How to Consciously Eat
You Are What You Eat
‘Food As Medicine’
The fundamental importance of what you're eating;
Whether it's organic or locally farmed, consideration of the qualities of each food according to Ayurvedic principles is as important as the environmental factors, your mental state, and the way you're eating your food.
We could get really technical about things, however, I feel the most vital point of adopting a healthy lifestyle and living by that, is for things to be as uncomplicated and adaptable as possible. From my own personal experience, effortlessly introducing the key principles of eating with awareness has really impacted my overall well-being.
These 10 influential factors will be of benefit to one's wellbeing. Simply introduce them at your own pace, and see what a difference it makes: how much better you feel, how much stronger your digestion has become, and how much more energy you have. These principles come from the ancient Ayurvedic text 'Caraka Samhita', which has been around for thousands of years.
10 Effortless Guidelines For Eating With Awareness
1. Eating foods cooked and hot in temperature
Warm, wholesome cooked foods are optimal for metabolism. Lightly spiced makes food compatible + it enlivens all the senses.
2. Not eating on the run
Being in a calm state with no distractions where you're sitting down, and acknowledging the food you're eating is key for digestion.
3. Eating only after the previous meal has been digested
BREAKFAST can be light/moderate
LUNCH is your biggest meal
DINNER is your lightest meal
A simple rule of thumb: if you're not hungry, DON'T EAT! Breakfast could be warm milk if you don't have an appetite and dinner can be skipped too if you've had a big lunch and aren't hungry.
4. No snacking
If hungry in the mid-morning or afternoon have a handful of soaked and skinned almonds with raisins or can have home-made chai
5. Eat in a pleasant environment
Being conscious of your surroundings and how that has an influence on you, especially while eating is essential. Try to avoid any stimulation when you are eating including watching tv, looking at your screen, and even limiting the amount of talking.
6. Eat slowly, but not too slowly
We all know what happens when we eat too fast. Chew your food properly and eat slowly. Best not to take breaks during eating.
7. Eat with your hands
Improves digestion, encourages mindful eating & touch satisfaction - the nerve endings in your fingers sense the temperature and texture of the food, which sends information to the brain about what you're going to be eating, which will release the proper digestive juices & enzymes.
8. More attention on eating and less talking
Try and limit as much stimulation as possible during eating, the less your senses are heightened during eating the better it is for the digestion process.
9. Eating wholesome, nourishing food
Eating seasonally - whole grains, legumes, fruit, vegetables, and dairy. Shop locally and make sure to give your body the right amount of fuel to keep you balanced and nourished.
10. Food Combining
Don't overdo it, simple is best, and learn about the taste qualities.
REFERENCES:
1. Charaka Samhita