3 Yang-Boosting Foods to Eat More During Dog Days: Replenish Vital Energy, Strengthen Spleen & Stomach

On July 30th, the peak of summer's scorching heat arrives. As the old saying goes, "Nourish yourself during the three fu periods," and this mid-fu phase is the golden time for revitalization. But who can resist chasing coolness during these sweltering days? With AC blasting and icy drinks in hand, our spleen and stomach quietly accumulate cold. Icy belly, lost appetite, weak limbs... These signs of deficiency-cold are actually SOS signals from our depleted yang energy.

Fear not—nature has the perfect remedy! These three natural "mini heaters" are the ultimate yang-boosting trio for mid-fu days. The more you eat, the more vitality you gain, comforting your chilly digestive system for a healthier you!

1. Chicken: The Cozy "Thermal Vest" for Cold-Constitution Folks

Gentle yet potent at replenishing qi, chicken is ideal for those with cold-sensitive digestion or perpetually cold hands/feet. Eating it during mid-fu is like wrapping your body in a snug, breathable vest.

Recipe Spotlight: Durian-Braised Chicken

Where "King of Fruits" meets poultry for double warmth

Steps:

1. Chop half a chicken; blanch in cold water to remove impurities. Rinse.

2. Prepare 200g fresh durian flesh, cleaned durian seeds, and tender inner rind (diced).

3. Combine chicken, durian rind/seeds, and ginger slices in a clay pot. Cover with water.

4. Simmer on low heat for 1.5 hours. Add durian flesh and red dates; cook 20 more minutes. Lightly salt (durian’s sweetness needs little seasoning).

This soup is a "yang-reviving masterpiece"! Durian’s fiery nature synergizes with chicken’s warmth, creating exponential cold-dispelling power. The broth is subtly sweet with a fruity aroma—light yet deeply comforting. One bowl sends warmth from throat to belly, banishing mid-fu chills. Perfect for cold-constitution individuals; heat-prone types should moderate intake.

2. Beef: The "Energy Shot" That Awakens Lethargic Digestion

Sweet-warm beef is a cornerstone for replenishing qi and blood. Packed with premium protein and iron, it delivers a robust energy surge to weary midsections, combating summer fatigue.

Recipe Spotlight: Garlic Black Pepper Beef Bites

Savory, aromatic, and utterly addictive

Steps:

1. Cube beef tenderloin/shank. Marinate with 1 tbsp soy sauce, ½ tbsp oyster sauce, black pepper, 1 tbsp starch, and oil for 15 mins.

2. Sauté copious whole garlic cloves (golden and wrinkled) in ample oil; set aside.

3. Sear beef on high heat until color changes. Toss with garlic, generous black pepper, and salt.

The bold duo of garlic and pepper jolts heat-dulled taste buds awake! Tender beef meets caramelized garlic—a salty-spicy "rice obliterator." Beyond nourishing blood and muscles, this dish reignites appetite, making even cold-sluggish digestion eager. Post-meal tip: Embrace mild sweating—no instant AC!—to let yang energy flourish.

3. Shrimp: The Aquatic "Pocket Sun" for Kidney Yang

Warm-natured shrimp targets kidney meridians, excelling at warming yang and strengthening lumbar/knees. Its easily digestible protein is a godsend for cold intolerance or achy joints.

Recipe Spotlight: Tomato-Shrimp Tofu Stew

Tangy, tender, and nourishing

Steps:

1. Peel shrimp (save heads), devein, and marinate with cooking wine/salt.

2. Blanch-then-dice tomatoes; cube soft tofu.

3. Sauté shrimp heads for red oil; discard. Cook tomatoes into jam.

4. Add water, tofu (simmer 5 mins), then shrimp. Season with salt/sugar; garnish with scallions.

A vibrant mid-fu delight! Tomatoes’ acidity highlights shrimp’s sweetness and tofu’s silkiness. Shrimp boosts yang, tofu harmonizes digestion, and tomatoes stimulate fluids. The velvety broth—great over rice or solo—offers warmth without dryness. Ideal for elders/kids.

Final Wisdom

This dog days season, let these "warming dishes" grace your table. Each bite strengthens digestion; every surge of yang energy wards off ailments. Embrace food’s innate warmth to cultivate a resilient, glowing vitality—because summer wellness starts from within!

(Word count expanded to meet requirement while preserving original content’s essence and nutritional insights.)