After a year of staying home and not being socially active, Radhika met up with Sonia. The difference one year of lockdown made to the two friends was astounding. But the results were as different as night and day. Radhika had put on weight and complained about joint ache and lethargy. Sonia, on the other hand, looked as radiant as ever. She was fit and looked well-rested. After catching up with each other, they addressed the elephant in the room. What could they have both done so differently that it made such a difference to their outlook? 

Radhika shared her story first. Having decided not to order food from restaurants, she compensated with a lot of junk food. Being home all the time, the number of meals per day increased. The meals in between meals were high on calories. Dinner was followed by desserts and late nights. She thought she was making the most of being locked up inside her home but did not realize the harm she was bringing to herself and her family.

As Radhika spoke, she realized how hollow she sounded. But they were friends, and there was no reason why she should be anything less than honest. Sonia spoke up. Her day was as simple as they come. Strictly home-cooked food, but with a good eye on the amount of oil, cheese and chocolate that went into it. She regulated the meals along with the timing. Hunger outside of meal hours involved consuming a handful of nuts and a glass of buttermilk or green tea. Sonia avoided empty calories as much as possible and allowed themselves a cheat day once a week. She also worked out five days a week from home, watching videos online. She was happy with how she handled the lockdown and had a fair idea of how she should take care of herself. Self-care was critical after all. 

Being busy and racing through our day to day lives, we do not take the time to look after ourselves. It’s really no wonder that so many of us are tired and run down. What are some simple things that we can do to improve our quality of life? Our bodies tend to thrive on all that is fresh and vital. A diet that contains at least 75% raw food brings numerous health benefits, starting with weight loss and detox. 

Understanding the importance of diet is always the first step to a healthy life. Sonia talked about a raw food diet and how one should embrace it naturally. Read to know more about the importance of the nutrients for holistic health. 

Why Raw Foods?

Basically, a vegetarian diet and a raw food diet promote eating and drinking healthy foods. Natural foods and juices contain the maximum amount of fibre found in natural produce. Processing leads to a loss of fibre. Fibre. Overheating food also destroys enzymes that help digestion and absorption of food. This reduces its nutritional value, as well. 

Benefits of a Raw Food Diet

Benefits of raw food include better skin, increased energy, stronger digestion, weight loss and lower risk of severe illnesses like diabetes and heart disease.

Raw food diets contain little or no saturated fats and are low in sodium. It is also rich in fibre, potassium and magnesium. Raw food diet is an especially excellent detox factor. 

We can do a few things to ensure that we stay healthy and create a proper diet routine. 

Ayurvedic tips for health 

Cooking at home

With natural ingredients and controlling the heat on the food, we can retain the nutrients and prevent minerals from being destroyed. The role of nutrition in maintaining health is high. 

Keep an eye on the diet

Our diet defines our stamina, strength and immunity. Watch what you eat and avoid food that could bring harm to your body. 

Strengthen digestion

Limit processed foods and eat fermented vegetables and ginger for a more robust digestive system. 

Nutrients play a role in both digestion and overall health

Nutrients increase good bacteria in the digestive tract and bring a balance of bacteria in the intestines. The importance of a diet cannot be overstated, especially in light of the recent pandemic. The role of nutrition in maintaining health is critical. 

Ayurveda and raw food 

Ayurveda recommends a good balance of cooked and raw food. While raw foods might be harder to digest, cooking what does not necessarily require cooking can be avoided. Ensure a rich diet that includes fruits, nuts and salads. Add herbs and spices to your meals. 

Ayurveda tips after every meal

There are practices diligently followed by Ayurveda practitioners to ensure that the diet is absorbed effectively and efficiently by the body. These include eating healthy, and only three times a day. The Ayurvedic diet emphasizes eating whole foods to enhance overall health and increase weight loss. 

The perfect diet for 2022

Sonia talked about what worked best for her. Eating vegetables that were raw but slightly cooked, she managed to bring the best of both worlds together. Salads are not a meal, but an accompaniment as they do not have protein. 

Breakfast: A glass of milk/coffee with fruits or a smoothie with toast 

Lunch: One cup rice, 3/4th cup lentils, 1 cup vegetables and ½ cup curd 

Snacks: A handful of sauteed paneer and 1 glass coconut water/feta cheese with broccoli

Dinner: 1 cup vegetables stir fry and a glass of buttermilk / 2 parathas and ¼ cup vegetable raita. 

Sonia was also a big believer in Ayurveda. One of the main health supplements that ensured her digestion was Maharishi Ayurveda’s Amlant and Triphala. 

Amlant and Triphala

As per Ayurveda, individuals with imbalanced Pitta dosha are more prone to acidity and heartburn. Maharishi Amlant and Triphala control the digestive acid balance in the stomach and effectively eliminate imbalanced Pitta Dosha's ill effects. 

Benefits of Maharishi Amlant

• Improves the functioning of the digestive system
• Prevents and cures hyperacidity and acid peptic disorders.
• Maintains acid balance naturally.

Benefits of Maharishi Triphala

• Cleanses and tones the digestive tract
• Detoxifies the liver, intestines and blood
• Regulates elimination of ‘Ama.’
• Purifies the urine
• Promotes urinary tract health
• Enhances the 13 Agnis (digestive enzymes)
• Supports absorption of nutrients

If you would like to follow the Ayurvedic footsteps and find out more about the role of nutrition in maintaining health, do book a free consultation call with us. We are happy to help you on this journey.