We should choose foods which promote vitality, health, and give us strength, says AJIT KUMAR BISHNOI
Birds don’t overeat because if they do, they will not be able to fly. It will be the same as a plane which has been overloaded. Not only do the birds not overeat, they only eat what is good for them. They are very conscious about their health in order to be strong enough to be able to fly.
Unfortunately, we, human beings, a much higher species, don’t have this consciousness, even though from what we know, we have much superior intelligence than birds. Do we really have superior intelligenceIJ The way we overeat and eat what is not appropriate for us, from that evidence it does not appear so. Why do most of us do thatIJ Can we blame our tonguesIJ But that will not help because our tongues are not independent; they are controlled by us, or should be.
And the result of such overeating and bad eating is nothing short of disastrous. To begin with, the chemical balance in the body is affected. After all, what all we eat or drink determines the chemical balance in our bodies. One may become obese with all its related troubles/diseases. Energy level will be low. Yes, we are not expected to fly but, surely, we need to be fit enough to be able to do all our daily duties. Bad or overeating causes digestive disorders besides other diseases, which also affect our sleeping, which is vital for maintaining good health and alertness.
What actually is bad eatingIJ Eating what is not useful for the body or is harmful for it.
Eating excessively does not make any sense whatever unless there will be no food left for future and we must store what is available in our bodies. We err because we are guided essentially by taste and not by intelligence. In this madness to cater to taste, we even eat when not hungry and overstrain our digestive system.
What are good eating habitsIJ let the Bhagavad Gita guide us. One should choose foods which promote vitality, give strength and health. (17.8) Fruits and vegetables must form an important part of one’s meals. One should eat according to bodily requirement, ie the choice should be made properly. (16.17) Water should be an important part of our daily routine. One should restrict foods, which are bitter, sour, salty, very hot, pungent or harsh. (17.9)
One should neither overeat nor under-eat. (6.16) One should ensure gaps between meals, allowing food to be digested before eating some more. And one should not eat food which is past its expiry date; which has become tasteless; is putrid and which is spoiled, etc; or is remnant or unclean; also which has not been prepared hygienically.
There are many benefits of good eating habits. Good foods give joy and are conducive to cheerfulness. (17.8) One avoids pain, tension, and diseases. (17.9) One does not suffer from digestive disorders. One does not become obese. One enjoys good health. Good eating habits promote the mode of goodness — the highest.
One is unlikely to suffer from sleeping disorders. Energy level is likely to be good/sufficient. Yes, we will not be able to fly like birds but we will not drag ourselves either. One is likely to become energy-wise efficient. Chemical balance in the body will be maintained. One will have good alertness. What do we seeIJ A fit person is always ready to do what is required, while an obese or an unfit person prefers to sit or lie down.
If one sticks to healthy foods for six months, it will help in developing good eating habits. What are we waiting forIJ Get started and enjoy all the benefits of good eating.
Bishnoi is a spiritual writer and can be reached at spiritual@ajitbishnoi.com