Lee Style T'ai Chi for health and relaxation

Chang Ming - Taoist Long Life Diet

Taoist eating and drinking recommendations for constant good health

Diet can be one of the trickiest areas to get right in t'ai chi, because our modern society seems to have gone so far away from nature that it's sometimes difficult to buy anything which is completely natural. Things which western doctors have told us for years are "good for us" are not necessarily as good as they seem, and for one reason or another (see Chee Soo's book 'The Tao Of Long Life'), they aren't advised when doing the ch'ang ming diet. All of which can leave new-comers to the arts a bit over-whelmed, and asking the oft-heard question "What in God's name do you actually eat then?!?!" Here we have put up a selection of recipes which meet the strictures of the diet, and are also extremely yummy. Personally tried and tested them myself. So go ahead, and enjoy guilt-free....

General Guidelines of the Ch'ang Ming Diet:

Increase your consumption of these foods :

Whole grain foods: Wholemeal bread, Brown rice, Barley, Oats, Buckwheat, Rye, Maize, Millet, Quinoa, anything made with Wholegrain flour: Pasta and Noodles; Biscuits; Cakes; Shredded Wheat; Muesli etc.
Fresh locally grown vegetables in season, organic if possible, steamed or stir-fried is best, or frozen vegetables.
Vegetarian food such as: Beans; Nuts and Seeds (roasted); Soya Bean curd (Tofu); Vegetarian mince, etc.
Free range white meat such as Chicken or Turkey; eggs; non-fatty white fish or Seafood, Prawns.
Soya Milk, Rice Milk, Skimmed Milk, Soya Yoghurt, Low fat yoghurt, Low fat vegetarian cheese.
Seaweed: Nori; Kelp. Natural Soya sauce: Tamari or Shoyu. Vegetable cooking oils and fats, unhydrogenated.
Fruit which is local and seasonal preferably cooked or dried: Dates, Sultanas, Raisins, Figs, Apple, Strawberries.
Sea salt only, in strict moderation, or Gomasio - sesame seeds and sea salt as a condiment.
Herbs, herbal teas and coffees, Caro, Barleycup, China Tea: Green or Black.
Honey, in moderation, unrefined sugar only if you must.

Reduce your intake of these:

White bread, White flour, White rice, Refined or Processed, Tinned and Packet foods
Chemical additives, Colourings, Preservatives, Flavourings, Fruit acids, (remember to read the label).
Red meat: Beef, Pork, Veal, Lamb, Bacon, Sausages, Meat products or extracts.
Red or blue fish - Tuna, Salmon, Mackerel, Swordfish, scavengers such as Crab.
Poultry or fish that is high in fat - Duck, Goose, Haddock.
Boiled, fried or poached eggs. Scrambled or in omelettes is better, or in baking.
Dairy products - Full fat milk, Cheese, Butter, Lard, Dripping, animal fat products.
Alcohol, Tobacco, Coffee, Sugar, Sweets, Chocolate, Drugs, Artificial vitamins, supplements etc.
Spices, Pepper, Mustard, Curry, Vinegar, Pickles, Rock Salt.
Nightshades: Potato, Tomato, Aubergine.
Rhubarb,Spinach (high in Oxalic acid)
Ice cold food and drink especially Ice Cream, Cream, Carbonated drinks etc, Raw and uncooked food
Fresh fruit which is out of season or imported from a different climate, Tropical fruit drinks.
Deep fried food. Grilled, Braised, Roasted or Stir fried food is better.

Always remember -

Buy fresh, organic, locally grown, seasonal wholefoods whenever possible.
Avoid cold food and cold drinks. Cold baths, showers or swimming in cold water.
Reduce your fluid intake as much as possible, avoid drinking before a meal.
These basic guidelines are only to be followed in consultation with your teacher.
If you have a health problem consult your doctor before changing your diet.

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