1. The Chinese diet is mainly vegetarian, and most meals contain no more than 10% meat of which most are white meats. The main sources of protein therefore come from beans, cereals, eggs, fish and poultry.

2. Meals are balanced under the principles of Yin and Yang. The two main classes of food are Fan and Cai, with the Fan considered Yin and consisting of cereals and vegetables and the Cai considered Yang and consisting of meat, fish and spices. Fan is filling, satisfying and easily digested and absorbs the excess grease and acids of the Cai.

3. Variety is encouraged as it ensures that that you do not over consume too much of the same ingredients which could cause an internal imbalance.

4. There is a strong preference for very fresh ingredients. This leads a practice disturbing to many Westerners where meat and fish products are chosen in restaurants when they are still alive. Fresh organic vegetables are strongly favoured over frozen vegetables, which are considered to be starved of essential Life Energy or Qi as it is called.

5. Ingredients are generally shredded, diced or thinly sliced as this makes it much easier to digest.

6. The main method of cooking is stir-frying as foods cooked quickly in this manner are more likely to retain their nutrients. Steaming is also popular as this also ensures the retention of nutrients. Over cooking is rare in China and micro-waving is generally discouraged as it is considered to damage the Life energy of the food.

7. Foods are generally served at room temperature or warmer and it is discouraged to eat foods direct from the fridge. These cold foods have to be heated internally when consumed and this impairs the digestive process.

8. Cooking vessels and eating utensils are generally made of wood, porcelain and earthenware as the acids in food can react chemically with metals often with health repercussions.

9. Main courses are supplemented with a cup of green tea or warm water as this is considered an aid to digestion.

10. Overeating is discouraged as this puts a strain on digestion. It is usually recommended that you should eat to a point where you are 80% full.

11. Breakfast is usually considered the most important meal of the day and all food is generally consumed before 6pm in the evening.

12. Foods that are commonly considered damaging to health are kept to a minimum or avoided altogether. These include synthetic additives, animal fats, refined sugar, salt, chocolate, unwashed vegetables and fruit.

13. Relax and sit comfortably when eating.