These kitchen tips are inspired by ancient Indian sacred texts such as the Ayurveda, Bhagavad Gita, Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, and Charaka Samhita. These texts provide guidance on how to maintain a healthy and balanced lifestyle, including how to prepare and consume food in a way that supports optimal physical, mental, and spiritual health. The kitchen tips listed above offer practical advice on how to cook and eat in a way that is in alignment with these ancient principles, such as using natural sweeteners, cooking with fresh spices and herbs, and avoiding overeating. By following these tips, you can not only enjoy delicious and nourishing meals, but also cultivate a deeper appreciation for the food you eat and the role it plays in your overall wellbeing.
Offer your food to God before eating: By offering your food to God, you acknowledge the divine source of all nourishment and purify your meal. "The devotees of the Lord are released from all kinds of sins because they eat food which is offered first for sacrifice. Others, who prepare food for personal sense enjoyment, verily eat only sin." (Bhagavad Gita 3.13)
Eat food that is pure and sattvic: Sattvic foods are those that are fresh, pure, and conducive to spiritual growth, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and dairy products. "Foods that are 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." (Bhagavad Gita 17.8)
Cook with love and devotion: Cooking with a spirit of love and devotion can infuse your food with positive energy and enhance its flavor and nutritional value. "Whatever you do, whatever you eat, whatever you offer in sacrifice, whatever you give in charity, and whatever austerity you perform, do that as an offering to Me." (Bhagavad Gita 9.27)
Avoid overeating and eating at irregular times: Overeating and eating at irregular times can lead to digestive problems and disturb the body's natural rhythms. "The wise, who know the nature of food and its preparation, will take food that is conducive to longevity, purity, strength, health, and happiness. They will avoid food that is too bitter, too sour, salty, hot, pungent, dry, and burning, and that causes pain, grief, and disease." (Bhagavad Gita 17.9-10)
Share your food with others: Sharing your food with others is a way to express generosity and build social connections. "He who shares with others the remnants of the food offered to the gods and eaten by himself is released from all sins." (Bhagavad Gita 3.13)
Do not mix hot and cold foods: Mixing hot and cold foods can cause indigestion and disrupt the body's natural temperature balance. (Ayurveda)
Cook with ghee: Ghee is a healthy and flavorful cooking fat that can improve digestion and nourish the body. (Ayurveda)
Do not eat leftovers: Leftovers can accumulate toxins and bacteria over time, leading to digestive issues and other health problems. (Ayurveda)
Use fresh spices and herbs: Freshly ground spices and herbs can add flavor and nutrition to your meals, while also supporting digestion and overall health. (Ayurveda)
Cook with love and gratitude: Cooking with positive energy and intention can enhance the flavor and nutritional value of your food, and promote a sense of connection and wellbeing. (Bhagavad Gita)
Eat in a calm and peaceful environment: Eating in a calm and peaceful environment can help promote mindful eating and improve digestion. (Yoga Sutras of Patanjali)
Chew your food well: Chewing your food well can aid digestion and absorption of nutrients, and prevent overeating. (Charaka Samhita)
Use natural sweeteners: Natural sweeteners like honey, jaggery, and dates can provide sweetness without the harmful effects of refined sugar. (Ayurveda)
Cook and eat with awareness: Being mindful and present while cooking and eating can help you fully enjoy your meals and improve your relationship with food. (Bhagavad Gita)