Ayurveda Diets: Why are they best and how they work?
According to Ayurvedic scripts, the dietary needs of every individual is different from other due to different body constitution and hence needs individual specific diets. The conversion of food into nutrition is called ‘Agni’ or fire in Ayurveda, and hence, the importance that is given to diet is something that cannot be ignored.
A vegetarian diet is always given preference over a non-vegetarian diet in Ayurveda. Emphasis is paid on colour, texture, aroma, flavor and taste as it is believed that these are important factors that that soothes all our senses apart from providing our body with all the essential nutrients needed for overall well-being. It absolutely does not encourage the use of any alcohol and drugs and animal flesh in any of its diet.
Why Ayurveda Diet and what is it?
“Health is not the mere absence of disease. It is the dynamic expression of life.” – said by Sri Sri Ravi Shanhar, founder of Art or Living.
We all say – We need balance in life. But what exactly is balance, and where will we get it from? In terms of physical health, what does balance means? What is the kind of balance that you want to see?
According to Ayurvedic concepts, balance is a state of coordination between the mind, body and soul.
Noted below are some Prominent advantages of ayurvedic diets
- It is crucial for weight management.
- Helps improving the two key processes of the body – metabolism and digestion.
- Better detoxification of the body.
- Relief from anxiety and stress, providing inner calm.
- Improved fertility and sexual health.
- Decreased inflammation in the body.
- Improved bowel movements.
The Ayurvedic system of diet never recommends foods that are frozen, refined, processed, containing artificial colours, flavors and additives as it is believed that these kind of food alterations dilutes the nutritive value of the food and makes it impure for the body. The best options as recommended are the ones that are natural, organic and the ones that are locally available. It also stresses the importance of rotating ones diet, so that one does not get to eat the same food each and every time.
Certain guidelines have been suggested in Ayurveda, as dietary guidelines that will insure an individual’s good health along with nourishing the body .
- Always should consume cook food and avoid raw foods.
- Fruits and vegetables used in salads can be eaten raw, but washed and cleaned.
- Curds have been recommended after every meal as it smoothens the system and helps in digestion.
- The food to be consumed should never be too hot or cold.
It is advised to chew food properly before gulping. - It is important to wash hands, feet and face before sitting down for meals.
- Foods should never be consumed if you have improper or faulty bowel movements.
- Should always maintain a gap of atleast three hours before meals.
- A moderate to heavy lunch and light to very light dinner is recommended.
- Always limit food to two-third of the stomach capacity.
The Ayurveda diet includes lots of fruits and vegetables that provides fibers and carbohydrates and which can provide all the nutrients to the body to increase the stamina of the body. Drinking water between meals is a bad habit and Ayurveda strictly prohibits this habit.
Along with diet, regular exercise helps rejuvenating the mind and body and relax the body functioning. Ayurvedic diet needs to be practiced by every human who wants to lead a healthy life.
Dietician and Founder Member – Diet Clinic
MS. SHEELA SEHARAWAT
Master’s Degree – Food and Nutrition
Practicing since 2006 as a registered dietician under IDA, Sheela Seharawat is the founding member of Diet Clinic, operating around 35 outlets successfully all over the country.
A motivational speaker, an expert dietician and a strong believer of healthy and motivated living, she has transformed the lives of many through her breakthrough diets and inspiration on living a healthy life. Another feather is added to the name of Diet Clinic Health Care as the esteemed magazine and organization “Silicon India Start Up City” has recognized and awarded “Diet Clinic” in their annual listing of “10 Best Startups in Fitness, 2017”.
She started her career in the Indian Army hospital as a dietitian and her journey in health and fitness starts from here and still she is serving the people and believe to offer the best guidance on health and wellness.
Sheela always says – ‘Let Your Diet Work for You’. She aims to spread the message of wellness and the art of dieting through her clinics across various parts of the globe. Ms. Sheela Seharawat dedication work towards spreading healthy lifestyle awareness among the mass is commendable and she keeps on providing relentless services to fitness and health relevantly.
