Ayurveda and Food

Ayurveda is derived from the Sanskrit word Arya, which means “noble,” and Veda, which means “knowledge.” The word Ayurveda simply means “the science of life.” It is an ancient system of medicine originating in India and has been practiced for over 5,000 years. Ayurvedic teachings promote wellness and good health by integrating food, exercise, therapies, etc., into each person’s daily routine.

Ayurvedic Diet:

The Ayurvedic approach to holistic health encompasses how and when you eat, including your state of mind. This is why Ayurvedic teachings focus on guiding people about diet, cooking, and eating as a practice rather than just as a means of achieving weight loss or a specific goal.

The Ayurvedic diet isn’t a fad, experiment, or one-size-fits-all approach to eating. It’s a holistic lifestyle that teaches us to be more mindful about the foods we choose and prepare—because choosing and preparing foods that support our health are vital components of keeping a healthy balance in our lives.

The Ayurvedic diet, a holistic approach to eating, takes into consideration how we approach our meals. It asks us not only to think about how we eat but also to do so with enthusiasm and love. The Ayurvedic diet has been time-tested as one of the healthiest diets available in the world today. The Ayurvedic approach to healthy living can help reduce stress and anxiety, improve digestion, strengthen immunity, and relieve discomforts such as allergies, fatigue, and pain.

What is the Root Cause?

Ayurveda believes that toxins from undigested food are the root cause of many diseases. We encourage cleansing and resetting your digestive fire to support your body so that it can remove toxins. At Harivihar, we recognize the importance of a balanced meal plan for optimal health, which means the foods you eat must be easily digested and cleansed.
Fresh vegetables and fruits are nature’s way of doing just that!

Water:

Dehydration is one of the most critical factors in the development of Ama (toxins) in our body. We must drink water to remove toxic bodies from our system, but when we are dehydrated, and the body tries to expel toxins, it may cause feeling tired or listless, or even dizzy or weak. To overcome this problem, drinking 8-12 glasses of water every day is essential.

Meal:

Ayurveda believes that we prolong and improve the quality of our lives with healthy eating.
Eat three meals a day, preferably at the same time each day, and make lunch the main meal. Cook and eat fresh food and avoid eating leftover food when possible. It’s important to show gratitude for our food because this is one of the ways we can control our health.

Variety is the spice of life, but the primary way to consume variety is in controlled portions. An easy way to break into a healthy eating habit can be to break up your usual allowances for meals and snacks. For example, instead of having a large breakfast daily, try having several smaller meals throughout the day and whenever hunger strikes.

Snacks:

Ayurveda suggests a simple daily routine of eating meals consistently, with lunch as the day’s largest meal. Ayurveda also teaches us to avoid snacking between meals since this can reduce Agni and digestion capability. Snacking on the run may be trendy, but it often leads to digestive problems. Ayurveda teaches that our meals should be spaced at least three hours apart to account for this “process time” or chakshushya.

Eating in between meals can ultimately make digestion harder and leave us feeling more bloated and sluggish. Despite what you may have heard about Ayurveda being ruled by the principles of “no pain, no gain” or that it’s just about balancing your diet, Ayurveda is much more than just this. It speaks to your Agni—the drive to be alive and awake, to feel the energy that courses through you and make it a reality.

Ayurveda is an ancient system of healing that believes that each of us, as individuals, is unique. We are ever-changing creatures who must find the balance between good and bad for our bodies, minds, and spirits. Ayurvedic practitioners developed the Ayurvedic diet to help them figure out what each student can handle based on their unique makeup. Food is medicine, and in Ayurveda, it’s a science. But when it comes to the consumption of foods, Ayurveda asks us to fine-tune our meals based on our needs. This is not only about healthy eating and health but also about a lifestyle that keeps your natural rhythms and the mind-body connection. Every food has the potential to nourish or imbalance your doshas.

At Harivihar, our practitioners curate unique dietary plans for each individual based on their body type and need. Our food is fresh and empowered by the richness of the local spices and herbs. Experience it yourself and book your stay now!

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