In the popular Disney Pixar movie Ratatouille, the character Remy the rat-chef famously said, “If you are what you eat, I only want the good stuff.” This statement highlights the importance of the nutrients we consume in our food, as they play a crucial role in fueling our body and impacting our overall health. The ancient yogic philosophy has long emphasized the importance of not just what we eat, but also how we eat.
Yogis who follow a sattvic diet and practice the principle of Mitahara showcase the benefits of mindful eating. Some key principles of Hatha Yoga suggest that we should consume fresh, light, and pleasant food, chew solid food thoroughly, and conclude a meal when we are 75-80% full, leaving room for gases to freely move around. Mitahara, translated as “moderate food consumption” in Sanskrit, promotes awareness of the effects of nutrition and overeating on the mind and body.
To adopt Mitahara in our lives, we should eat with awareness, follow our circadian rhythm for meals, choose fresh over processed foods, and consume more whole grains, nuts, seeds, leafy greens, fruits, and vegetables. It is essential to make food our medicine and practice moderation in diet, avoiding overeating. While societal influences on eating behavior may make it challenging to always follow Mitahara, balance is key. The 80/20 principle allows for occasional indulgences while maintaining a mostly healthy diet.
Following the principles of Mitahara can lead to optimum health, a peaceful mind, vitality, strength, relaxation, easy digestion, removal of toxins from the body, and mental purity and stability. By mastering the cycle of mindful eating, individuals can gain a deeper understanding of their body, mind, and emotions. As Sufi philosopher Dr. Umar Faruq suggests, controlling what we eat can lead to greater control over other aspects of our lives. So, making conscious choices about how and what we eat can have a profound impact on our overall well-being.
