As lovely as autumn in Beijing can be, it's also horrifyingly dry, and all that dryness isn't great for your lungs and skin. However, traditional health preservation theory holds that white food is really good for your lungs, especially during the fall. Nutritionist Xiong Miao came up with some sample dishes that will help you enjoy a monochromatic meal plan all day.

For breakfast, Xiong recommends a cup of bean or almond juice accompanied by whole-wheat toast, an omelet and a small plate of cold cucumber or tomato. Almond powder is easy to fix and can be purchased in most grocery stores. It's rich in vitamins and minerals, and Xiong says it will nourish your lungs (eat, don't breathe it) and help prevent heart disease.

For lunch, Xiong recommends a course of pure white soup with crucian carp, turnip and lotus root, with some kind of rice or vegetables. "This soup is very nutritious and also easy to cook, the three ingredients all can be cooked within a short time, 10 minutes is enough. Lotus root is good for vitality while turnip can regulate your qi. Carp is very low in fat and rich in protein, vitamins and microelements," she said.

For a healthy dessert, a sweet white soup made of white mushrooms, lotus seeds and lilies can soothe the lungs and relax the body.