Advertisement
8 Essential Ayurvedic Rules For Healthy Eating & Better Digestion
Ayurveda, an ancient medicine from India that dates back 5,000 years, still provides helpful guidance how to eat today. These eight Ayurvedic guidelines in particular can help promote healthy digestion and steady energy levels.
1. Eat only when you are hungry.
That is to say, eat when your previous meal has been completely digested. Sometime we might think that we are hungry, however, it could only be that we are dehydrated. Wait at least three hours between meals and tune into the signals your body is really giving you.
2. Eat in a calm and comfortable place.
Sit down when you eat, and eat with as little distraction as possible: no TV, no book, no phone, no laptop. Doing so will help you hone in your food and how it makes you feel, savor every bite, and eat slowly and mindfully.
3. Eat the right quantity.
We are all different, with different stomach sizes and metabolic speeds. In Ayurveda, we also have different dosha constitutions which dictate how our bodies digest food. Listen to your body and eat only to point when you feel satisfied.
4. Eat warm meals.
Ideally, your meals are freshly cooked and served warm, as raw foods can be difficult to digest. Ayurveda recommends avoiding anything that comes straight from the fridge to preserve your digestive power (Agni). This allows your digestive enzymes to work efficiently.
5. Eat quality food.
Avoid foods that are too dry or too oily. Prioritize cooked vegetables, grains, and meat and dairy in moderation.
6. Be present when you eat.
Use all your five senses: Take time to appreciate the smell of your meal, the look of your plate, the texture of your food, the different flavors, and the sounds that you make when you eat.
7. Don't eat too fast.
Don’t just swallow your food after one bite—take your time to chew! Chewing is an essential step of digestion, and it can't be rushed.
8. Eat at regular time.
Nature likes cycles and regularity, and our bodies do too. Even if you have a busy schedule, try to keep consistent time carved out every day for meals.
Watch Next
Enjoy some of our favorite clips from classes
Enjoy some of our favorite clips from classes
What Is Meditation?
Mindfulness/Spirituality | Light Watkins
Box Breathing
Mindfulness/Spirituality | Gwen Dittmar
What Breathwork Can Address
Mindfulness/Spirituality | Gwen Dittmar
The 8 Limbs of Yoga - What is Asana?
Yoga | Caley Alyssa
Two Standing Postures to Open Up Tight Hips
Yoga | Caley Alyssa
How Plants Can Optimize Athletic Performance
Nutrition | Rich Roll
What to Eat Before a Workout
Nutrition | Rich Roll
How Ayurveda Helps Us Navigate Modern Life
Nutrition | Sahara Rose
Messages About Love & Relationships
Love & Relationships | Esther Perel
Love Languages
Love & Relationships | Esther Perel
What Is Meditation?
Box Breathing
What Breathwork Can Address
The 8 Limbs of Yoga - What is Asana?
Two Standing Postures to Open Up Tight Hips
How Plants Can Optimize Athletic Performance
What to Eat Before a Workout
How Ayurveda Helps Us Navigate Modern Life
Messages About Love & Relationships
Love Languages
Advertisement
Electrolytes Go From Sports To Everyday Wellness (Hydration Is For Everyone)
Molly Knudsen, M.S., RDN
Eating High-Protein? These Foods Will Likely Be On Your Plate In 2025
Molly Knudsen, M.S., RDN
Electrolytes Go From Sports To Everyday Wellness (Hydration Is For Everyone)
Molly Knudsen, M.S., RDN
Eating High-Protein? These Foods Will Likely Be On Your Plate In 2025
Molly Knudsen, M.S., RDN
Electrolytes Go From Sports To Everyday Wellness (Hydration Is For Everyone)
Molly Knudsen, M.S., RDN
Eating High-Protein? These Foods Will Likely Be On Your Plate In 2025
Molly Knudsen, M.S., RDN
Electrolytes Go From Sports To Everyday Wellness (Hydration Is For Everyone)
Molly Knudsen, M.S., RDN
Eating High-Protein? These Foods Will Likely Be On Your Plate In 2025
Molly Knudsen, M.S., RDN