Turn Up the Heat: 5 Warm, Cooked Recipes to Boost Thyroid + Digestive Fire
Here I am making a traditional, nourishing cooked meal over an open fire in the Amazon in 2019.
Why Cooked Foods?
The significance of cooked foods, especially from a Chinese Medicine perspective, is profound.
From a Western perspective, cooked vegetables are easier on the digestive system. The cooking process breaks down tough fibers, aiding in nutrient absorption and reducing digestive stress. For thyroid health, this is crucial, as a well-functioning digestive system is key to hormonal balance.
In Chinese Medicine, the concept extends deeper. Cooked foods are seen as more 'yang' in nature, bringing warmth and energy to the body's core. This warmth is essential for stimulating the 'digestive fire' in the spleen and stomach, according to Chinese Medicine principles. A robust digestive fire is necessary for transforming food into Qi (vital energy) and blood, which are fundamental for overall health.
Moreover, in Chinese Medicine, raw foods are often considered 'cooling' or 'cold', which can dampen the digestive fire and lead to an imbalance of yin and yang in the body. This imbalance can manifest as digestive issues, fatigue, and a sluggish thyroid.
By incorporating cooked vegetables into your diet, you're not just providing your body with easier-to-digest nutrients, but also nurturing your Qi and supporting a harmonious balance, which is essential for thyroid and digestive wellness.
Each of these five warm, cooked recipes taste delicious and have therapeutic wisdom!
1. Thai Basil Chicken Stir-Fry with Broccoli
Macronutrients:
Protein: 35g
Carbs: 15g
Fats: 10g
Ingredients:
400g chicken breast, thinly sliced
2 cups broccoli florets
1 red bell pepper, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp gluten-free soy sauce
1 tbsp fish sauce
1 tsp coconut sugar
½ cup Thai basil leaves
2 tbsp coconut oil
Preparation:
Stir-fry chicken in coconut oil until cooked. Add broccoli, bell pepper, and garlic, cooking until vegetables are tender. Mix in soy sauce, fish sauce, and coconut sugar. Stir in Thai basil leaves just before serving.
2. Moroccan Lamb with Spiced Cauliflower Rice
Macronutrients:
Protein: 30g
Carbs: 10g
Fats: 15g
Ingredients:
400g lamb, cubed
1 head cauliflower, riced
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp coriander
½ tsp cinnamon
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper
Fresh cilantro for garnish
Preparation:
Season lamb with salt, pepper, cumin, coriander, and cinnamon. Cook in olive oil until browned. For the cauliflower rice, sauté riced cauliflower in olive oil, seasoning with the same spices. Serve lamb over cauliflower rice, garnished with cilantro.
3. Mexican Shrimp Fajita Bowls
Macronutrients:
Protein: 25g
Carbs: 20g
Fats: 12g
Ingredients:
400g shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 red onion, sliced
1 bell pepper, sliced
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp paprika
1 lime, juiced
Fresh cilantro for garnish
1 avocado, sliced
Preparation:
Toss shrimp with chili powder, paprika, and lime juice. Sauté shrimp with onion and bell pepper in olive oil until cooked. Serve in bowls, topped with fresh cilantro and avocado slices.
4. Indian Chicken Curry with Spinach
Macronutrients:
Protein: 35g
Carbs: 8g
Fats: 18g
Ingredients:
400g chicken thigh, cubed
2 cups spinach, chopped
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp ginger, minced
1 can coconut milk
1 tbsp garam masala
1 tsp turmeric
2 tbsp coconut oil
Salt to taste
Preparation:
Sauté onion, garlic, and ginger in coconut oil. Add chicken and cook until browned. Stir in garam masala and turmeric, then add coconut milk and simmer. Add spinach and cook until wilted. Season with salt.
5. Greek Lemon Chicken with Zucchini
Macronutrients:
Protein: 35g
Carbs: 6g
Fats: 12g
Ingredients:
400g chicken breast, sliced
2 zucchinis, sliced
1 lemon, juiced and zested
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp oregano
1 garlic clove, minced
Salt and pepper
Preparation:
Marinate chicken in lemon juice, zest, olive oil, oregano, garlic, salt, and pepper. Grill chicken until cooked. Sauté zucchini in olive oil until tender. Serve chicken over zucchini, drizzled with extra lemon juice.
Drop a comment with your favorite cooked recipe – or better yet, surprise me with a culinary plot twist! Your kitchen, your rules!
Your friend in health,
Dr. Pearl
