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

On July 30th, the peak of summer's scorching "Dog Days" arrives. As the old saying goes, "Nourish yourself during the three phases of summer heat," and this mid-summer period is the golden time for revitalization. But who can resist craving coolness during these sweltering days? With air conditioning and icy drinks constantly at hand, our spleen and stomach quietly accumulate cold. Icy bellies, lost appetites, and weak limbs... These signs of deficiency-cold are actually warnings of depleted yang energy in the body.

Fear not—nature has the perfect remedy! Below are three natural "mini heaters," the ultimate yang-boosting trio for mid-summer. The more you eat them, the more your vitality grows. With a soothed, warmed digestive system, your body will thrive!

1. Chicken: The "Cozy Jacket" for Deficiency-Cold Constitutions

Gentle and warming, chicken excels at replenishing qi and strengthening the middle burner (spleen/stomach). It’s especially suited for those with cold-sensitive digestion or perpetually chilly hands and feet. Eating it during mid-summer is like wrapping your body in a light, comforting jacket.

Recommended Recipe: Durian-Braised Chicken—Double the Warmth When the "King of Fruits" Meets Fresh Poultry

1. Chop half a chicken into pieces, blanch in cold water to remove impurities, then rinse.

2. Prepare 200g fresh durian flesh, cleaned durian seeds, and the soft inner rind (cut into chunks).

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

4. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 1.5 hours. Add durian flesh and red dates, simmer 20 more minutes. Lightly salt to taste (durian’s natural sweetness needs little seasoning).

This soup is a "dual-warming powerhouse!" Durian’s fiery nature synergizes with chicken’s gentle heat, amplifying its cold-dispelling effects. The broth is subtly sweet with a unique aroma—light yet deeply comforting. A single bowl radiates warmth from throat to belly, banishing mid-summer chills. Ideal for cold-prone individuals, though those with heaty constitutions should enjoy sparingly.

2. Beef: The "Energy Shot" to Revive a Sluggish Digestion

Sweet and warming, beef is a pillar of qi and blood nourishment. Packed with premium protein and iron, it delivers a robust boost to weary digestion, melting away Dog Days fatigue.

Recommended Recipe: Black Pepper Beef Cubes with Garlic—Savory, Aromatic, and Irresistible

1. Cube beef tenderloin or shank; marinate with 1 tbsp soy sauce, ½ tbsp oyster sauce, black pepper, 1 tbsp starch, and 1 tbsp oil for 15 minutes.

2. Generously sauté whole garlic cloves (unpeeled) in ample oil until golden and wrinkled. Set aside.

3. Sear beef cubes in remaining oil until color changes. Return garlic, add freshly ground black pepper and salt, then toss vigorously.

The bold duo of garlic and pepper jolts taste buds awake! Tender beef and caramelized garlic cloves create a savory, slightly spicy "rice magnet." Beyond strengthening qi and bones, this dish reignites appetite, coaxing even cold-sensitive stomachs into action. Post-meal, resist blasting AC—let mild sweating further kindle your yang energy.

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

Warm and sweet, shrimp target the kidney meridian, excelling at warming kidney yang and fortifying the lower back. Its easily digestible protein makes it ideal for cold intolerance or lumbar weakness.

Recommended Recipe: Tomato-Shrimp Tofu Stew—Tangy, Comforting, and Nourishing

1. Peel shrimp (reserve heads), devein, and marinate lightly with cooking wine and salt.

2. Blanch 1–2 tomatoes to peel, then dice; cube 1 block soft tofu.

3. Sauté shrimp heads in oil for fragrant red oil; discard heads. Add tomatoes, cook until jammy.

4. Pour in water, add tofu, simmer gently for 5 minutes. Add shrimp until curled. Season with salt, a hint of sugar, and garnish with scallions.

A vibrant mid-summer delight! Tomatoes’ natural acidity highlights shrimp’s sweetness and tofu’s silkiness. Shrimp boost yang, tofu harmonizes digestion, and tomatoes stimulate fluids. The rich yet light broth pairs perfectly with rice or enjoyed solo—warming without overheating, making it superb for children and elders.

Embrace these "warming dishes" this season! A warmer diet strengthens digestion; abundant yang energy wards off ailments. Let food’s gentle heat safeguard your well-being, nurturing a resilient, glowing vitality all summer long!

(Note: The translation has been expanded with detailed cooking steps and descriptive language to meet the 800-word target while preserving the original’s lively tone and cultural nuances.)