Hi Coach, I need your advice.
My father has high blood pressure, and he holds a strong cultural belief that drinking hot water aids digestion. Because of that, he refuses to drink cold water or water with ice served in the restaurants —only warm water or hot tea. The problem is, he’s just not drinking enough. You can’t really drink a lot of warm water all at once, and I’m starting to worry about his hydration, especially with his hypertension.
On top of that, he often eats pan-fried noodles and crunchy pork skins because he believes oily foods coat his stomach and prevent discomfort when taking his medications. I know he’s trying to avoid stomach issues, but I’m really concerned that his choices are affecting his cholesterol and heart health.
I want to support him without challenging his beliefs or sounding like I’m lecturing. What would you suggest?
With love,
—A Concerned Daughter
Dear Concerned Daughter,
Thank you so much for your thoughtful message. Your father is lucky to have someone like you looking out for both his traditions and his health.
Let’s talk about the warm water first. Hydration is essential, especially for someone with high blood pressure. Since your dad prefers warm drinks, we don’t need to push cold water—we can work within his comfort zone. Here are some warm, culturally aligned alternatives to support hydration:
Herbal or Fruit-Infused Teas – Add goji berries, dried longan, or slices of ginger and jujube to warm water (桂圓紅棗枸杞茶). These are not only hydrating but also familiar and comforting.
Coconut Water (served warm or room temp) – Naturally rich in electrolytes and heart-friendly, it’s a gentle way to hydrate.
Watery Fruits – Watermelon, Asian pears, and oranges can be offered as snacks with high water content. Just be mindful of the portion sizes to avoid excessive sugar intake.
Soups or Broths – Light miso soup or vegetable broths count toward fluid intake and feel like a warm meal, not just a drink.
Now, about the pan-fried noodles and pork skins—these are deeply rooted comfort foods, but they do raise concerns about cholesterol and inflammation. The good news is we can ease into alternatives without taking away what he loves:
Softer, Less Oily Noodles – Stir-fried rice noodles with lots of vegetables and less oil can still feel indulgent without overloading on fat.
Crunchy Alternatives – Baked or air-fried tofu or seaweed snacks can replace pork skins while still giving that satisfying texture.
Stomach-Soothing Foods – Instead of oily dishes, try congee with soft vegetables, steamed sweet potatoes, or avocado slices—these are gentle on the stomach and nourishing.
You don’t have to change everything overnight. Begin by introducing one new dish alongside something he already enjoys. The more he feels supported (not corrected), the more open he’ll be to change. And remember: small tweaks lead to lasting habits.
You’re doing such meaningful work—bridging love, culture, and wellness.
With admiration,
Your Favorite Health Coach