This year, November 7 marks Lidong, one of the 24 Chinese solar terms, signifying the arrival of winter, the coldest season of the year. Every year, Confucius Institute Maastricht (CIM) in the Netherlands celebrates Health Month in November. This year, CIM’s teachers have put together a special Health Month series to share wellness tips from traditional Chinese culture to help you stay healthy and energized through autumn and winter!
For the first blogpost, written by Ms. Liu Yuchen, who shares the wisdom behind 贴秋膘 tiē qiū biāo (literally, “sticking on autumn fat”). We hope this series brings you practical health tips, so stay tuned for our updates! Let’s start by exploring what 贴秋膘 is all about.
What is “贴秋膘”?
As autumn begins, many people in China start to “build up for autumn”—but what does that mean? It’s a traditional custom from northern China. During the hot summer, our bodies work harder, and people often eat less because of the heat, leaving them feeling lighter and maybe even a bit weak. When autumn arrives, people traditionally eat more nourishing foods to “put on a little padding,” which helps restore their energy and get ready for the colder months.
Put simply, “building up for autumn” is a way to boost energy before winter arrives. While this used to mean eating lots of hearty meats, today people focus more on balanced nutrition. You don’t have to eat rich foods; the idea is to eat healthily and in moderation, so your body can adjust to cooler weather and handle winter better.
Tips for “贴秋膘”
Although 贴秋膘 has many benefits, it’s not about eating as much as possible! Here are a few tips to keep a healthy balance while nourishing your body.
- Go Easy on High-Fat and Sugary Foods: Traditional 贴秋膘 focused on meat-heavy meals, but today, moderation is key—especially with high-fat or sugary foods, which can overburden the body.
- Choose Foods Based on Your Body’s Needs: Everyone’s body is a bit different. People with “cooler” body types can try warming ingredients, like lamb and ginger, while people with “warmer” body types might benefit from milder foods like yam and lotus root.
- Keep Moving: Building up for fall isn’t just about eating; exercise is important too! Gentle exercise helps with digestion and prevents weight gain from extra calories, making your fall routine more balanced.
In short, 贴秋膘 is about more than just adding “fat” to the body; it’s a process of balanced nourishment to adapt to seasonal changes. By replenishing wisely and focusing on wellness, we can welcome autumn and winter with ease. So, why not indulge in some comforting and nourishing foods this season?