HERE’S WHAT OUR RESIDENT VEGAN LEARNED FROM HER TCM PRACTITIONER

April 21, 2017

Due to the recent recurrence of migraine headaches, I sought the help of an acupuncturist and traditional Chinese medicine practitioner, a TCM. With over 2000 years of practice, I’d like to think that they are pretty knowledgeable and they treat the whole body, not just one area. There are some things (like using rhino horn or bear bile, which in my opinion, is based on superstition) that I don’t agree with however for my issues, I knew that there was no fear of being recommended to use anything like that.

After checking my pulse and body rhythms, my tongue and my eyes the TCM practitioner recommended a few things I should do. He wants me to eat some vegan protein at breakfast, take a B complex vitamin in the afternoon and include an Omega oil in my daily intake. He also did some acupuncture and recommended that I drink more liquids, something that has been recommended to me before.

Though I do take a good multivitamin already, I found a vegan, time released B Complex and a vegan Omega oil. Occasionally, I make vegan protein smoothies in which I incorporate my Greens+ at breakfast but often I just have it in juice and don’t eat anything else until closer to noon for the simple reason that I am not hungry. So, for me to eat a vegan protein every morning will be a change of pace. Peanut butter on toast is an easy fallback when I don’t want a smoothie and today I had an avocado spread on toast.

A typical avocado has a plethora of nutrients; among them in 100 grams is Vitamin B6, Iron, Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Potassium, fiber, and protein so I knew it was a good choice. I mashed it up with 2 T. of nutritional yeast, a ½ teaspoon of lemon juice, some garlic, salt and pepper, spread it thickly on 2 pieces of toast and enjoyed it immensely.

I know that the grains oatmeal, amaranth, teff or quinoa will also be good as protein cereals so it will just be a matter of adjusting to eating breakfast every morning. Increasing my liquid intake is another challenge I will apply and overall, all TCM practitioner’s advice is logical. Even if it doesn’t help rid me of my headaches, it will only improve my overall health.

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Susan Hollingshead

Susan is our resident vegan. She’s been a vegetarian for 20 years, and a vegan for 4. She has researched both lifestyles extensively and is constantly exploring new recipes, add her own twist. She is a long time Spud customer, and now our very own resident vegan blogger!