This article is all about eating the right type of food, and
how to eat the right way. Here are 10 healthy food habits to for a long healthy
life as per Hinduism. The information is based on Hindu scriptures.
Today, there is lot of food and fruits on disposal. Our
ancestors never had this number of food and fruits on disposal. But they
appreciated food more in the olden days. They were aware of what they were
eating. They knew what to eat during a particular season. They knew what to eat
at what time of the day. Lifestyle diseases and food related health problems
were unknown. Today we no longer appreciate food. We do not respect food. We abuse
it and the net result is numerous lifestyle diseases.
- Know what you are eating
We should be always aware of what we are eating. Do not
simply eat something out of the packet or from restaurants. Always know what
you are consuming. Read carefully about all readymade foods. Make an effort to
cook and eat healthy food. Know the calorie count of each readymade food. The
time it takes to digest. Will the food make you uncomfortable? Make an effort
to study about the various food items that you consume regularly.
- Grow your food
A lot of vegetables that we use daily can be grown in our balcony, terrace or kitchen garden. When we grow our food, we know what kind of food we are eating. It will be more pure. It is real sattvic food as we are connected with nature.
Some people proudly announce am a vegetarian but do they have any idea the amount violence is done to create vegetables. The amount of pesticide used can kill a healthy human being. Honey bees, butterflies, small birds and helpful worms are killed by the pesticide.
- Chew the food well
Today, we are all in a hurry. We often gulp our food. This
is can cause health issues including life-threatening ones’ like choking. When
you chew your food, it becomes easy for your stomach to digest. Undigested food
is a major health concern today.
- Fruits, vegetables, leaves and colorful natural food
Your plate should have various different colors of natural
food. This includes various colorful vegetables, leaves, fruits and sprouts. When
there are various different colors of vegetables and fruits on your plate, it means
majority of the required proteins, iron, vitamins, calcium and fiber are taken
care off.
- Drink Water Lots of It
The body needs daily dose of minerals, which are found in
water. You should keep drinking water in frequent intervals. Avoid drinking
water while eating as it hampers digestion process. Drink water 30 minutes
before or after consuming the food.
Taking aerated drinks along with food is a common habit
among many people today. This causes numerous health problems – most common are
diabetes and obesity.
- Proteins
Proteins should be part of our diet. This is found in meat,
egg, lentils, soya and other protein rich foods. There should be a proper
balance in our diet. Nothing should be in excess.
- Avoid Too Much Rice and Oil
Too much rice (carbohydrate is not good for the body). Similarly avoid oily food. There should be a perfect balance in what we eat. An Indian Thali is a balanced meal. It contains everything in the required quantity. But we have tinkered with the balance diet. We now consume more friend items and sweet. Fried items and sweet are only a part of traditional Indian meal.
- Fast foods and Soft Drinks – Do not Eat to Appease Taste
Buds
Carbonated drinks and greasy fast foods only appease our
taste buds. We all know what they are unhealthy. Keep them out as much as
possible.
- Enjoy Cooking
Cook at home with family, friends and relatives. Make a
little effort; learn to make simple healthy foods. Start with salads. It is
true that we all cannot be master cooks but we can always cook something to eat.
- No Disturbances While Eating
Eat with family. Keep out mobile phones. Switch off the TV.
Appreciate the food that you are eating. Appreciate the person who cooked it.
Discuss about food. Plan what you want to eat for the next meal.
- Do Not Skip Breakfast
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. It should
not be skipped. Eat healthy breakfast, which contains proteins, calories,
vitamins, fiber, iron and calcium.
- Eat like a king in the morning.
- Like a vassal in the afternoon and
- Like a pauper in the evening.
- Eat Properly
Do not overeat something you like. Do not starve because you
did not like the food. You should never fill your stomach to the brim. Leave
some space.
As per Hindu tradition;
- One half should be filled with solid food
- One quarter with fluid
- One quarter should be empty.