In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Dampness is seen as one of the most common and persistent external pathogenic factors, ranking alongside Wind in its ability to disrupt health. The other major external pathogenic factors—often referred to as the “Six Evils” —are Cold, Dryness, Fire (Heat), and Summer-Heat. Each of these can invade the body singly or in…
Feeling Bloated After Meals? FODMAPs Might Be the Culprit
Have you ever finished a meal and suddenly felt like your belly turned into a balloon? Or maybe you’re dealing with cramping, gas, or irregular bathroom habits that seem to come out of nowhere? It might not just be what you’re eating—it could be how your body is digesting it. Let’s talk about FODMAPs. It might sound…
Proof That Salads Don’t Have to Suck
So, in the past I had a salad at a restaurant that I totally fell in love with. You know when something just hits all the right notes? Light, fresh, a little sweet, a little savoury… and it actually fills you up without making you feel heavy after? That was this salad. Naturally, I came home and…
Feeling Off? It Could Be Histamine — Here’s What You Should Know
Have you ever eaten something healthy — like spinach, avocados, or even leftovers — and then suddenly felt itchy, foggy, or just off? Or maybe your nose gets stuffy, your skin flares up, or you feel weirdly anxious after a glass of wine? If this sounds familiar, histamine might be playing a bigger role than you…
Matcha & Hojicha: Which Tea Fits Your Day?
As a mom—and a nutritionist—I drink a lot of tea. Some days it’s for an energy boost; other days, it’s for comfort and slowing down. Between driving the kids around, managing a busy household, and sneaking in a bit of self-care, I get how overwhelming it can be to figure out which teas are actually…
Light, Sweet, and Healing: Snow Fungus Dessert Soup
We’ve been battling dry coughs in our house lately—one of those lingering, annoying kinds that just won’t go away. The weather’s been all over the place, and it’s left our throats scratchy and dry. So today, I made a pot of snow fungus dessert soup. What Is Snow Fungus Dessert Soup? It’s a light, slightly…
Breaking Free from Food Rules, Finding True Nourishment
I used to think “eating healthy” meant following a long list of strict rules: no carbs after 6, drink this before that, no more than 1,200 calories a day, count every gram of protein, fat, and carb and definitely no dessert unless it was made with dates and almond flour. I tried almost everything. Some…
Understanding TCM Body Constitutions: A Beginner’s Perspective
I was born and raised in Canada, but growing up in a Chinese household, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) was always present in my life, thanks to my mom. Whenever we were sick, it wasn’t Tylenol or the usual Western remedies. Instead, my mom would brew up some bitter herbal tea that, to be honest, tasted…
Nourishing from the Inside Out
For a while now, this space has been all about food — the things I cooked, the places I ate, and what brought me joy through flavour and culture. And I’ve truly loved sharing that with you. But lately, something in me has shifted. Maybe it’s life, maybe it’s experience, or maybe it’s just a…
A Year of Letting Go and Finding Balance
This past year has been a journey of ups and downs for me – physically, emotionally, and mentally. I’ll be honest – I let myself go a little. Between my kids’ back-to-back baseball tournaments, family commitments, and our big family trip to Japan, life was full in the best (and busiest) ways. I have to…
Eating Well in Winter: TCM’s Guide to Staying Warm and Nourished
Winter’s officially here, and let’s be honest – who doesn’t crave a cozy, warm bowl of something comforting? But it’s more than just satisfying those cravings. What we eat this time of year can seriously impact how we feel. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), winter is all about holding onto your energy, supercharging your immune system,…
My Journey Back To Me
Sometimes it takes a change of scenery to truly see yourself again. Our trip to Japan was supposed to be about family time, exploring, and making memories – and it definitely was. But what I didn’t expect was how much it would open my eyes again. Over the years, I’ve had little moments here and…