Feeling Uninspired? Eat!

by Tamra Ana

Feeling uninspired–Heat got you moving slow–Sluggish?

Of course, looking beautiful helps boost our energy and for that we have cosmetic acupuncture.  Losing a few pounds always works to boost energy, and acupuncture for weight loss is fantastic! If you get rid of body aches and pains you can really feel great and for that we have our bio-detox program.

Along with all these programs in our Northern VA acupuncture clinic, you can make the one thing you do every single day the focus of what will make a huge difference…the way you eat.

Foods have energetic healing properties and align with 5 different flavors that correspond with the elements of nature. The first 12 days of every season align with the Sweet flavor.

On July 4th, we exploded out of this transitional period of Sweet into the Bitter flavor of the heat of Summer.

Let’s combine our transitional sweet flavor, with our summer bitter flavor arising from the Fire element, to improve our energy and get us moving!

Persona Note: I’ve been feeling digestively overburdened, mentally taxed with studies, and sluggish in my lower body. So… I broke out my wok for a quick and easy meal that wouldn’t overheat the kitchen on this hot day!

Feeling burdened–Sluggish–Lost in thought–Poor digestion?  Cook this!*

Asian Spicy Salad

1 C. shredded papaya (available at ethnic foods stores, Eden Center Supermarket if you live in NoVA)

1 C. shredded carrots

1 C. bean sprouts

1 bunch of parsley, roughly chopped (save a few sprigs for garnish, if desired)

3 scallions, chopped

1 lime, cut in half for juicing (slice two thin slices from the center for garnish, if desired)

1 package Shirataki noodles, fettuccine pictured

Protein of your choice, cubed: chicken breast, shrimp, tofu

3 Tbsp nut butter of your choice: almond, cashew, peanut

2 Tbsp liquid aminos (now widely available in most grocers, a nice soy sauce substitute), or soy sauce, or tamari, optional

coconut oil

sesame oil (any kind, toasted, roasted, or plain), optional

1. Heat coconut oil in wok over medium heat. 2. Add protein. 3. Cook until half-done. 4. Add the papaya, carrots, bean sprouts, parsley, and scallions.  Toss frequently while cooking.

Meanwhile, 1. Prepare Shirataki noodles according to package instructions.  Once noodles are dry in the cooking pan, 2. Add a hint of coconut oil and 1 Tbsp of the nut butter    3. Stir to coat using tongs. When the vegetables are almost done cooking (this only takes a few minutes)     4. Drizzle with sesame oil, liquid amines    5.  Add 2 Tbsp of the nut butter   6. Stir to coat.  Remove from heat. 

To serve: Plate 1/3 C. of the noddles, 1/3 C. of the veggies and protein. Squeeze with fresh lime juice. Garnish with fresh parsley and a twisted lime slice. (Pack up the leftovers for tomorrow’s lunch at work—tastes great cold!)

TO YOUR HEALTH!

We are experts in the use of acupuncture to treat chronic back pain; acupuncture for neck pain; acupuncture to treat infertility; acupuncture for weight loss; acupuncture detox cleansing; cosmetic acupuncture; and Thai massage.  Our Arlington-based Northern Virginia acupuncture clinic has openings every day for new patients.  Contact us today.