Feng Shui & Food II

We welcomed the last animal in the Chinese 12-year zodiac cycle, the Boar, on 18 February 2007. The Boar, ruled by the water element, is usually thought of as a laid-back and easy going type but because the ruling element for 2007 is Fire, the usually placid Boar becomes more aggressive and tumultuous.

The Fire or Red Boar symbolizes the elements of Fire sitting over Water. Because these elements are in conflict, many predict the year ahead to bring about a lot of changes and bigger challenges, including pressing financial issues, trouble at work and more worries at home caused by delinquency problems and arguments that threaten to break up families.
Overall, the year of the Red Boar is said to be a good year for those born in the year of the Sheep and Rabbit. Those born in the year of the Snake and Horse should be prepared for a difficult year but instead of laying low, the Red Boar's inner strength and persistent nature means that the year can be rewarding for those who are up for the challenge.

Health-wise, this year continues to be a fire-ruled year so those with heart problems, high blood pressure, weak kidney or liver should take precautions. Many will be more vulnerable to digestive problems and heat related ailments as well. There is no need to fret because there are minor dietary changes which you can accommodate to counter-balance these effects to help you stay fit and healthy.

Although Feng Shui and food are not directly inter-related, foods are thought to have either yang or warm properties (i.e. increasing the body's metabolic rate) or yin or cooling properties which in excess can lead to a drop in internal temperature and metabolic rate. It is popularly believed that you can look after your health by choosing the right types of food to maintain a balance between the yin and yang properties in our bodies.

You keep heat related ailments at bay by, first and foremost, drinking enough water to keep your body sufficiently hydrated. Avoid taking too much red meat in your diet or consuming food with high salt content. Salt has extreme yang or warm energy. Those born in the year of the Rat, Horse and Dragon have high yang polarity and should be extra careful in this area. Try to include more fish, beans and seaweed in your regular meals as these foods are rich in Omega-3 acids and will maintain balance of the water chi within.

To avoid complaints of indigestions, diarrhea or even constipation, eating regularly is paramount. Consuming more wheat and fibrous food will bring long term health benefits, especially in improving the overall digestive system. When snacking, you should eat biscuits or crackers that are baked rather than fried snacks, and select those that have low fat content and rich in minerals. If you wish to balance out the fire element within at the same time, choose dark vegetables like spinach, broccoli or bok choy, which are rich in anti-oxidants.

The Boar loves to indulge in rich foods and this may easily compromise your health. Take extra steps to watch out for yourself by watching what you eat. The food pyramid is commonly and effectively used to explain the requirements for a healthy and well balanced diet, emphasizing the need to consume more food rich in fibre and to minimize intake of food rich in sugar. Interestingly, increased intake in wheat cereal products are linked to lower risk of certain types of diabetes and even gallstones.
Meditative exercises such as yoga and tai chi have been said to help the energies within our bodies flow in harmony and in greater balance. It is a pretty good idea to include these into your exercise regime as the practice of these exercises are calming and are believed to reduce impact of the conflicting energies of fire and water that are characteristic of the year of the Red Boar. Needless to say, it is also a great way to stay healthy and fit all year long!

The year of the Red Boar is expected to be a busy one for many of us. Try not to skip meals and on days when you are unable to have lunch or dinner on time, it is good to have food like high-fibre, low fat biscuits or crackers by your work table. Munching on nutritious biscuits and crackers packed with wheat cereal instead of processed high sugar food can also keep your organs working efficiently and help avoid unnecessary digestive problems. Look out for those that are low in salt content and preferably, pick snacks that are baked rather than fried.

Whether you are inclined to more western or more oriental customs, a balanced diet and regular exercise are the two necessary pillars for a healthier lifestyle. The bottom line is it is all about moderation and balance in our lifestyle. So stay healthy and active to enjoy this exciting year!

(Next article on Feng Shui and Food: A Diet For Balancing the Energy Within, helping you stay healthy and balanced according to the year you were born in)