I’ve heard about the benefits of exclusively eating and drinking warm but it wasn’t until this winter when I actually tried it myself. It had been suggested to me by both an Eastern medicine doctor and Ayurvedic practitioner after sharing with them some of my health concerns (digestion, fatigue, thyroid health, the fact that I’m always cold, yada yada yada) so I figured, what do I have to lose? I fully committed. A few other rules: no gluten and little sugar or dairy.
It took me a few days to get in the rhythm. My go-to morning smoothies were no longer an option nor were cold salads for lunch, but by day three I was golden. Meals looked something like this:
Dinner: fish, veggies & rice or curries
To drink: room temperature water, warm water with lemon and teas
So why did I do this? What does eating warm actually do?
There are different philosophies about eating warm, especially in Chinese medicine which focuses on how warm foods move energy in your body. For example, it’s believed that spicy foods such as onion and cayenne pepper have a warming action, promoting energy to move upwards and outwards to the body’s surface, circulating the blood. They also are said to be useful to disperse mucus from the lungs. However, for purposes of this experiment, I was focused on eating and drinking warm in terms of temperature. The thinking is that raw or uncooked food can place a strain on our digestive systems forcing our bodies to work harder to break down food, ultimately taking more of our body’s energy in the process. As less energy is needed to create digestive heat, there’s more energy available to aid digestion and absorption of nutrients.
Makes sense, right? After eating and drinking warm exclusively for two months, I can genuinely say that my digestion has never been better and my core temperature went up. And I’m not just saying that as a feeling. I kept a log of my temperature every single day – it was the first thing I did every morning – and my core temperature rose. My energy was through the roof as was my hygge and it was such a lovely way to eat through the stormy, cold months.
I’ve since added cold back into my system – it’s really hard to sustain – but find that my mind/body are now drawn to warmer meals/drinks after the experiment. There’s something really nourishing about it.
Has anyone else ever done this or do you all think I’ve lost my mind here?!
31 comments
Heya! That’s quite cool! I would need to heat up my body a bit as I am always cold. I must say that I am used to warm food. Since I was a child. I have to have minimum of kne warm meal a day. Otherwise I am not satisfied and my stomach hurts. If I am in a rush and don’t have a warm meal in 2-3 days I can feel it on myself. Just not doing any good to me. I just wonder if eating everything warm didn’t consume your time a bit??
I’ve always been big on eating salads, and I’m Chinese so my parents always disapprove of that! From reading your post, hmm, maybe their words do have a grain a truth after all.
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
This is very interesting. Thanks for sharing.
This is fascinating. I’ve never heard of the concept, but it’s definitely something I’d be interested in trying!
To be honest never heard of this before but I believe it could very effective. I usually avoid eating warm meals even though I really like soups because than I crave for carbs for some reason and have a hard time drinking water or … wine(big problemo haha)
https://mihabalan.com/2017/03/27/denim-jacket-flare-pants-monday-kick/
Only eating warm cooked foods is a very Chinese thing; my parents have always looked askance at cold salads and sashimi. I’m more open to eating hot and cold foods, but I find that in the depths of winter I’ll always crave some sort of hot noodle soup—pho, ramen, laksa, or plain old chicken noodle—and I can never, never drink water that has ice in it (too cold!).
Interesting but I’ve heard cold water helps with metabolism.
-Kirsten // http://www.porkandcookies.com
Interesting! I doubt that I would have the self control for this!
Briana
http://beyoutifulbrunette.blogspot.com/
Interesting! I’m sure there is something to this, especially in the winter!
I’m a big fan of warm breakfasts – quinoa to be exact. Feels much more nourishing in the morning
Lyndi
http://www.stylecalling.com
Due to health issues I’ve recently had to change my diet to a gluten free one, plus I also try to eat everything warm. So, I’m 100% sure that your experience is life changing.
It is amazing to find these type of posts regarding nutritional facts and diets.
Thank you so much for sharing this.
Love,
Maria
http://fashionablelust.blogspot.com/
sounds like an awesome idea! I’ve never heard of this theory before, I’m glad it worked for you!
Fash ‘n’ fudge
Fash ‘n’ fudge
I’ve never heard of the idea of eating only warm food – in fact, I’ve only heard people advocating eating only raw food! I really struggle with eating too much dairy and sugar, and I think it affects my levels of fatigue. I really think I need to tackle it! I’m glad the experiment went well. Hopefully it’ll help your digestive system in the long run
Steph – http://www.nourishmeblog.co.uk
Sounds tough especially breakfast
This is so interesting! I’ve never thought to do this or heard of it, but it makes total sense.
Deff something to look into and very different! New post/ http://www.oliviaschueller.com
This is so fascinating! I’ve never heard about eating warm, but I might have to try it out for a little bit! It’s crazy how your core temperature rose too!
-Sisi
http://www.modernbeautygirl.com
Interesting experience!
Today on the blog don’t miss my new shoes…I finally succumbed to Granny Shoes trend, but these ones are really special!!! 😉
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I have horrible digestion and I am always cold so maybe I’ll give this a try – but only in Winter!
I’ve never heard of this before but it sure is interesting and logical! I’m always cold, so I love hot tea/coffee in my hands. Mornings always start with oatmeal (or eggs on the weekend). Although I’ve never had digestive problems, people in my family do, so I’ll sure to let them know about this!
http://thedianaedition.com
This is something I practiced after a consultation with an ayurvedic practitioner. Although, I was told cold food is okay in moderation at lunch when digestion is at its strongest. I went to this person over a year ago and it honestly changed my life. I have never had better digestion or felt more nourished. But in the summer I still have smoothies cause it’s all about balance…
This is really interesting, Geri. I’m glad to hear your take on it, especially after my Ayurvedic practitioner suggested it for pacifying my vata qualities. I have trouble sticking to it 100%, but I do feel so much better when I do it, as I try to during the chilly winter months.
Years ago I was advised by my Chinese acupuncturist to only warm beverages, never iced drinks, to help me with menstrual cramps. I can tell you that it was the only thing that worked. If I managed to get through a month with no cold beverages, then no cramps. If I slid back into drinking cold bevs, then cramps.
Ultimately I found it too hard to maintain in our cold beverage culture, but I can tell you that it did work!
Interesting concept! Makes sense. I’ll be sharing this article on my Friday Faves.
No you didn’t lose your mind. I have the tendency to eat the same way since I have diffciulty with digestion. I avoid eating to much cold raw food and it suits me much better.
I suppose cold foods would aid weight loss then, since they use more of the body’s energy in digestion?
I think we’ll combined (google, Food combining) smoothies and juices are fine cold since they are already broken down and easier to digest. What makes sense warm is when eating solid foods.
If your core temperature indeed went up, it’s not good to eat only warm food! Higher core temperature means more cancer, faster cell aging and shorter life. It has not been fully confirmed on humans, but applies to everything up to chimpanzees so it’s doubtful it won’t work the same way on us humans.
Lowering core temperature, together with lowering food intake, are the two most potent tools to extending life known so far (hence we keep what we can in the refridgerator).
I read an article before we did IVF that said warm foods are believed to increase pregnancy chances because the uterus is more welcoming to a baby by being warmer. This is all part of Eastern medicine. I tried it and we had our son. I do not know if it helped, but it didn’t hurt. I will be doing this again this month during our frozen embryo transfer process.
I just stumbled across your site, and I wish I had found it a LONG time ago! Love your informative, short articles. I’ve scoured so many this afternoon, and I’ve learned A TON!!!! I literally just was told today to start a trial of warmer things to see if it would help my digestion. Its like this article was written for me. I’m THRILLED to hear you had such a positive result from it. Are you still following this? Thank you, thank you for this—fingers crossed this will help me!
I have been dealing with digestion issues for awhile and about 2 months ago they got worse. I went to have acupuncture and he is the one who told me about warm foods. I find when I eat rice, soup, inidian, and thia food Infeel so much better. I think some food is still triggering my bloating. I don’t even know what to do anymore between the supplements and different diets I am not sure what to do anymore but it is becoming dibilitating. Would leave to hear whether you took supplements or eliminated specific foods. Very similar to you, I use to eat salads for lunch every day, high protein, low carb,and always cold. Any insights you may have I would love to hear about.
Thanks!
I have been dealing with digestion issues for awhile and about 2 months ago they got worse. I went to have acupuncture and he is the one who told me about warm foods. I find when I eat rice, soup, inidian, and thia food Infeel so much better. I think some food is still triggering my bloating. I don’t even know what to do anymore between the supplements and different diets I am not sure what to do anymore but it is becoming dibilitating. Would leave to hear whether you took supplements or eliminated specific foods. Very similar to you, I use to eat salads for lunch every day, high protein, low carb,and always cold. Any insights you may have I would love to hear about.
Thanks!