Be a yoga-tarian: Eat and drink your way to ‘prana’

Today I am going to shed some light on how to eat? How can we get the maximum benefit from the foods that we consume?

We all take care of our heart. We know that it’s a vital organ for the body to function well. So we do cardio workouts, we try to keep a check on our blood pressure, cholesterol level, etc.?

We are also aware that smoking harms our lungs, which is an organ vital to our breathing. No breath, no life.

But, what about our stomach? Like our heart and lungs, even our stomach works involuntarily. Why do we not pay attention to it? Other than working for the external appearance in the form of a toned stomach or flat abs, do we attach enough importance to its internal functioning?

No. Why? Is it because we don’t get a ‘stomach attack’ like a ‘heart attack’?

Why do we abuse our stomach? Our stomach gives us warning signs in the form of bloating, burps, constipation and acidity. We pop in some antacid or laxatives and continue with our bad eating habits.

According to the ancient Indian science of Ayurveda, a well-balanced diet is the one that contains a sufficient supply of protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals. The quantity of food should correspond to the need of the body - if you are very active then you would need a little more food compared to a sedentary person.

The over loading of the digestive system may lead to numerous illness and so - people often dig their grave with their fork! Just as overeating makes the body fat and heavy, in the same way under eating makes it weak and nervous.

Firstly, one should choose nourishing, nutrient rich food. It’s not only about calories one should focus on. Nutrients are also very important.

Secondly, one should eat in moderation. Slightly less than a full stomach. This way even after eating, your body feels light, active and energetic. Eating more than what the body needs deforms it, damages health and reduces efficiency.

Thirdly, food should be thoroughly masticated or chewed, so that it mixes well with saliva, which contains important enzymes and helps in the digestive process.

Fourthly, meals should be eaten slowly, in peace and with calmness of mind. Enjoy your food, enjoy the aroma, and enjoy the taste.

The calm state of mind helps in absorbing all the nutrients.

A calm state of mind helps the stomach to produce the right amount of digestive juices and these juices helps absorb the nutrients fully. Stress reduces the production of digestive juices.

So, while eating, forget about your deadlines, loans, break-ups etc. And enjoy food to get the maximum benefit. So, that’s the reason they say, “Stress makes you fat.”

Never watch television while eating. You will not understand how much you have eaten, whether you are full or not, as your mind will be engrossed in watching your favourite show. No smart phones while eating, too. Focus on your food!

Fifth, your body’s digestive system is at the optimal level in the morning. As the day passes it slows down. And so they say, breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dine like a beggar. Try to eat your dinner early before 8pm, as your digestive system slows down a lot after that.

Most importantly, there is nothing like “comfort food “. Never use food to overcome boredom or any other emotional issues. We eat to nourish our body. It’s fuel for our internal engines. Don’t pick up those cookies and pastries because you have nothing to do or you are feeling sad. You will get fat.

Some important points to remember while eating fruits and vegetables

Avoid cutting fruits and vegetables. If you need to cut them, cut them into big pieces. In cutting them, you lose vitamins. The larger the surface area, greater the loss of nutrients through oxidation.

Also try to eat seasonal fruits and vegetables, especially locally produced. Nature knows which nutrients we need in which season. So, stick to seasonal fruits to get the maximum benefit.

In case of fruits, try and eat them whole. Don’t consume fruits in the form of juice. Fruits lose their vitamins and fibres when you put them in a juicer. Fruits are also rich in antioxidants. Take the maximum benefit of fruits by eating them, chewing them - don’t drink them.

Eat fruit on an empty stomach, preferably first thing in the morning to get the most nutrients.

Eat plenty of seasonal fruits and veggies in raw form, as they are excellent for health.

The greatest gift by Nature to mankind is water – 70 per cent of our body is made up of it. One should drink at least one and a half litres of water every day. Ayurveda calls water “prana” or life. Water is needed for the smooth functioning of the kidney, for the circulatory system, it aids digestion, and also helps in eliminating waste products from the body. Also, for nice shiny, well hydrated skin, we need to drink lots of water. Water is a natural detoxifier.

According to Ayurveda, it’s extremely healthy to fast for a day once every fortnight, as this purifies the body, and removes toxins. While doing so one can have juices, but the best is to have lots of lemon water through the day.

Feel different by following these few tips. Enjoy your life to the fullest and stay calm.

See you next week!

How to do the asana:

Step your feet apart, relatively wide. Turn your toes outwards and press your heels in. Your feet are at a 45 degree angle.

Slowly bend your knees, so that you’re hips are level with your knees.

While doing this, engage your core. Do not hunch forward or let your knees collapse inward. Keep your spine straight.

Lift your arms, engage your back muscles and raise them above your head. Your arms are parallel to your ears. Bring your palms together.

Face forward.

You can also lift your feet up to rest on only the toes.

Breathe smoothly during the entire sequence.

Hold for about 30 seconds.

Pose should not be done without a yoga expert overseeing it.

Benefits

Stretches your hips, groin area and chest

Strengthens and tones the core muscles

Strengthens the quadriceps and inner thigh muscles

Strengthens the shoulders, arms and upper back

Heats the body and increases circulation

Contraindication

Do not do if you have any injury to your shoulders, back, hips, legs, or ankles.

How to do the asana

Stand straight and raise your hands above the head. Inhale while raising your hand, expanding the chest.

Bend forward slowly with arms stretched out in front of you. Exhale while bending forward.

Simultaneously, raise one leg and take it backwards.

Fold it at the knee, with the sole facing upwards.

Keep bending forward slowly. At the same time, take the hand on the side of the bent leg and move it back to hold the toes.

The entire body weight is supported on one foot alone.

During the final position breathe normally and focus on it to help achieve balance, along with tightening your core. Hold the pose for about 30 seconds to a minute, depending on your comfort level.

Repeat the same with the other leg.

Pose should not be done without a yoga expert overseeing it.

Benefits

Strengthens leg muscles.

Improves your sense of balance and helps develop coordination

Contraindication

Please do not do in case of any back, ankle or knee injury

Editor’s Note: The blogger is a homeopath, lifelong vegetarian and high level yoga practitioner.