What to Eat

Eat plenty of fresh, and whenever possible, organic fruits and vegetables.

Buy produce that comes from your local farmers' markets. They are certainly fresh and also in season.

Choose a variety of foods throughout the day. Include sources of protein (nuts, seeds, beans, animal products), carbohydrates (grains, fruits and vegetables), and fats (nuts, seeds and oils). Fresh, organic grains and produce are especially high in vitamins and minerals, and contribute to a healthy body-mind-spirit.

Avoid using sugar (white and brown) and synthetic sweeteners (equal, sweet&low, splenda, etc.). Instead use natural sweeteners, such as barley malt syrup, agave nectar, stevia (100% natural leaves), date sugar, su.ca.nat (sugar cane natural), unheated honey, maple syrup, brown rice syrup.

Reduce consumption of animal products (especially beef and pork).


How to Eat
 

1.      Eat only when your body needs it, which means eat only when hungry.

2.      DO NOT OVEREAT. Eat until 75% full. This allows space in the stomach to digest.
 

3.      It is really important to chew your food well. Digestion starts in the mouth. If you chew until your food is of an even consistancy, then your body won't waste energy, trying to break up big pieces of food in the stomach.

4.      While eating avoid distractions like loud conversations, TV, radio, computer, and driving. It is best to eat in silence. If you like to talk, choose peaceful uplifting subjects for conversation. If you like to play music, choose peaceful, relaxing instrumentals.

5.      It is easiest to digest food that is oily and moist. Dry foods, like crackers and toast, draw moisture from the body to digest, which is dehydrating.

6.      Keep the meal simple. The fewer the ingredients used in the preparation of your meal, the better for your digestive system. Good combinations: veggies with protein, veggies with grains, veggies with nuts. Fruit is best eaten alone.

7.      Avoid drinking with meals. This dilutes the gastric juices. Drink half an hour before a meal and/or two hours after. If thirsty while eating sip hot or warm water.

8.      Avoid cold drinks. They cool your digestive fire, which slows or stops digestion. Room temperature water or warm drinks are preferable.
 

9.      Remember the source. Food comes from God. Bless the food before you eat it to increase its life force.

10.  After eating, allow time (10 – 20 min.) for your food to digest before beginning other activities. Sit quietly afterward. You may want to place your hands on your belly to direct energy to your digestive organs. This will support digestion.

11.  Allow time to digest between meals. Wait until you are hungry before eating again. This will probably take at least 2 hours after a light meal, and 3-4 hours after a large meal.

12.   Avoid going to sleep right after a meal. This promotes dullness and weight gain.

13.   Avoid running or exercising hard after a meal, but a short, leisurely walk can be beneficial.

14.   Avoid eating if upset, angry, worried, or in an otherwise stressed or negative state of mind.

15.  Food should be prepared with love and eaten in a comfortable and peaceful environment.