How to enjoy food 5 times: Ayurvedic principles

Food is medicine in Ayurveda. Even for the spirit.

Although eating is considered the only way to enjoy a meal, there are five times in which you can be in touch with food and indulge in the sacred healing and nourishment it offers.

In this post, you will learn how to enjoy food with actionable steps to take from the moment you go to the supermarket to the hours after eating.

We all have heard that a good diet brings health and a bad diet leads to disease. This statement is particularly true in Ayurveda. We are made from the foods we ate, the environment that surrounds us, the quality of the air we breath, the thoughts we think, our relationships and emotions.

There are several factors that determine the way you feel – and look- and food is undeniably at the top of it.

When you start living life the Ayurvedic way, there is a natural instinct to go deeper in the connection with nature and the gifts it offers us. If you think of it, wholesome food is divine.

The sun, the moon, the stars, the rain, the water… all come together for the creation of one of the main sources of life.

We should, then, see food with respect and gratitude. And be able to enjoy its pleasures and healing as much as we possibly can.

That’s why in Ayurveda, we can commune with food multiple times.

1. Grocery Shopping

No rush: Embrace an attitude of calm before and during your trip to the grocery store. Take your time, if possible, to choose the items from your list.

Body and mind type: When adding foods to the cart think of your dosha. Are you feeling any Vata, Pitta, or Kapha aggravations? What foods would bring balance to your body? What foods would be better to leave out? Discover your dosha with this quiz.

Organic and attractive: Try to choose organic if you get a chance. And go for vibrant colors!

2. Cooking

Set an intention: Cooking is a body and soul experience. Before you start cooking set an intention for eating that meal. Direct the energy of the ingredients to a part of you that needs healing.

Clean space: Cook in a place that is clean, smells good, and you feel at ease.

Emotional vibration: Check your feelings. If you are feeling sad or angry it might be a good idea to calm down and breath before you prepare a meal. The most powerful energy is that of love so try to transmit it from your heart to the foods you cook.

Relaxed atmosphere: Avoid arguing, discussing polemic topics, talking about illness, or watching the news. Instead, cook in silence or with meditation/classical music.

3. Serving

Make it special: Choose a plate or bowl that you like. Avoid plastic dishes. Decorate your plate with healthy toppings like shredded coconut, seeds, herbs or flowers.

Embrace slower: Indulge in a slow pace when serving your meal. Master a ritual for this step.

Thank Mother Nature: Pray or meditate and give thanks to the Universe for providing you with sustenance for your life in the form of the beautiful meal.

4. Eating

Take it all in: Feel the food with all your senses.

Be mindful: Just as you have embraced a slow pace throughout the process of putting the food on the table, eat without a rush. The tongue is a gateway to higher consciousness and so enjoy every bite and chew well.

Be calm: Avoid drama and stress at meal time.

5. Digesting

Digestive tea: Drink a warm cup of fennel or ginger tea after eating to kindle agni (digestive fire)

Don’ts: After eating, help your body digest the meal by not taking a shower, a nap, having sex, or exercising.

Full digestion: Wait until the food is fully digested before having another meal.

Observe: Reflect on how the meal made you feel. Take note of the sensations of your body and emotions after you ate. If you feel content and light, enjoy the feeling.

Happy Healing!

Monica Gisella xx