The Morning Routine for Optimal Health
The first thing to do upon waking up is to drink cool boiled water. This principle is rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine, which states, "In the morning, the stomach's qi is at its weakest. Therefore, drinking cool water stimulates gastric qi and is the first step for health maintenance." This means that after a night's sleep, your stomach needs a boost before consuming any food. Drinking cool boiled water helps stimulate the gastrointestinal tract, prompting the hypothalamus to generate feelings of hunger.
Once you have had your water, proceed with your morning routine: urinate, wash your face, engage in some light exercise, and then have breakfast. When you start drinking cool boiled water in the morning, it’s essential to begin with a moderate amount—around a few hundred milliliters—and gradually increase the quantity. Your morning exercise should also be light to avoid fatigue throughout the day. Breakfast is vital; however, it should be nutritious but not overly abundant. A high-protein, healthy breakfast is recommended for convenience and nourishment.
Modern medicine has found that the metabolic rate in humans is at its lowest around 4 AM. Heart rate, respiratory rate, and digestive juice secretion are minimal during this time. Hence, it is crucial not to consume heavy, hard-to-digest foods in the morning. Not eating breakfast can impact energy levels and lead to issues like gallstones. Drinking water is the simplest way to kickstart your gastrointestinal system. Why drink cool boiled water? It stimulates intestinal motility and prompts the hypothalamus to signal hunger. Clinical studies indicate that many gastric patients experience issues because they eat immediately after waking up.
Some might argue that children should not drink cool boiled water lest they develop diarrhea, or that those with stomach issues should avoid it. Yes, this might be true, which is why it is important to adopt this habit gradually.
Many people, upon waking, rush to eat breakfast in bed or consume beverages like tea, soft drinks, or even alcohol. However, these actions are not beneficial and go against the natural rhythm of life. It's essential to prioritize a healthy morning routine.
Healthy Lunchtime Rituals
For lunch, you should start with "Baoyuan Soup," made from pig’s trotters, followed by whole grains and side dishes. As Traditional Chinese Medicine advises, "During midday, drink Baoyuan Soup and avoid eating meat; supplement your diet while steering clear of meaty toxins. Incorporate coarse grains and small dishes to bolster digestion, aiming for a seven-tenths full stomach." This is considered the second essential step for health preservation.
Soups can include a variety of options such as beef tendon soup, pork trotters soup, lamb trotter soup, skin soup, crucian carp soup, beef soup, rib soup, and chicken soup. For whole grains, consider corn, millet, buckwheat, barley, legumes, sweet potatoes, and taro. Small dishes may include potatoes, persimmons, radishes, eggplants, and winter melons.
We must admire the philosophy of the eminent physician Liu Chun from history, who advocated for the consumption of meat while simultaneously cautioning against the dangers of consuming solid meats directly. He promoted broth instead to avoid digestive toxicity. This dietary approach is widely respected and followed by millions around the globe.
Post-Lunch Practices for Wellness
After lunch, make it a point to take a 30-minute walk followed by a short nap. As Traditional Chinese Medicine teaches, "A brief rest after meals fosters energy renewal," which is recognized as the third key aspect of wellbeing. The midday meal is a critical time to replenish nutrients, and a quick nap helps redirect blood flow to the gastrointestinal tract, enhancing nutrient absorption. However, let your nap not exceed one hour to maintain balance in your sleep schedule.
In summary, embracing this structured morning and afternoon routine can significantly impact your physical health. By incorporating these practices into your daily life, you can enhance your overall wellbeing effectively.