Does Your Food Suit Your Mood? Part 2

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