In Maharishi Ayurveda, the saying “you are what you eat” encompasses more than just physical nourishment. It suggests that food not only sustains the body but also deeply influences your consciousness and emotions.
What you eat can shape your mood, evoke feelings of joy or anger, foster calmness or restlessness, and determine whether your thoughts are elevated or ordinary. Essentially, the quality of your diet directly affects your mental state, emotions, and overall well-being.
Natural, unprocessed foods are believed to carry the pure intelligence of nature, promoting vitality, mental clarity, and happiness. Imagine an Ayurvedic meal made with fresh, organic vegetables, whole grains, lentils, delicately spiced, and complemented by paneer (fresh cheese) and a chutney made from ripe, organic fruit. A meal like this would likely leave you feeling content, energized, and balanced.
Now, consider the opposite: a meal of canned vegetables, processed bread, and fried foods cooked in old oil, typical of fast food. Such a meal would likely result in feelings of heaviness and lethargy, and over time, could contribute to various health issues.
Ayurveda identifies foods that foster positive, spiritual qualities as “saatvic” foods. These are wholesome, easy to digest, and enhance alertness and happiness. Examples include fresh fruits, almonds, honey, whole grains, milk, and organic vegetables. A diet rich in these light and nourishing foods is ideal for almost everyone, especially those seeking spiritual growth.
Saatvic foods are quickly converted into ojas, the subtle essence of good digestion that promotes radiant skin, bright eyes, and harmony between mind, body, and spirit.
In contrast, tamasic foods are to be avoided. These include leftovers, processed and canned items, frozen foods, vinegar, red meat, alcohol, and anything stale or rancid. Regular consumption of tamasic foods can lead to dullness, illness, and even aggressive behavior. These foods are considered anti-ojas, contributing to sluggish thinking, negative emotions, and imbalances in the body.