Ayurvedic diet

September 1, 2016 | Dr Madhu

What we eat has a profound effect on our mind as well as the body. It is not only important as to what we eat, but it is equally important as to how we eat. Following are a few tips on diet which help in getting the best out of what we eat.

• The diet, especially hard substances, should be properly chewed.
• Wherever possible intake of curd or buttermilk should follow food.
• It should neither be very hot nor absolutely cold.
• Water should be avoided at least 15 minutes before food. The quantity of water after food should be small. Drink water often.
• Heavy (Guru) food should be taken in a limited quantity.
• Heavy food should not be taken at night. The proper time of night meal is two to three hours before going to bed. After night meal, it is better to go for a short walk.
• After meals, heavy mental or physical work should be avoided. Some rest is advisable for proper digestion of food.
• The food should be fresh, easily digestible and protein-enriched. If cooked food is kept for a long period of time, its positive qualities diminish, due to the existence of free radicles and oxidisation, and this when eaten, is harmful for our health.
• One has to keep in mind that the acidic and alkaline contents of the foods do not exceed their upper limits. Excess of alkali is not as harmful as excessive acids in food, which might lead to acidity or other stomach related problems.
• Avoid fried edibles.
• Each meal must contain at least one protein-filled and one carbohydrate-filled dish. One could eat fresh vegetables, salads, fresh chutnies, pickles, papad and soup with a sprinkling of salt. Each individual should consume not more than 1/2 to 3/4 litre of oil per month.
• Stale, tinned/ canned food and edibles that are kept in the open, cooked and uncovered or left cut and in the open are harmful in nature.