10 Most Important Ayurvedic Rules of Eating

The following information is a direct passing on of Ayurvedic knowledge. The author of this publication is aware that some of the advice here may be contrary to some modern dietary research. Today’s science has a different approach from Ayurveda and it will take it some more years to get there…

Rule 1: Food must be hot – Warm meals are essential for healthy digestion. Always include fresh salad if available in the amount of no more than 30% of your whole meal. Meals of just salads or fruits are not sufficient on its own and should be accompanied with properly cooked food.

Rule 2: Food must be unctuous, moist and oily – Dry foods like sandwiches and dry roasted meals are very difficult for the digestive system to process, always include warm, moist food in your daily diet.

Rule 3: The food should be taken in proper quantities – Because the size of your stomach is about the size of your both fists closed and fitted together, one should never eat more than 2/3 of that quantity. 1/3 of the stomach should stay empty as it is needed for proper digestion.

Rule 4: The food should be taken only after the previous meal is fully digested –As a general rule the next main meal should be consumed at least 3-4 hours after the previous meal.

Rule 5: The foods should be compatible and include all six tastes – In every meal one should have all six tastes (sweet, salty, sour, pungent, bitter and astringent) and make sure the foods are compatible to be consumed together. More on incompatible foods…

Rule 6: Ayurveda is promoting 100% Vegetarian diet – That means no meat, no fish and sea animals, no eggs and no mushrooms. The cows milk and milk products are highly beneficial foods if taken properly. More on why milk is important…

Rule 7: Food should be consumed in the right environment – dining should be in a pleasant, calm environment in the absence of loud noise, music, TV, radio or any other distractions in a comfortable sitting position on the floor or a chair.
Rule 8: Food should be consumed in moderate speed – Not too fast but not exceedingly slowly as well. Do not overfill the mouth with food as it is critical to chew well and moisten the food with saliva to aid digestion.

Rule 9: While eating one should neither talk nor laugh, and must concentrate on the food – Try to notice and taste all the flavors and to fully enjoy your meal.

Rule 10: While eating the mind should be calm – Thanks for the food and try to feel your heart filling with warmth and goodness that will create the right environment for the body to benefit the most from the food.

I hope this article has been informative to you and I would like to thank you for reading.

www.ayurvedaforlife.info
1/11/2011