Eating For Your Body Type: Stuck

So far, I've covered eating for the damp body type, and the dry body type. This week I'll talk about the stuck type. If your body type is stuck you might feel more stress than the average person, could have sluggish digestion, and women will show signs of PMS and painful periods. Stuck body types are usually more thin, athletic, or wiry, but this isn't always the case. They may be more prone to depression and irritability without proper exercise. Stuck people have a hard time shutting off their brain, particularly at night. They are the ones who will experience stress headaches or migraines, and jaw clenching or teeth grinding. 

 A diet that creates internal balance for this type means sourcing and cooking fresh, whole foods with a daily profile of 60% vegetables and fruits, 30% complex carbohydrates and 10% protein. 

Fiber Rich Foods for The Stuck Body Type

It's true what they say, "an apple a day keeps the doctor away." Especially for the stuck person. People of this category carry stress in their bodies which can also show up in their digestive tract. Plenty of fiber rich foods are essential for the overall health of this person. Foods rich in fiber include the following:

• Apples

• Kale

• Broccoli

• Sweet Potatoes

• Cabbage

• Pears

• Peas

• Brussels Sprouts

• Carrots

• Oatmeal

• Avocado

• Artichoke

• Black Beans

• Lima Beans

• Quinoa

In Chinese Medicine, a person with this body type would be diagnosed as having Liver Qi Stagnation. It's a pretty common diagnosis. Things for this person to avoid or limit in their diet include caffeine, alcohol, sugar, and very rich foods. 

Bitter and sour flavors are decongesting and cleansing for the liver and good for the stuck body type. Herbal teas like dandelion root tea or burdock root, and bitter lettuce greens like endive and raddiccio are good suggestions. Tangerine or orange peel added to dishes or teas will increase the bitter flavor. Adding lemon juice or apple cider vinegar to water as a beverage, or sprinkling over vegetables will increase the sour flavor.

In addition to a healthy diet, the stuck person absolutely needs physical activity, even if it's just a brisk walk. Exercise helps to get the Liver qi moving.  By relieving Liver Qi Stagnation we are all freer to pursue healthy goals and lead a more fulfilling life.