8 rules of eating as per Ayurveda for a long, healthier life

Oct 2, 2024 Aadya Jha

Healthy eating habits

Ayurveda provides us with wisdom that can guide us in how we eat. These Ayurvedic eating habits help in improving digestion, balancing energy, and maintaining overall health. Here are 8 key rules of eating according to Ayurveda. Canva

Eat only 70-80% of your appetite

Ayurveda believes in eating until we feel about 70-80% full. Overeating can burden the digestive system, leading to bloating, discomfort, and sluggishness. When we leave a little space in the stomach, digestion happens more efficiently. Canva

Lunch should be your heaviest meal

According to Ayurveda, the digestive fire (agni) mirrors the sun’s strength. When the sun is at its highest, usually between 12 pm and 2 pm, the body is best equipped to digest a larger meal. Lunch should be the heaviest meal of the day, which should be nutrient-dense to fuel the body. Canva

Say no to late-night dinners

Late-night dinners can disturb the body’s natural digestion process. Ayurveda suggests eating the last meal at least 2-3 hours before bedtime, ideally before 7 pm. Eating late at night can cause indigestion, acid reflux, and poor sleep quality. Canva

Avoid stale food

Stale food (anything that has been sitting for more than a day) is considered bad for life energy (prana) and harder for the body to digest. Reheating leftovers or eating packaged foods can cause toxins to accumulate in the body over time, weakening digestion. Canva

Consume warm meals for better digestion

Warm, cooked meals are easier to digest than cold or raw foods, according to Ayurveda. Warm meals ignite your digestive fire, making it easier for your body to break down and absorb nutrients. Canva

The best answer to indigestion is fasting

Ayurveda teaches that occasional fasting can give the digestive system a much-needed break. If someone experiences indigestion, skipping a meal or fasting for a short period can help the body reset and cleanse itself. Canva

Eating without distraction

One of the core principles of Ayurveda is eating without any distractions. This means focusing on the food, chewing slowly, and avoiding distractions like TV or smartphones while eating. Canva

Drink water before meals, not during

Ayurveda suggests drinking water about 30 minutes before a meal to prepare the digestive system. Drinking water during a meal can dilute digestive enzymes, slowing down the process. Canva

Next: 10 foods to eat when in a bad mood

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​8 rules of eating as per Ayurveda for a long, healthier life

​Healthy eating habits

​Eat only 70-80% of your appetite

​Lunch should be your heaviest meal

​Say no to late-night dinners

​Avoid stale food

​Consume warm meals for better digestion

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​The best answer to indigestion is fasting

​Eating without distraction

​Drink water before meals, not during