Right Diet – In Gita Verse 17.8 Foods dear to those in the mode of goodness increase the duration of life, purify one’s existence and give strength, health, happiness and satisfaction. Such foods are juicy, fatty, wholesome, and pleasing to the heart.
In Bhagavad Gita Verse 17.8, it is mentioned that foods preferred by those in the mode of goodness contribute to longevity, purification of one’s existence, and provide strength, health, happiness, and satisfaction. Such foods are described as juicy, fatty, wholesome, and pleasing to the heart.
Encouraged by Krishna’s teachings to introspect and understand our food preferences, we are reminded that the body is a sacred temple where divinity resides. Let us honour it with profound respect and gratitude. By exploring the types of foods that naturally attract us, we unveil deeper truths about ourselves. These preferences are not random; they reveal our inner desires, tendencies, and needs. Just as our food choices reflect our inner world, they hold the power to influence our physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
Recgnising that our food decisions go beyond mere sustenance enables us to make conscious choices that promote overall wellness. Opting for foods that not only satisfy hunger but also nourish our body and mind can greatly enhance our well-being. Prioritising foods that support our health, energy levels, mood, and emotional balance is crucial. By aligning our dietary patterns with our physical and emotional needs, we can cultivate a symbiotic relationship with food that enhances vitality and fosters inner peace.
Unlike other species with predictable dietary preferences dictated by nature, humans possess an unpredictable and uncertain relationship with food. Our behaviour patterns offer valuable insights into the dominant Guna influencing us, shedding light on tendencies that shape our interactions with the world, including our food choices.
By observing our behaviour, we can gain insights into the predominant Guna (quality or characteristic) influencing us. This awareness helps us identify tendencies and patterns that shape our interactions with the world, including our food choices. By reflecting on the types of foods we naturally gravitate towards, we can uncover clues about our inner nature and temperament.
Individuals with a rajasic nature are drawn to foods that evoke excitement, stimulation, and a sense of urgency. They prefer dishes that energise and propel them forward, creating a rush of vitality and intensity. This preference for stimulating foods mirrors their desire for dynamic experiences and heightened sensations in life.
On the other hand, those inclined towards a tamasic nature tend to opt for foods that induce lethargy, heaviness, and a sedentary state. Consuming stale, dry, or cold foods that lack vibrancy and freshness can weigh them down, leading to feelings of inertia and dullness. Such individuals may seek comfort in food that numbs their senses and induces sluggishness, ultimately hindering their vitality and alertness.
In contrast, individuals embodying sattva display a balanced approach to their food choices. They prioritise foods that align with the body’s natural equilibrium and digestive fire. By selecting meals at a moderate temperature, neither excessively hot nor cold, they maintain harmony with their body’s internal processes. Sattvic individuals consume nourishing foods that support their well-being, opting for dishes that promote clarity, energy, and vitality while respecting their body’s natural rhythms and needs.
Through conscious awareness and mindful selection of foods that resonate with our inherent nature, we can harmonise our tendencies and behaviours. Choosing foods that complement our unique constitution and foster physical, mental, and emotional balance allows us to cultivate a harmonious relationship with nourishment. This alignment with our body’s needs and natural state empowers us to transform our tendencies and behaviours, fostering greater well-being and internal harmony.
Krishna says that by being alert of your food the mode of goodness increases the duration of life, purifies one’s existence and gives strength, health, happiness and satisfaction.
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