Winter: TCM’s Guide to Staying Warm and Nourished
Winter’s officially here, and let’s be honest – who doesn’t crave a cozy, warm bowl of something comforting? But it’s about more than just satisfying a craving. What we eat this time of year has a massive impact on how we feel. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), winter is about conserving energy, supporting the immune…
Fall Wellness: TCM Tips for Nourishing Body and Spirit
Fall is a time of change. The air cools, the leaves turn beautiful shades of orange and gold, and everything feels a little slower and more reflective. In TCM, fall is the season that corresponds with the lungs and metal element and it’s all about nourishing your body, mind, and spirit as we transition from…
Summer Foods to Keep You Cool and Balanced, TCM Style
Summer is officially here, and you can feel it everywhere—longer days, sunshine, and that heat that just screams for ice-cold drinks. But here’s the thing: in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), offers a different perspective on internal balance. Cooling the body isn’t about the temperature of the liquid, but rather using specific functional foods that naturally help…
Nourishing Your Body: The Best Foods to Eat in Spring According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
Spring’s that time of year when everything starts to shake off the winter slowdown. Nature wakes up, plants start growing again, animals come out of hibernation, and we feel that shift too. Maybe there’s a bit of winter weight or sluggishness hanging around, but as the days get warmer, we’re naturally pulled outside, craving movement…
The Nourishing Power of Food: Feeding Your Brain, Mind, and Emotions
Happy World Mental Health Day! Did you know that the colourful, balanced foods on your plate can do wonders for your mental well-being? They play a crucial role in supporting mental health and easing symptoms linked with mood disorders like depression and anxiety. Ever noticed how a bowl of homemade soup can warm not just…
Gut Talk: Understanding Leaky Gut
Have you ever had those days where your stomach feels like a total battleground? You’re left wondering what on earth you ate to deserve the bloating or discomfort. If so, you’re definitely not alone. Our gut is essentially the engine that keeps everything else running, but sometimes it throws us a major curveball—like Leaky Gut…
Black Sesame Euphoria
Hey there! I’m excited to share something deliciously simple and close to my heart today—Black Sesame Soup (黑芝麻糊). It’s the kind of sweet treat that just makes you feel at home. Imagine a creamy, nutty goodness with an earthy taste that’s not overly sweet but incredibly comforting. It’s a dessert that’s been a part of…
Exploring Veganism’s Health Benefits and Challenges
In recent years, veganism has taken centre stage, with more and more people embracing it as a pathway to a healthier lifestyle. But, is it really all it’s cracked up to be? In this post, we’ll dive into the world of veganism from a nutritionist’s perspective, debunking myths, highlighting benefits, and discussing the potential downsides….