Ayurvedic Daily Routine: Dinacharya Certification Course, Section 13, Lecture 103
Ayurveda, the ancient science of life, emphasizes not just what we eat but also how we eat. This is where Upyog Sanstha, or the rules of food consumption, come into play. Following these guidelines ensures that food nourishes the body, strengthens digestion, and prevents imbalances.
Let’s dive into these golden rules and see how small tweaks in our eating habits can make a big difference in our health!
1. Eat Warm Food
Ayurveda recommends that food should always be consumed warm. Why? Because warmth stimulates digestion and enhances the secretion of digestive enzymes. When food is warm, it is easier to break down and absorb, ensuring that the body gets the maximum nutrition from every bite.
Quick Tip: Avoid eating food straight from the refrigerator. Instead, opt for freshly cooked, warm meals whenever possible.
2. Include Healthy Fats (Unctuousness)
Unctuous foods, which contain natural oils and fats, help prevent dryness in the body and balance Vata dosha. They lubricate internal tissues, support joint health, and aid digestion.
Best sources: Ghee, coconut oil, sesame oil, and nuts.
What to avoid: Excessive dry foods like crackers, processed snacks, and dry toast, as they can aggravate Vata and lead to bloating and constipation.
3. Maintain a Balanced Eating Pace
Eating too fast can lead to overeating and indigestion, while eating too slowly can result in food getting cold and sluggish digestion. Ayurveda suggests eating at a moderate pace, savoring every bite, and chewing food properly for better digestion.
Try This: Take small bites, chew at least 20-30 times, and enjoy the taste and texture of your food.
4. Focus on Your Meal
Distractions while eating—such as watching TV, scrolling through your phone, or talking excessively—can impair digestion. Your body needs to focus on the process of eating to effectively absorb nutrients.
Golden Rule: Eat in a calm environment. Avoid discussing stressful topics or engaging in heavy conversations during meals.
5. Be Thankful for Your Food
Gratitude has a profound impact on digestion. When you appreciate your meal, your body shifts into a relaxed state, also known as the parasympathetic nervous mode. This enhances the digestive process, leading to better absorption of nutrients.
Simple Practice: Before eating, take a deep breath and express gratitude for your food. A short prayer or positive affirmation can create a mindful eating experience.
6. Eat Only When Hungry
One of the most important Ayurvedic principles is to eat only when you are genuinely hungry. Forced eating can overload the digestive system and lead to toxins (Ama) accumulating in the body.
Exceptions: If someone is suffering from a condition like anorexia, they may require scheduled meals. Otherwise, listen to your body’s hunger signals before eating.
7. Maintain Proper Posture While Eating
Your posture while eating affects digestion. Ayurveda advises against standing, walking, or running while eating. Instead, sit comfortably in a relaxed position, preferably cross-legged, to promote digestion.
Avoid: Eating on the go, standing in the kitchen, or rushing meals while multitasking.
Best Practice: Sit down at a table or on the floor (as per tradition) to eat your meal mindfully.
8. Avoid Screen Time During Meals
Focusing on food enhances digestion, while distractions like television, smartphones, or laptops slow it down. When the mind is distracted, the digestive process weakens, leading to issues like bloating and poor absorption of nutrients.
Challenge Yourself: Try a ‘no-screen mealtime’ for a week and observe how much better you feel.
9. Avoid Negative Thoughts About Food
Complaining about food, criticizing its taste, or eating in a state of frustration can impact digestion negatively. Ayurveda teaches that food is not just physical nourishment but also an energetic experience.
Better Approach: Even if the meal is simple, appreciate its nourishment and avoid speaking negatively about it.
10. Practice Mindful Eating
Mindful eating means being fully present while eating. It helps prevent overeating, improves digestion, and enhances the enjoyment of food.
Steps to Try:
- Take a few deep breaths before starting your meal.
- Observe the colors, textures, and aroma of your food.
- Eat slowly and chew thoroughly.
- Pay attention to how the food makes you feel.
Final Thoughts: Eating Right for a Healthy Life
Ayurveda’s Upyog Sanstha isn’t just about food—it’s about how we engage with our meals. By following these simple yet powerful rules, we can create an eating experience that supports digestion, balances doshas, and promotes overall well-being.
So, the next time you sit down for a meal, take a moment to slow down, be grateful, and enjoy every bite. Your body will thank you for it!
What’s one Ayurvedic eating rule you already follow? Let us know in the comments!
Ritucharya 
Leave a comment