Guidelines for Healthy Eating

Our health is a reflection of what we put into our bodies. The choices we make regarding what we eat can have a significant impact on how we feel. Although, Ayurveda teaches us that it is just as important on HOW we eat as to WHAT we eat.

The act of eating is sacred and should be honored. The foods we eat nourish our body, mind, and spirit. Your body has an intuitive wisdom to process food without you ever having to think about it. Do you have to say "Ok, body. This is lasagna. When I eat it, this is what you're going to do ..."? No! You're body and mind already know and digest it automatically. Although, there are a few things you can do to help! Following is fundamental:

Eat in a calm environment - This enables you to eat consciously / mindfully. This space should be free of distraction. Turn off the TV, put away your electronic devices, avoid emotional conversation, etc. Take the time to honor the intuitive wisdom of how your physical body can take in physical food in order to digest and assimilate the nutrients it needs. This can also include "dressing" your space. Set a placemat. Use a nice napkin. What about your utensils? Maybe a candle or vase for a flower? Get creative with the intention of setting a space to honor the act of eating.

In these pictures I'm sharing how I eat lunch at work. Notice the neat box and containers holding the medicinal food I prepared. I prefer eating at my desk and away from the noisy breakroom. I turn off the computer monitors and set my phone aside. Then, I take the time to just eat. Simple. And my digestive system loves me for it. :)

Share your ideas and pictures on how you set up your space!