Eating as a way to health – Ayurvedic tips for diet

The purpose of food is to provide our body with nutrients and essential substances such as vitamins, minerals, and trace elements. Food also supplies the body with its energy requirements. In Ayurved the functioning of the digestive system is considered just as important as the quality of the nutrients; for without this, the food will not get properly digested and absorbed. On this page we list some Ayurvedic tips for proper diet, which you will find beneficial to your health. 1. Eat only when you feel genuinely hungry. Do not eat until the previous meal has been fully digested (about 3-6 hours after a main meal). 2. Do not overeat. After eating, the stomach should be only up to 3/4 full. 3. Eat in a quiet and relaxed atmosphere. While eating you should not read, work or watch TV. Always sit down to eat. 4. After the meal, give yourself time to sit quietly for a further 5-10 minutes. 5. Always eat at about the same time each day. 6. You should neither eat too fast or too slowly. 7. Lunch should be the main meal of the day. 8. Avoid eating between meals if you do not feel hungry. 9. Food should be freshly prepared, good to taste, wholesome, and warm. Avoid re-heated or stale food. 10. Most of one’s diet should consist of cooked food, as the body can more easily absorb this. Raw food should be eaten only as a side-dish, e.g. salad. 11. Make use of spices, for these not only make the food tasty, but often support the digestive process as well. Vata, Pitta and Kapha Churnas are highly recommended in this respect. 12. Liquids such as water, juice, or lassi, may be taken in small sips during the meal. Warm drinks are preferred; ice-cold drinks should be avoided. 13. Milk should not be drunk with meals. However, it is fine to combine milk with toast, cereal products, and sweet-tasting foods. 14. Honey should not be heated, and should not be used for cooking or baking. 15. In the evening avoid heavy foods such as meat, fish, yoghurt, cheese, buttermilk, quark, etc. 16. According to your requirement, include the appropriate food supplements in your diet.