10 FOOD RULES

"It's not what you eat, it's how you eat it." -Dr. Halpern

1. Eat till satisfied not FULL! 🌺

In Ayurveda it recommends we eat till we are 3/4 satisfied (not full). Overeating increases the production of free radicals in the body which actually accelerates aging in our body. Consciously eating and being attentive to your body during the process can help avoid overeating and provide the nourishment your body needs.

2. Eat your dessert before dinner! 🌺

If you are having something sweet, eat it before a meal or between meals as a snack - not as a dessert. Sweets are always digested first. So if any other food is in your system, your body will stop digesting it in favor of the sweet. The undigested food will then ferment and lead to toxins

3. Take only small liquid during meals ( 1/2 cup warm water). 🌺

Drinking large amounts of liquid during your meals can slow down your digestion and make it less efficient. The added fluid dilutes the stomach acids that are meant to be digesting your food.

4. Eat food prepared with love. 🌺

I've spoken about this in my last post regarding conscious cooking, so I won't go into it again in detail. However, cooking with love and positive intention really can affect how your body digests food!

5. Eat without distractions. 🌺

If you are eating while watching tv/working/chatting, it increases the chances of overeating and not chewing your food adequately. This means your body will not be able to efficiently digest the food. Food is also the main source of nourishment for our bodies and so it is seen as a sign of respect to honor the food without distractions.

6. Avoid cold drinks and iced beverages. 🌺

Your digestion is like a fire and so drinking cold drinks dampens your digestive fire which means you are making it even harder for your body to digest the food you eat

7. Avoid snacking 🌺

There are three stages of digestion that must be completed after a meal. In the first hour after a meal, the Kapha energies are dominant. The body may feel full, heavy, and sedate. Two to four hours after a meal, the elements of Pitta govern digestion. During this time, hydrochloric acid increases, internal heat rises, and the meal is transformed into sustenance for the body. Four to five hours after a meal the Vata energies rise. It is during this time that lightness and space return and appetite increases.

Interruption of the digestive cycle with more food leads to incomplete digestion. Over time, incomplete digestion results in the accumulation of ama or toxins, which may present as a plethora of mild to moderate symptoms.

8. Avoid improper food combinations.🌺

Fruit does not mix well with other foods. Best eaten alone!

– Avoid mixing two proteins (legumes/lentils & tofu)

– Avoid mixing meat or fish with milk

– Avoid mixing sour fruits with milk

– Avoid fruit juice with meat, fish or nuts

– Avoid mixing high protein and carbohydrates

– Avoid mixing grains and dairy

– Avoid mixing honey and ghee in equal amounts

– Avoid mixing milk and yogurt

– Avoid drinking astringent tea during a meal. Take at the end of a

meal as they are cold, bitter, and astringent.

9. Walk after you eat! 🌺

Sitting or lying down after a meal is a big no-no. Sitting down squashes the digestive tract and so this slows down the process of digestion, which can lead to indigestion. SO INSTEAD, go for a little walk, a lil stroll, a lil dawdle in the park...then come home and sit! 😂

10. Eat your largest meal in the afternoon. 🌺

Our body is in tune with nature and so just like the sun, our digestion is strongest at midday and so the afternoon is the best time to have your heaviest meal

Sending you so much love

With gratitude

xx Radhi ♡