Have you ever had a large serving of meat, yet still easily 'had room' for a sweet dessert right after?
This phenomenon can be explained by looking at the macrobiotic properties of foods on the spectrum of expansive-contractive. In Eastern Medicine this principle is demonstrated as the Yin (Expansive Foods) versus the Yang (Contractive Foods). Having a balance of these properties is essential for health and well-being.
Since our brain and our body is always looking to achieve a balance (known as homeostasis), this explains why eating foods from one end of the spectrum can lead us to easily reach for foods from the other. The need to balance out a food from one end of the spectrum with a food from the other end can cause an unnecessary physiological swing. Large swings in this spectrum can manifest as large fluctuations in energy, mood, and cravings.
To help avoid these physiological disruptions, you should aim to eat foods in the *Neutral Zone* a high majority of the time. This can help your body to remain in a stable place so that your mind and body are working optimally towards your desired results!
Tip: If you do find yourself at one end of this spectrum, don't aim to use the foods at the other end to force yourself into a balanced state. Instead, use the *Neutral Foods* to slowly bring your body back to a state of homeostasis.
