Are You Mindful Of What You Are Eating? Sri Sri Ravi Shankar's Tips To Eat Right And Keep Mind Calm, Alert

Add as a preferred source on Google

"Health is not a mere absence of disease. It is the dynamic expression of life - that is how joyful, loving, and enthusiastic you are" , shares the global spiritual leader and humanitarian, Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar ' who has been the foremost advocate of living a healthy lifestyle that integrates holistic practices like yoga, meditation, breath work and clean, nutritional eating aligned with Ayurveda.

Are You Mindful Of What You Are Eating?

The Wise King And The Mysterious Lota Story

It is said 'Jaisa ann waisa man.' Our food directly affects the quality of your mind. If we eat heavy, spicy, or oily food, the mind gets restless. If we eat light, fresh, and sattvic food, our mind is calm and alert.

Gurudev beautifully illustrates this with a story.

"In the town of Narendra Nagar, near Rishikesh, there was a kind who invited saints to his palace for lunch every day. The food was served in shiny silverware, and the saints always enjoyed their meals. One day, after lunch, a saint secretly took a silver lota (a special water vessel) and left the palace. The king was puzzled-why would a saint take something that didn't belong to him? Four days later, the saint returned and quietly placed the lota back in the palace. The king was even more curious now."

"The king's wise advisors suggested he find out what food was served that day," Gurudev shares, "They discovered that the meal had been made with rice and lentils that were stolen by thieves and confiscated by the Kingdom."

Gurudev explains the essence of the story, "The wise men explained that the food had clouded the saint's mind, making him act differently. Once the effect wore off, the saint realized his mistake and returned the lota."

Gurudev Shares Nine Timeless Tips On Eating The Right Way

1. How Much To Eat?

In our scriptures, it is mentioned that the ideal quantity of food to be eaten in a meal equals an 'Anjali,' which is about the amount that can fit your palms when you cup them together like a small bowl. This gesture symbolizes a modest, sufficient measure of food that nourishes us without overindulging. This practice reminds us to eat mindfully and in moderation, paying attention to our body's true needs.

2. Honoring The Traditional Foods

India is a treasure trove of culinary diversity. Though we've drifted toward fast foods, following the West our traditional foods are diverse, tasty, well-balanced, and nutritious. For instance, Idli has been acknowledged globally as the best and the healthiest breakfast. There is even World Idli Day.

This nutrient-dense food provides protein, carbohydrates, and amino acids, promotes gut health through fermentation, and when paired with ghee, supports digestion and reduces the risk of diabetes and heart disease.

3. Eating On Banana Leaves

Now we have moved to eating in fancy utensils but earlier the practice was to serve food in banana leaves. Even today this is the practice in many functions and ceremonies. Many studies suggest there are a lot of benefits of eating food on banana leaves. They improve eyesight; they boost digestion because of the polyphenols present in them; and are environment friendly too!

4. Adding Ghee To Our Diet

Our forefathers believed that a spoonful of ghee purifies food. Modern cardiologists support this, noting that rice eaten with ghee digests more slowly, reducing the risk of diabetes and heart problems.

5. Butter Up

For years, butter was vilified, but recent research, even featured in Time magazine, reveals that butter is healthier than margarine. It's time to embrace this traditional fat again.

6. The Goodness Of Curd Rice

Many problems have problems with sleeping well. Having curd rice gives such a sense of satisfaction and contentment. It also makes one feel restful and gives you good sleep. Why is this food so sought after and gives us this immense feeling of satiation, contentment, and happiness?

The first ingredient in this process of creating a sense of satisfaction is Tryptophan, an essential amino acid present in Curd. It is an essential amino acid meaning that it can't be made by the body and must be taken through our diet. Many foods contain Tryptophan, but what makes the brain take up Tryptophan to create serotonin is the carbohydrates. That is where rice comes in.

7. Going Herbal

Incorporate herbs like Neem and Triphala into your diet. If you take neem tablets 2-3 times a week, they can be very good for the stomach, immune system, and nerves. Triphala has three dried fruits-Amla, Haritaki and Bibhitaki, and they help you digest food; reduce inflammation in the body and are believed to be good for your dental health.

8. Being Prayerful And Grateful For The Food

Finally, offer a prayer before meals. Chant 'Annadaata Sukhi Bhavah' (May the provider of my food be blessed with peace and prosperity). This simple act extends gratitude to the farmer who grew the food; the trader who brought it to you; and the person who cooked this meal for you.

9. The Importance Of Nutritional Education From A Young Age

In the past, especially in rural areas, people intuitively practised good eating habits, such as serving food on banana leaves with each item placed in a specific order, showcasing profound knowledge of nutrition and health. This traditional wisdom, including the practice of drinking liquids at appropriate times to aid digestion, should be preserved and incorporated into our educational systems.

By teaching our children not only what to eat but also how and when to eat, we can preserve this invaluable knowledge for the benefit of future generations.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.