Putting on Autumn Fat: The Importance of Individualized Approach and Timing

After the beginning of autumn, the human body has gone through a long and hot summer, resulting in a significant depletion of nutrients such as protein, trace elements, and fat. In Chinese folklore, there is a custom called "putting on autumn fat". However, experts point out that the practice of "putting on autumn fat" should vary depending on the individual, the location, and the timing, otherwise it may not only fail to have a health-promoting effect but also be harmful to one's health. In terms of diet after the beginning of autumn, people should scientifically select vegetables that are suitable for autumn, such as bean sprouts, spinach, carrots, celery, Chinese cabbage, and lettuce. These vegetables are both nutritious and not likely to cause weight gain.

Experts explain that the tradition of "putting on autumn fat" originated in the northern part of China, which is related to the climate there. In contrast, after the beginning of autumn in the southern part of China, the weather doesn't immediately cool down, and the humidity is still relatively high. At this time, the function of the spleen and stomach is still not very good. If one "puts on autumn fat" at this time, it will burden the spleen and stomach, leading to the accumulation of dampness and heat in the gastrointestinal tract, which in turn makes it easier to develop illnesses such as colds, fever, and constipation. Therefore, it can be said that it is not worth the effort to replenish the body early in the autumn.

Experts remind that the following three types of people should pay special attention to the selection of ingredients and techniques for "putting on autumn fat".

Those with weak spleen and stomach: People with spleen deficiency often show symptoms such as poor appetite, abdominal distension, loss of appetite, fatigue, occasional diarrhea, and sallow complexion. Before replenishing, they may consider eating some foods that can invigorate the spleen and stomach in moderation, such as Poria cakes, Job's tears, Chinese yam, cowpeas, and millet. Eating porridge can help with digestion, nourish the spleen, and moisturize dryness, so cooking the above-mentioned foods into porridge can have better therapeutic effects.

Those with excessive stomach fire: People who usually have a preference for spicy and greasy foods are prone to developing excessive heat in the body over time, which accumulates in the intestines and stomach, resulting in symptoms such as burning sensation in the stomach, craving for cold drinks, bad breath, and constipation. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to clearing the stomach fire before replenishing. Consuming some bitter gourd, cucumber, winter melon, bitter vegetables, and bitter herbal tea in moderation can help reduce stomach fire, and replenishment can be done after the stomach fire has subsided.

The elderly and children: Due to their weaker digestive abilities, the stomach often retains undigested food, resulting in poor appetite or bloating after meals. Therefore, it is important to focus on promoting digestion and invigorating the stomach before replenishing. Eating some hawthorn and white radish, which can aid digestion, invigorate the spleen, and harmonize the stomach, in moderation can be beneficial.