You are what you eat. To most people this means simply that
the vitamins, carbs, and proteins in food build the cells,
blood and bones of your body.
But
in Maharishi Ayurveda, "you are what you eat"
means something far more subtle and powerful. Food is known
to directly influence your consciousness and feelings. It
can create bliss or anger, contentment or restlessness,
thoughts of the sacred or the profane. The quality of the
food you eat literally creates your state of mind, emotions
and consciousness.
Eating
Bliss
Foods
that are whole and unadulterated contain more of the intelligence
of nature, and thus create more vitality, alertness and
happiness when you eat them.
Just
think of this. If you eat an ayurvedic meal composed of
fresh, organic vegetables, whole grains and dhal (lentils)
lovingly cooked in delicious spices and garnished with panir
(fresh cheese) and fresh-fruit chutney, how will you feel
afterwards? Contented and satisfied.
Now
consider how you'd feel after eating a meal consisting of
canned vegetables, packaged breads and food fried in rancid
oils, served at a fast-food restaurant! The result might
be dullness and depression--and even disease if you eat
that way every day.
Ayurveda
gives a name to foods that have and create positive, spiritual
qualities--they are called saatvic foods. Saatvic foods
are wholesome, create bliss, heighten alertness, and are
easy to digest. Saatvic foods include oranges; almonds;
honey; amalaki; rice and whole grains; milk; fresh, organic
vegetables; and organic, sweet, juicy fruits such as mango,
papaya and pear.
A
diet consisting of light, easy-to-digest, saatvic foods
is recommended for almost anyone, especially people who
have chosen a spiritual path in life. These foods convert
rapidly into ojas, the product of perfect digestion that
in turn creates a glow in the skin, sparkle in the eye,
and mental, emotional and physical balance.
Foods
that should be avoided are tamasic foods, which create dullness,
disease and even aggressive behavior in the people who make
a steady diet of them. Tamasic foods include leftovers,
packaged, frozen, canned and processed foods, vinegar, red
meat, alcohol, and any old, spoiled or rancid foods.
Tamasic
foods are anti-ojas. They result in dull thinking, depressed
emotions, and physical imbalances.
Cook
with Love
When
you cook for your friends or family, it's important to be
in a happy frame of mind. Since ancient times, the ayurvedic
texts have pointed out that the vibration of the cook's
feelings affects the quality of the food.
This is why it's ideal to serve home-cooked meals whenever
possible, because food cooked in a restaurant by strangers
will never have the positive energy of a meal cooked by
someone who loves you. It's especially important to cook
often for your children. There is nothing to replace a mother's
(or father's) love--a key ingredient in your child's food.
And
when you're cooking, focus on the food and make it a settled,
conscious event rather than something you're throwing together
under pressure. Turn off the TV, shoo the kids and pets
out of the kitchen, and give yourself time to enjoy the
simple act of smelling the spices, feeling the textures
of the foods, playing with the colors, and having fun. Or,
if your kids, friends or spouse like to help, get them involved,
too. However it works for you, make meal preparation a happy
time. Your positive thoughts and feelings will make the
meal a true feast.
Eat
in a Saatvic Environment
Finally,
it's important to eat your food in a settled, happy, and
saatvic environment. Make your food and table arrangements
attractive to the eye, and make sure your dining area is
clean, pleasant, sunny and well-ventilated.
It's
ideal to eat with your family or good friends, and enjoy
light, quiet conversation. You don't want to get involved
in intense discussions or arguments at the table, as this
will certainly make it impossible to digest your food.
You
can also eat in silence if you are alone, as focusing on
the flavors of the food will help in digesting it. Resist
the impulse to switch on the TV or radio. You'll feel better
and more settled if you create a more sacred, calm atmosphere
around the act of eating.
Taking
a few minutes to give thanks for your food before eating
is a traditional practice all around the world. It's a chance
to remember that food is a living part of creation, and
when you eat you are absorbing the infinite energy and intelligence
of nature. Saying grace also gives you a chance to settle
down after a busy day at the office, to give your digestion
a chance to create ojas from your food.
Finally,
after you're done, don't rush off right away. Linger a few
minutes at the table to help your digestion begin properly.
And give yourself a chance to savor the satisfaction of
sharing a delicious meal with those you love.
