Office Hours episode 27: Food as Medicine with Warren Sheir

Angelique and Toby talk with Warren Sheir about Chinese medicine, nutrition, and the practical power of food as an everyday therapy. The conversation moves from Warren’s background in macrobiotics and traditional Chinese medicine to his book, Ancient Wisdom, Modern Kitchen, and the real-world dietary advice he uses with patients.What makes this episode usefulIt works because it feels practical and relatable: listeners hear concrete food strategies, clinical examples, and a relaxed discussion that makes nutrition feel doable instead of rigid.Key topics coveredWarren’s path into Chinese medicineWarren shares how he began his Chinese medicine education in 1995 and how his earlier macrobiotics background shaped his awareness of food energetics, even if he no longer follows that approach strictly.“Good clean food” in real lifeHe defines his current approach as:Whole foods whenever possibleOrganic foods whenever possibleLots of vegetablesSome whole grainsClean animal products like wild-caught fish and pastured chickenSimple meals, eaten slowly and without overeatingWhy he wrote Ancient Wisdom, Modern KitchenWarren explains that the book grew out of a need he saw among students and patients who wanted practical, usable dietary guidance. He and his co-authors wanted recipes that were:Clear and step-by-stepRooted in Chinese dietary principlesHelpful for both practitioners and patientsFood as medicine in clinical practiceThe conversation explores how dietary changes can sometimes reduce the need for herbs or support treatment more gently, especially for sensitive patients.Examples discussed include:Using congee for spleen deficiency diarrheaAdding food-grade ingredients like fu ling, yi yi ren, lotus seed, and qian shiKeeping formulas and food recommendations simple so they’re easier to digest and followWarming foods and mindful eatingWarren and the hosts discuss:Warm breakfastsCutting back on cold foods, especially in colder seasonsAdding warming spices like ginger and cinnamonEating more slowlyChewing more thoroughlyCreating a more mindful, appreciative eating ritualDiet change is hardA major theme is that diet change is often slow and uneven. Warren notes that:Baby steps matterPatients often improve, then backslideSmall wins can build momentumConsistency is more important than perfectionCommunity and connectionThe episode closes with a broader reflection on eating as a communal, connected experience rather than a distracted, isolated one.Notable momentWarren describes how one patient seemed to be taking herbs but wasn’t actually preparing them, highlighting how easy it is for people to misunderstand or half-follow treatment plans.TakeawayThis episode is a grounded reminder that food choices, preparation, timing, and attention can all support health in small but meaningful ways.