Ayurvedic Tips and Reminders

Mindful Food Combining- A Simple Approach to Eating

I think so much of what has been created around food plans and diets are simply just band aids to a problem that is much deeper. Beginning with fats some time ago as having a bad rap to the current plans where carbs of any kind are considered enemies, to the dairy and gluten issues that have arisen for many; a quintessential confusion has occurred not only for our minds but for our bodies. I feel returning to some practical and grounded principles is ALWAYS a good thing.

With the wide range of clients that I see on a regular basis; from yogi’s to corporate women, Mom’s raising children, from people who don’t cook to people who love to cook, the question of what to eat continues to be a central theme for all.

Ayurveda’s understanding of our physiology, the six tastes, five senses and the four seasons offers a balanced approach to supporting our bodily functions optimizing their energetic duties. Strong “agni” or digestive fire is a central principle in Ayurvedic philosophy . Knowing one’s constitution or mind/ body type, determined at birth can be a true guide to who you are and what to do while offering simple guidelines to pay attention to as you move through various stages of life, and the seasons. This in itself is a “food combining” kind of path.

I find that this is the reason such a variety of people are seeking Ayurveda. Even if they don’t necessarily know what Ayurveda is their body’s are telling them that a natural , SIMPLE and earth based approach is in need. Anyway, who has time to spend hours cooking? Simplicity of food choices make it a whole lot easier and happier for the stomach.

Strengthening “agni” is at the core of Ayurvedic healing, as well as mindful eating with simple food.

Here are some tips to pay attention to make your stomach happy again.

Naturopathic knowledge of food combining offers this:

1. Eat fruit alone.

2. Eat proteins and vegetables as opposed to protein and carbs.

3. Eat a carb meal such as pasta by itself with veggies.

Beyond this Ayurveda offers:

1. Agreed. Eat fruit alone particularly melons as they are heavy to digest. Uh -oh cantaloupe and cottage cheese! Yogurt with fruit? Another stomach ache. Having cooked fruit in the morning like stewed apples is a great way to get the fiber needed to sweep the intestines and start the day moving. I like to put them in a crock pot overnight with a little ghee and cardamom, a few raisins and wake up to the smell of cooked apples. Eaten in the morning after a few glasses of room temp water will definitely do the trick. For kapha types fruit in the morning may be just enough breakfast.

Milk and bananas are a good example of “avoid” in Ayurveda.

2. Protein such as eggs are best eaten with vegetables, not beans, bread or potatoes.The enzymes needed to digest alkaline food and acid foods are totally different. They get confused, but do get used to what you give it. Sorry “Waffle House”.

3. Combining different types of proteins at one meal like shrimp and bacon (a new one for me) is too heavy for digestion or chicken, lamb and beef at one meal.

4. Eating the largest meal at lunch when “agni” is fired up and there are many daylight hours to digest the foods is optimal for digestion.

5. Having some fresh or pickled ginger before a meal ignites those digestive juices.

6. Eating foods close to their natural state.

When we were raising our children I would often say ” if it doesn’t grow don’t eat it”. Our pantry was kind of sad in comparison to other homes but our children’s friends marveled at the colorful fruit that was always on the center island for them, running to our house for some real food and then sitting down with us for a meal . This was considered novel for most of their friends but a simple Ayurvedic practice of eating food with others.

7. Utilizing the proper herbs and spices for your dosha and season to spice up life. Eating healthy does not have to be a just a kale smoothie. It’s about beauty, color, taste, smell, mindfulness and joy. Adding some spice and herbs to life makes the sense of smell  happy.

I hope these tips offer you a “way home” to feeling more satisfied , less bloated, and most of all nourished by the food you eat.

After all.. food is medicine. This idea has not changed over time!

To learn more about your energy type visit my website at: www.gedaliahealingarts.com

With warm regards,

Gedalia

Ayurvedic Health Specialist/ Energy Healer

Email gedaliahdoc@gmail.com for responses or questions you may have.

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