By Anita Rangaswami (Guest Blogger)
Are we paying close attention to the “negative
effects” of certain foods that are consumed on a daily basis? Here is an example that may sound a little
too familiar and clearly illustrates these “negative effects”. An ice cream
treat can be an earned reward after a particularly stressful day and without
noticeable consequence when consumed infrequently. But what happens when
infrequent turns into the “stress-relief” solution multiple times a
week? We are definitely creatures of habit and it becomes easy to succumb to
the temptation. Very soon, there is not only an uncomfortable increase in the
midsection, but there are many other significant health ramifications to a
weekly hot fudge brownie sundae therapy!
After a few weeks of brownie therapy, the “negative
effects” begin to manifest. A cold may develop with chest congestion, a runny
nose, dull headache and a cough that lasts seemingly forever. It feels as if a
bad cold and chest congestion “suddenly” appeared, but in reality, the shift to
excessive dairy and sweets consumption may have played a significant role. We
know that the same foods can be processed very differently by individuals – one
man’s food is another’s poison.
When we can properly identify an imbalance, avoid
the foods causing it, and choose the appropriate foods to pacify the
imbalances, we begin the healing process. As we become more observant of the
nature of the food we eat, when and why we indulge in the foods that we do, we
may be able to voluntarily change those patterns that are not nourishing for
our mind and body.
Here are three key principles to help feed your
mind and body:
1. Don’t let your mood influence your food!
2. Know what you are eating; always eat with
total awareness
3. Know your Ayurvedic mind/body type and be in
tune with nature’s rhythms …. Bon Appétit!
Anita
Rangaswami is an Ayurveda Consultant and Founder of Prana Gyana Holistic Health
and Wellness Center in Tempe. Go to www.pranagyana.com for more details. Phone
– 480-598-9961
