“In Ayurveda , the mindfulness of eating is more important that what we eat” says Larissa Hall Carlson , expert in Ayurveda.

Changing the way we approach food really affects:

• Gas
• Bloating
• Indigestion
• Mucus forming
• Energy

Lifestyle affirmation for happy digestion

1. I sip warm water all day long between meals

It’s easier for food to pass through the digestive system when we are hydrated. Cold water is very challenging to digest.  It takes the body 30 minutes to digest warm water and one hour to digest cold. Warm water will stroke our digestive fire, improve digestion and help prevent the accumulation of mucus.

2. I avoid eating between meals

No snacking help your hunger and fire build.

3. I Sit down to eat

Many of us choose fresh juice or smoothies while running out the door. But taking just a few minutes more has huge digestive benefits. When we sit down to eat, we focus on the portion of food we are putting in our belly and chewing it properly. When we walk and chew a couple of bites before swallowing, the belly needs to do more work than the teeth.

4. I eat Freshly cooked foods

If our food isn’t fresh, we don’t feel so fresh after eating it. That’s because it’s lost its energy or life force, which can leave us feeling tired, sluggish and depleted. So skip the frozen food and leftovers and spend extra time preparing simple, yummy dishes.

5. I make lunch my biggest meal of the day

When the sun is at its highest point in the day, the digestive fire is stronger. So do like Europeans and eat the biggest meal at lunch, giving the body plenty of time to completely digest before going to bed, which is when the digestive system shut down. Anything after the sun goes down will stagnate. For dinner think soups and light salads.

The ideal schedule is:

• Breakfast between 7:00 and 8:00 am. Better not eat a lot of food after 9:00 am
• Lunch, biggest meal, between noon and 1:00 pm
• Dinner, light meal, before 7:00 pm. Avoid being up between 10:00 pm and 2:00 am

6. I eat less and eat only when I am hungry

The problem with eating when we are not hungry,  is that it leaves us feeling bloated and uncomfortable. Only when our stomach is completely empty, are the enzymes strong enough to break down our food. Are you eating for necessity or habit?

7. I spice up my food

It’s good for banishing bloating to add spices to our meals like fresh ginger and hot peeper, cumin, black pepper, asafoetida, turmeric and fenugreek. These spices contain properties that will enhance our digestion and weight lost goals.

8. I take 15 minutes gentle walk after eating a big meal

Many of us pop our dishes in the sink and out to the next activity. Shifting gear so quickly stops the body’s ability to absorb food, halting blood flow in the stomach and decreasing circulation. It’s so relaxing to go for an easy walk after dinner.

9. I fast a few times a year with the season

Choose

• Consuming light, simple foods like broth and teas
• Eating fruits, vegetables or fresh juices only
• Eat soft foods: fresh juices, smoothies and soups
• Avoid food for 12 to 16 hours from 7:00 pm to 7:00 am or later

10. I laugh everyday

Find your life purpose, have fun and laugh in whatever job or career you choose. A belly full of laughter is a belly full of fire.

Enjoy life, feel satisfy and restore the fire in your gut!