GRANDMA’S ADVICE FOR DIET

We are what we digest, is a simple Ayurvedic principle. When food is not eaten the right way, in the right combination or if not eaten mindfully, it can become toxic to the body. Our grandmothers knew this basic knowledge of how to cook and eat food. They understood the right way, form and time to eat different foods. However, this knowledge has become distorted and lost its value over a period of time with the advent of modernisation. For instance, seasonal foods are becoming available at all times of the year. But we tend to forget that eating a fresh juicy fruit that is naturally a summer food in another season will not provide the right nutrition.

Let us revisit those priceless grandma’s advice that has lost its value over the years. 

• Sit down to eat your food. Do not stand or lie. 
• Before starting a meal, offer it symbolically to God or simply pray in gratitude for the meal. 
• Wash your hands before eating. If possible, wash the feet as well. Cleanse your mouth and teeth after meals and wash your hands properly. 
• Never take a bath right after a meal. It hampers the digestion of the food. 
• Don’t exercise or indulge in sex after a meal. 
• The place where one eats should be proper along with the use of proper and clean utensils. 
• One should always consume warm food which is freshly prepared. Try to avoid left-overs, processed foods and drinks as much as possible. 
• Fat should always be a part of the diet in the form of ghee, coconut, avocado, seeds such as flax seeds, chia seeds, and sesame seeds.
• Diet should be balanced in terms of amount. 
• The next meal should only be taken after digestion of the previous meal. 
• Do not mix temperatures in the same meal like eating hot and cold foods at the same time. 
• One should neither eat too fast nor too slow. 
• One should not indulge in any conversations while eating or simply eat without talking or even laughing. 
• Eat only after analyzing your needs and requirements. 
• Soak your grains, pulses and nuts before cooking as it makes them easily digestible.
• Chew your food properly as it helps in proper assimilation of food which begins in the mouth itself. Don’t over chew and don’t eat too fast. 
• Try to eat at the same time each day. Such regularity helps the body clock and digestive system to align properly and facilitate proper digestion. 
• Take a power nap after lunch in the summer, (preferably in an inclined posture) and take a stroll of 100-150 steps after dinner.