When whipping up meals for your loved ones, it is not just about what is on the plate, it is about your vibe too. According to Ayurvedic teachings, which have been around for a few thousand years, the cook’s emotional state can actually influence the quality of the food.
So, if you are feeling like a grump while making lunch or dinner, you might end up serving a side of bad mood. That is why home-cooked meals are always the way to go. I mean, sure, that restaurant chef might be great, but they probably are not sprinkling their dish with love the way you can. It is especially true when cooking for kids.
When you cook, try to actually enjoy it (easier said than done, right?). Turn off the TV, ignore your phone, and focus on the task at hand. Smell those spices like you are a contestant on a cooking show, admire the colors of those veggies like you are about to paint a masterpiece and maybe even get the family involved.
Equally important? Where you eat. You would not want to serve your lovingly prepared feast in a messy, dark corner, would you? No, make that dining area as sunny and clean as possible. Eat with people you like.
Good company and lighthearted conversation can make digestion a whole lot easier. If you are dining solo, it is totally okay to have a little moment with your food. Skip the TV or background noise and just savor the flavors in peace. Who knew eating in silence could be a spa treatment for your brain?
Before diving in, consider saying a quick “thank you” to the universe for the meal. No need for anything elaborate, just a reminder that food is basically nature is way of giving you a big hug. Plus, it helps you shift from the chaos of your day into a more balanced-like state, letting your body do its thing and transform that meal into ojas (good vibes in edible form).
And once you have polished off your plate, do not rush off like you are in a race. Take a beat, sit back, and let your body kickstart the digestion process. Relax, chat a little more or just bask in the glory of having made and eaten a meal infused with love and good vibes. After all, what is the rush right?