Principles of food combining

For people with sensitive tummies, bloating issues and those wanting weight loss, macrobiotics’ principles of food combining can help. Usually, sensitive stomach means an over-growth of yeast (candida) in the gut. To get your tummy back on track and get rid of the bloating, do two things:

1. Stop consuming ‘yeasted’ products like bread, wine, processed/packaged foods, baked goods and dairy (it keeps the gut damp)

2. Adopt ‘food combining’ principles.

Good food combinations leads to three things: Lesser putrefaction in the stomach, therefore lesser bad bacteria and reduced tendency to develop candida; stronger digestive system; and weight loss. With reduced incidence of developing toxins, you store less fat and lose the bloating.

Combining principles

Protein with green and non-starchy vegetables: Fish with steamed or stir-fried or sautéed greens; chicken with green leafys or soup of non-starchy veggies. Greens benefit the liver, which metabolises proteins.

Whole grains and starchy veggies with non-starchy ones: Grains assimilate better when eaten with non-starchy or low-starch veggies. Pair brown rice with red pumpkin and greens. Or a potato salad (high starch) with a leafy green salad and vegetable soup.

Fats and oils go best with greens and low starch vegetables:  Do not combine high fats with protein, as it delays the secretion of hydrochloric acid needed to digest the protein. Meats high in saturated fats go best with a green vegetables or no starch vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, beans etc. 

High-fat proteins: Cheese, milk, nuts, yogurt and avocado go well with greens, non-starchy vegetables, and acidic fruits. Drink milk by itself as a food group or with greens. In a creamy salad dressing (from milk or its products), add a generous dash of green herbs like parsley, dill and mint.

Eat fruits on an empty stomach: Fruits digest first before anything else, therefore clubbing them with other foods will pose a problem. Acidic fruits (sour) like strawberries or kiwi can be combined with yogurt.

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