Dao Life Diet Influencers

The color of the foods we consume can inform us about their benefit to our body. Eating a diet with balanced food colors can contribute to our health. This blog explores the concept of eating foods based on their colors, and introduces the Five Element Theory, Five Flavors, and Five Colors of Chinese medicine.

Additionally, we’ll provide a sample menu with nutritional details according to the Chinese Body Clock, the most ancient circadian rhythm clock, which dictates the ideal times to consume foods based on the body’s natural rhythms.

In the final segment, we’ll look at nighttime teas by color and element, to prepare your body for repair, detox and maintenance during the nighttime fasting period.

The Five Element Theory

The Five Element Theory, a fundamental concept in Chinese medicine, associates the five elements (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water) with specific organs, colors, flavors, and seasons. These elements of nature form the basis of balance and harmony within our bodies.

1. Wood (Green): Aligned with the Liver and Gallbladder, green represents growth and renewal, mirroring the spring season.
2. Fire (Red): Connected to the Heart and Small Intestine, red signifies passion and warmth, and is associated with the summer season.
3. Earth (Yellow): represents the Spleen and Stomach, yellow embodies nourishment and grounding, much like late summer.
4. Metal (White): Linked to the Lungs and Large Intestine, white symbolizes purity and reflection, reminiscent of the autumn season.
5. Water (Black/Blue): Tied to the Kidneys and Bladder, black or blue signifies depth and stillness, reflecting the winter season.

The Five Flavors

Chinese medicine also encompasses five fundamental flavors that correspond to these elements. The herbal supplements in Chinese Medicine are categorized by color, shape and taste so their action in the body can be determined.

1. Sour (Green): Corresponds to the Wood element, stimulating the Liver and Gallbladder. Herbs soaked in vinegar go directly to the liver.
2. Bitter (Red): Aligns with the Fire element, supporting the Heart and Small Intestine. Bitter herbs help balance blood sugar and have anti-oxidant properties.
3. Sweet (Yellow): Tied to the Earth element, nourishing the Spleen and Stomach. Digestion is our source.
4. Pungent (White): Associated with the Metal element, benefiting the Lungs and Large Intestine by relieving mucus buildup and opening the bowels for release.
5. Salty (Black/Blue): Linked to the Water element, aiding the Kidneys and Bladder in water management..

Sample Menu and Nutrient Breakdown

Here’s a sample menu that includes foods representing the five elements, flavors, and colors, along with their nutrient content (macros, vitamins, and fiber):

Breakfast (7 AM – 11 AM): Earth Element

Option 1: Sweet Potato Hash (Yellow)

• Macros: Carbs – 26g, Protein – 2g, Fat – 0.2g
• Vitamins: A – 377% DV, C – 4% DV, B6 – 17% DV
• Fiber: 4g

Option 2: Oatmeal with Banana Slices (Yellow)

• Macros: Carbs – 45g, Protein – 6g, Fat – 2g
• Vitamins: A – 1% DV, C – 7% DV, B6 – 16% DV
• Fiber: 7g

Lunch (11 AM – 3 PM): Fire Element

Option 1: Spicy Red Pepper and Purple Cabbage Salad (Red)

• Macros: Carbs – 12g, Protein – 2g, Fat – 1g
• Vitamins: A – 25% DV, C – 170% DV
• Fiber: 3g

Option 2: Cranberry and Walnut Quinoa Salad (Red)

• Macros: Carbs – 30g, Protein – 7g, Fat – 10g
• Vitamins: A – 1% DV, C – 15% DV
• Fiber: 5g

Dinner (3 PM – 7 PM): Water Element

Option 1: Black Bean Soup (Black)

• Macros: Carbs – 28g, Protein – 8g, Fat – 2g
• Vitamins: C – 4% DV
• Fiber: 8g

Option 2: Salmon with Black Rice (Black)

• Macros: Carbs – 36g, Protein – 30g, Fat – 10g
• Vitamins: A – 10% DV, B6 – 25% DV, D – 17% DV
• Fiber: 4g

When we are following a Daylight Diet, meaning we only eat during daylight hours, what to do and what to eat at night becomes a challenge. This is a great time to incorporate healing color based teas into your nighttime routine. The tea making ritual can help you relax and prepare for a restful sleep.

Teas for the Evening (7 PM – 11 PM)

As you prepare for nighttime fasting from food and the body’s upcoming night time detox schedule, consider the following herbal teas aligned with the elements of the night:

Teas for the Evening (7 PM – 11 PM)

• Fire Element Tea: Highlights the Metabolism with the Triple Burner
  • Ginger Tea: Kindles your inner fire and passion.
  • Cinnamon based Tea: Adds warmth to your evening routine. Watch for overuse of this tea because it’s hot in nature. If you’re menopausal or living in a hot location, Switch out to Peppermint Tea which offers cooling help instead.
• Wood Element Tea: Highlights Detoxification of the Liver & Gall Bladder
  • Schisandra Tea: Promotes adaptability, supporting the Wood element’s qualities of renewal.
  • Lemon Balm Tea: helps the Wood element by helping the liver detox the blood
• Metal Element Tea: Aids the Lung for oxygenation of blood & Large Intestines for elimination of waste in the morning.
  • Chamomile Tea: Aids in respiratory relaxation and lung health.
  • Lavender Tea: Calms and soothes, supporting lung and overall well-being.
  • Senna Leaf Tea: has a laxative effect to stimulate bowel movements.
  • Fennel Tea: Supports intestinal digestive comfort and overall well-being.

Give eating for the colors a try by incorporating the principles of the Five Element Theory, Five Flavors, and Five Colors into your daily diet. Choose foods that resonate with your body’s natural rhythms and the changing seasons. As you prepare for nighttime fasting and detox, let the evening teas for the Fire, Wood, Metal support your body and mind.