Happy New Year, Reader!

Whether you've made a resolution or not, every single person on earth wants to feel their best, but not everyone knows how to make that happen.

A simple place to start is to pay attention to the flavors of your food.

Have you noticed that some foods make you feel calm and content while others leave you feeling restless, irritable, or sluggish?

Science is confirming what ancient healers have known for millennia: Digestion is central to both physical and mental health. But while the importance of a diverse and robust microbiome is indisputable at this point, the nuances of how flavor affects mood are largely left out of the conversation.

Here's a cheat-sheet to help you choose the right flavors to balance out the way you feel.

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A quick breakdown of the flavors:

Sweet:

Heavy, oily, sticky

Naturally sweet foods include: Honey, cinnamon, milk, most whole grains and nuts, most ripe fruit

Sour:

Hot, light, moist

Examples: Citrus fruits, vinegar, fermented foods, cheese, tamarind, tomato, strawberries

Salty:

Hot, heavy, sharp

Examples: Sea salt, sea vegetables (sea weeds)

Bitter:

Dry, cool, light

Examples: Coffee, dark leafy greens, dandelion, burdock, bitter melon, turmeric

Pungent:

Dry, light, hot, sharp

Examples: Garlic, onion, radishes, ginger, chiles, peppers, mustard, wasabi

Astringent:

Dry, cool, heavy

Examples: Broccoli, cauliflower, sprouts, spinach, pomegranate, cranberries, apples, pears, legumes, green tea, mushrooms

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What to eat for how you feel:

If you feel sluggish, tired, procrastinate a lot, and/or lack motivation:

Eat more pungent, bitter, and astringent flavors to counteract that heaviness.

If you feel irritable, perfectionist, impatient and/or cynical:

Sweet, bitter, and astringent flavors are going to pacify you.

If you feel anxious, hyperactive, have mood swings, and/or are easily distracted:

Sweet, sour, and salty flavors will help to keep you grounded.

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​Read this week's blog article to learn more about how to change your mood with food.​

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While food is a powerful tool for mood management, it’s just one piece of the puzzle. At The Embodied Wellness Studio, we believe in a holistic approach to well-being.

Combining mindful eating with acupuncture, medicinal herbs, and bodywork can improve digestion and amplify the benefits of a balanced diet.

If you’re ready to take the next step, our team is here to guide you on your journey. Whether it’s personalized nutrition consultations or integrative wellness programs, we’ll help you create a lifestyle that nourishes your body, mind, and spirit.

Ready to transform your relationship with food so you feel better?

Visit The Embodied Wellness Studio to learn how to nourish your body and mind holistically.

We can’t wait to see where this takes you!

Warmly,

Katerina, Founder and Acupuncturist at The Embodied Wellness Studio