You are what you eat

Sometime back I had come across an article in a regional magazine where a vaidyan had quoted that, Man was a normal healthy mammal till his tongue got lured by the greed for taste. It was by far the simplest form of explanation I had come across on the harmful effects of our current eating habits. 

Today we have very minimal idea of what we eat. Although the concept of nutrition and dietetics has taken a proud individual stand in the world of medicine, as always, the simple facts are overlooked. Ayurveda has laid down certain rules regarding stuff to eat, by whom it can be eaten, how to eat and what should be done if you eat something wrong. It is now hazily seen in certain cultures as a pattern that has unknowingly become part of their practices. It was simple. This whole concept of food. Now, cooking is not just restricted to a kitchen. It's kingmaker of the business empire. Culinary art is something I love. It is exciting and tempts the senses. It’s always new. Let's accept it. We all are greedy for taste. In that attempt to experience taste, many times health is compromised. We consciously let our tongue lead the mind.

Every human is different. So is his need for nutrition and taste. Knowing the Prakriti and eating accordingly is more than just an ayurvedic fantasy. It's an art, an art of living longer. What we eat extends beyond the alimentary tract and calorific values. It is absorbed and reflected in the body. It is that which sustains us today and prepares the body for an unseen tomorrow. We are what we eat, taste-smell- sight- touch- feel, collection- preparation- serving- eating. Every bit of everything.  It's the truth. 

The simplest ones:
1. Follow your body requirement. Your prakriti &vikriti .
2. Eat fresh produce. As much as possible. 
3. Avoid frozen, tinned, ready to eat food. Absolutely. 
4. Know what you eat - the ingredients. Think what it might do within. 
5. Process your food appropriately. Taste also matters. J
6. Respect food. 
7. Relish as you eat.  Come on, food comes first on the bucket list. 
8. Its not just eating, sight, smell and touch also are part of dining. Experience all dimensions. 
9. Share. 
10. Be thankful. 
Have fun and live life the right way.