Body needs fuel for functioning throughout the day, midday is the peak time for work for most individuals and it coincides with the peak of Agni i.e. digestive fire. That is the reason we feel most hungry at lunch time. This meal provides the necessary energy and nutrients to sustain the body and mind for the rest of the day so it’s very important to have a proper lunch. Here are some recommendations from ayurveda for this vital meal of the day.
Ideal Time for Lunch:
- The best time to have lunch is between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM, during the Pitta period when the digestive fire is strongest.
An Ayurvedic Lunch:
- Choose a balanced diet that includes
- All Six Tastes: Sweet, sour, salty, bitter, pungent, and astringent tastes should be included in your meal to ensure nutritional balance and satisfaction.
- Variety of Foods: Incorporate a variety of foods such as grains, vegetables, legumes, and proteins to provide a well-rounded meal.
- Here are some Dosha-Specific Recommendations for individuals with dosha balance
- Vata: Warm, moist, and grounding foods. Examples include rice, cooked vegetables, warm soups, and stews.
- Pitta: Cooling and soothing foods. Examples include salads, leafy greens, sweet fruits, and whole grains like barley and quinoa.
- Kapha: Light, dry, and spicy foods. Examples include steamed vegetables, legumes, and light grains like millet or buckwheat.
- Preferably eat:
- Fresh and Seasonal: Use fresh, seasonal, and locally sourced ingredients for maximum nutritional benefits and alignment with nature’s cycles.
- Warm and Cooked Foods: Prefer warm and freshly cooked meals as they are easier to digest compared to cold or raw foods.
Eating Practices:
- Mindful Eating: we Indians do respect our food, take time to incorporate mindful eating habits in daily routine.
- Sit Down to Eat
- Avoid Distractions: eat your meal without distractions such as television, work, or smartphones.
- Chew well: Thoroughly chewed food tastes better and is digested better
- Portion size: In ayurveda it’s recommended to make four parts of total stomach capacity, and have two parts solid food, one part liquid items and water and leave one part empty for Vata for proper digestive function.
A combination of food choices, mindful eating practice and portion size will certainly help with daily energy, proper digestion, dosha balancing and improved digestive health.