The Beginning of Winter is the 19th solar term among the twenty-four solar terms and is also an important solar term in the Chinese lunar calendar. Beginning of Winter marks the official start of winter, when temperatures gradually drop and crops enter a dormant period. In traditional Chinese culture, the Beginning of Winter has some food-related customs. People will have some specific eating habits during this solar term.

The three foods after the Beginning of Winter means that people eat three kinds of food on the day of the Beginning of Winter or within three days after the Beginning of Winter. This is an ancient traditional custom. These three foods are persimmons, grapefruits and grapes. Persimmons are ripe at the beginning of winter. They are sweet and juicy and rich in vitamin C and fiber, which can help enhance immunity and aid digestion. Grapefruit is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, which help prevent colds and protect cardiovascular health. Grapes are rich in vitamins and minerals, which can help supplement the nutrients your body needs.

However, within three days after the beginning of winter, there are also three foods that people should not eat, which are called the three no-touch foods in the beginning of winter. These three foods are turtle meat, crab and eel. Eating turtle meat is one of the taboos after the beginning of winter, because turtles are hibernating animals, and their digestive systems are in a dormant state at this time. Eating turtle meat can easily lead to indigestion. Crabs are also foods that should not be eaten after the Beginning of Winter, because crabs can easily cause internal heat, and during the Beginning of Winter, the human body's yang energy begins to be strong, so eating crabs will increase the risk of getting internal heat. Eel is also one of the foods that people should avoid eating after the beginning of winter, because eel meat is hot and easy to get angry, which is not suitable for the climate during the beginning of winter.

The custom of eating three meals and not touching anything at the beginning of winter has a long history. It is an experience summed up by people in their long-term life practice. On the day of the Beginning of Winter, people will specially prepare persimmons, grapefruits and grapes and place them on the table to express their welcome and blessing for winter. Within three days after the beginning of winter, people will avoid eating turtle meat, crabs and eels to avoid causing damage to the body.

The custom of eating three meals without touching anything at the beginning of winter is not just a tradition. Behind it lies people’s concern for health and sensitivity to seasonal changes. At the beginning of winter, people's bodies need to adapt to the cold temperatures, adjust their diet, and increase their nutritional intake to improve their body's resistance. Avoiding eating turtle meat, crabs and eels is out of consideration for your health and to avoid discomfort caused by improper consumption.

The custom of eating three things and not touching them during the Beginning of Winter still exists in modern society. People will still insist on eating persimmons, grapefruits and grapes on the day of Beginning of Winter or within three days after the Beginning of Winter, and they will also avoid eating turtle meat. , crab and eel. This is not only the continuation of a cultural tradition, but also people's pursuit of health and reverence for nature. By following the custom of eating three meals and not touching anything at the beginning of winter, people can better protect their health and enjoy the beauty of winter.