Ayurveda: The Ayurvedic view on eating for energy

When you need a high energy fix, do you reach for a power bar or power shake? Or do you resort to caffeine, chocolate, or high-sugar snacks when you feel that ”end of the day” sag?

It may surprise you, but according to Ayurveda, the real energy-boosters are fresh fruits, vegetables, species, and whole grains. These are the foods that are rich in ’chetna’, the healing and nurturing influence of nature. They are so alive with nature’s intelligence that fatigue-causing toxins cannot accumulate in the body when you eat them.

Grains for Power

Athletes have long relied on carbohydrates in grains for long-term endurance and energy. Yet not all carbohydrates are created alike. A croissant, for instance, is high in fat and low in nutrition. The most nutritious carbohydrates are whole grains, which have been found to lower cholesterol inhibits cancer causing activity and harmful bacteria in the intestines, and lower blood glucose level. And these whole grains, ayuerveda considers rye, quinoa, amaranth and millet as the most nutritious, because they are especially high in protein and mineral. They are also high in fibre, and thus have a detoxifying value. These are the same auspicious grains that re described in the Verdict texts and are used for Vedict ceremonies.

One-half cup of Dalia (measured dry), for instance, contains 14g. protein, 8mg. iron, and also magnesium and zine.The same amount of Rava contains 13g. of protein, 9.mg of iron and 3 mg. of zinc. Rye is also high in protein .with one-half cup yielding 15 grams of protein and 4mg. of zine. Millet is a good source of B vitamins

All of these grains contain copper, which is an essential trace mineral that improves energy and immunity, and their zinc content also boosts ojas, the finest product of digestion that creates lightness, inner energy, immunity and bliss.

To prepare power grains, place two cups of water in a saucepan and bring it to a boil. Add a teaspoon a Ghee and 1/2 cup of grain. Boil for then lower to a simmer. Cook is important because otherwise grains create internal dryness.

Energizing Vegetables and Fruits

Other high-energy foods include fresh vegetables, which should constitute forty percent of the meal. Green, leafy vegetables are especially high in mineral and fibre, so should be eaten often.

Ayurveda

Fruits are also a source of energy. You can start the day with a stewed apple, and if you feel hungry in between meals, try snacking on a juicy pear. If you are feeling heavy and bloated after lunch, eat a fresh papaya, it contain enzymes aiding digestion. If you have a strong digestion and more Pitta in your constitution, mangoes are a rich ojas-producing food, and half a mango contains 2 mg beta-carotene and is a rich source of Vitamin C. According to Ayurveda, Raisins are among the best of fruits because they enhance sattva (purity), pacify the mind and heart and increase the coordination between them.

They are also a rich source of iron and Vitamin B6, and provide magnesium, calcium, zinc and potassium. Raisins aid digestion and elimination when they are soaked in water overnight. One handful per person is a good amount. A Date-Milk Energy Shake is a nourishing way to end the day. Because it promotes sleep and calm both Pitta and Vata sleep imbalances.

Date-Milk Energy Shake

4-5 whole dates (Medjool dates are ideal)

1 cup whole organic milk (unhomogenized if possible)

1 pinch cinnamon powder

The important thing is to eat foods every day that boost your energy, rather than relying on artificial boosters when you feel your energy sag.

Boil the milk until creates foam. Turn off the heat and cool until the temperature is comfortable for drinking. Combine the milk with the other ingredients and blend until the dates are ground up. Drink it warm in winter and at room temperature is summer.

Beware of Energy- Draining Foods

Just as there is food to boost energy, other foods drain it. Any fast food , canned, frozen, packaged, leftover or old foods – or foods laced with preservatives, chemicals, and additives- are difficult to digest and contain little nutritional content. If you do eat some of these foods, and you feel heavy after eating, Ayurveda advices drinking half a glass of water with 1/4 of a fresh lime squeezed into it.

But if you are feeling dull, sluggish, and drained of energy every day, it probably means that your diet contains too many energy-draining foods, which have clogged your micro channels with toxins. This mean that you need to overhaul your diet to include foods that create ojas and energy.

The important thing is to eat food every day that boost your energy, rather then relying on a artificial boosters when you feel your energy sag, because there will always be a negative side-effect.