10 August 2024 12:07 am Views - 200
It irks me that eating has been reduced to a task to be ticked off the to-do list. Many of us eat on the go, in front of screens, or with our minds preoccupied with the day’s activities. Food has become about convenience, pre-packaged, processed, and ready to be consumed in the shortest time possible. I find this way of nourishment at odds with our deeper, inherent need for nourishment on the physical, emotional, and spiritual level. Neema Majmudar, who teaches traditional Advaita Vedanta in India, explained on my podcast why it's crucial to eat mindfully. “How many times do we actually understand that this body that we think we are, is actually nothing but Annamaya. Now, Annamaya is the modification of food that we've eaten. So our whole body is nothing but food. The body and mind are connected. So, it is extremely essential to eat mindfully,” she said.
Not only the consumption, but the preparation of meals also calls for a certain reverence in the Vedic lifestyle. Swami Brahmavidananda Saraswati, Founder of Aarsha Vidya Foundation told me, “Meals should be prepared and consumed with a prayerful and grateful attitude, acknowledging the prana in the food before eating. This spiritual practice enhances the eating experience and connects it to a deeper purpose.” The idea of 'prana' or life energy in food is also important in the Vedic way of eating. Freshly prepared food is seen as full of life and energy, which is good for your health. It's best to eat these foods soon after they're made, as they lose their vitality over time.
What is the Vedic diet?
The Vedic diet is an invitation to slow down and to eat with mindfulness and gratitude, recognising food as a sacred gift that nourishes more than just our bodies. It categorises foods into three types based on their qualities or gunas, and their effects on the body and mind: Sattvik, Rajasik, and Tamasik.
Types of foods
Sattvik foods are considered the purest diet, ideal for cultivating peace and mental clarity. These foods are nourishing and easy to digest and include fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and dairy. They are prepared with minimal spices and are often consumed in their most natural forms.
Majmudar explained, “An important criterion for Sattvik food is if it is light on the system. Easily digestible foods will not over consume your energy. If your whole system is busy digesting heavy dishes, the mind is dull. And if the mind is dull and sleepy, it cannot be alert. Sattvik food is nourishing and keeps your body going, but it does not tax your body, so that the mind space is there for you to engage in higher pursuits.”
Rajasik foods invigorate and stimulate. They are spicy, bitter, and salty. An excess of Rajasik food can disturb mental calmness and lead to restlessness and irritability. The modern penchant for intense flavours and overstimulation mirrors our collective addiction to ceaseless activity and mental chatter. Tamasik foods are heavy and hard to digest. They could include meat, alcohol, and overly processed foods. Tamasik foods can cloud the mind and lead to lethargy. Think about the last emotional eating binge you went on. The fast food you resorted to is Tamasik, which numbs rather than nourishes.
Numerous benefits
The benefits of a Vedic diet extend into all areas of life. It promotes a body that is healthy and light, a mind that is clear and calm, and a spirit that feels connected and vibrant. Each meal nourishes the soul and brings us closer to our true essence. According to the Vedic lifestyle, one's diet should be predominantly vegetarian and meals should be wholesome and substantial. Swamiji advised against overcooking to preserve the natural vitality of the food. He said, “Fruits should be eaten raw to retain their full pranic benefits, while sprouts might be lightly sautéed to enhance digestibility without depleting their energy. Meals should be consumed shortly after cooking, ideally within a few minutes, to avoid the loss of prana that occurs with refrigeration and reheating. Adding a small amount of ghee can enrich the food’s flavour and nutritional value.”
Timing is everything
It's also important to avoid snacking between meals to give the digestive system a rest and prevent insulin spikes. Maintaining at least a 12-hour gap between dinner and breakfast is good for digestion. Besides what and when you eat, being in the sunlight and fresh air is also seen as beneficial. Getting some sun, especially in the morning, and breathing in fresh air can boost your energy levels and help keep your mind clear. This whole approach is about living in sync with nature to improve your overall well-being. Swamiji also talked about the importance of eating according to the seasons. He said, “In spring and summer, when prana is believed to reside in the upper parts of plants, one should focus on consuming fruits and leafy vegetables. During winter, the energy shifts to the lower parts, making root vegetables like peas, cabbage, and cauliflower ideal. During the rainy season, it's beneficial to eat pickles, nuts, and seeds. It's generally a good practice to mix grains and pulses to ensure a balanced nutrient intake.”
The Vedic diet not only promotes physical health but also aligns with the natural rhythms of the environment. It is less about dietary restrictions and more about expanding our consciousness. It invites us to view nourishment as a sacred interaction, not just with our food, but with our own bodies and the world around us.