The essentials of life are food, shelter clothing and as some argue, the internet. The first of this list, FOOD is of prime importance since it is one of the primary sources of energy for humans, the other three being Water, Oxygen and Sunlight. Of all the energy sources, Food is the only one where humans have been given a choice of how and what to consume. Nature probably expected us to make better choices, for all other living beings can only feed, we humans choose, process and eat.
Feel the food to heal the body
The essentials of life are food, shelter clothing and as some argue, the internet. The first of this list, FOOD is of prime importance since it is one of the primary sources of energy for humans, the other three being Water, Oxygen and Sunlight. Of all the energy sources, Food is the only one where humans have been given a choice of how and what to consume. Nature probably expected us to make better choices, for all other living beings can only feed, we humans choose, process and eat.
Foods can simply be divided into two categories; those that give energy and those that take energy irrespective of them being vegetarian or non-vegetarian. It’s far more beneficial to have an apple, boiled egg white or steamed chicken over French fries. There is ample knowledge available on nutrition for anyone who wishes to seek it.
However, the choice of food alone does not decide the energy we absorb from it. There are other factors that greatly impact the energy you gain from the food you eat.
Preparation – The mood of the person cooking the food: Food cooked lovingly and in a pleasant frame of mind enhances its energy. However in today’s life with food commercially available or cooked by a cook, there’s little control on this aspect.
Processing or digesting of the food: Your energy is decided by the quality of digestion. The process of digestion starts in the mouth and not after eating. How you feel when you’re eating is far more important than the actual food you’re eating. Eating in a pleasant mood with your attention on the food helps the salivary glands secrete several enzymes and natural steroids that greatly help digestion. These are not properly secreted if you don’t think about the food you’re eating. Enjoying the food ones eating helps secrete endorphins that reduce stress and help better digest food. Most people stare at their televisions, tablets or phones when they’re eating and the screen decides the mood during their meal. Even a nutritious meal eaten in this manner cannot offer its complete benefit to the person eating it.
Food should be savored with all the five senses. Focus on the food. Be grateful for the meal you’re having and be happy while eating. This will help the salivary glands and the pancreas the ‘fire’ responsible for digestion to work in an optimal manner and help the body better absorb energy from the food consumed taking even a simple meal a long way.
Help your body work in the magnificent way it was designed to work.
Aham Brahmasmi!!
Shri Aasaanji
