There are two elements that have become compulsory part of our self. Only we are real and our body and mind are not. Yet, being unaware of this fact, we spend our lives meeting the needs of the body and mind. Both body and mind need plenty of food. The moment we wake up in the morning, we start feeding the body and we continue the feeding process until we fall asleep. The body primarily needs three sessions; Breakfast, lunch and dinner. But in the case of the mind, he must always be fed. In particular, the ego, the formation of the mind, needs a lot of food.
Let us consider first how to deal with the physical needs of our body. The body that came into existence as a result of our past karma should be taken care of. The body is the means by which we must reach our destination. It is like a boat used to cross a river. So, the body should be properly cared for so that it can reach you safely and comfortably to the destination. Food is essential for body maintenance but if the quantity is high or the quality is very rich then your energy level will be very low. Overeating makes one bored. Eating too much food puts a lot of stress on the digestive system and causes gastro-intestinal problems. Even when a person is very hungry, he should not take more than he needs. According to the saints, what we call breakfast should be grand because we fast all night, the day meal we call should be enough and the dinner should be very light. From eating generously in the morning, one should reduce its intake throughout the day. My son, who had attended a health lecture at his school, told me what he heard there: "Eat breakfast like a king, eat lunch like a prince, and eat dinner like a beggar."
In any case, take only the amount of food you need for your livelihood. One should avoid high fat, high calorie, spicy and oily foods and eat more greens, sprouted cereals and fiber-rich vegetables which are high in nutrients. Sugar should be avoided and replaced with honey where ever possible. Honey has wonderful properties. This will produce more energy than milk. When a journalist asked a doctor how he could live a healthy life, the immediate answer came from the doctor: "Dip your body in oil and pour honey into your body."
The quality of the food should be such that it provides the required amount of nutrients and protein in the right amount. Avoid eating meat. There is a misconception that eggs contain protein. The protein content of eggs depends on the nature of the feeds fed to the hens and the ultraviolet rays they get. Eggs, which are high in nitrogen and phosphoric acid, may cause cholesterol problems and acidity. Prolonged use of eggs causes irreparable damage to various organs of the body.
In addition to quantity and quality, the method of taking food is also important. The concept of fast food is not a healthy sign. Meals should be taken comfortably in the company of loved ones and close ones. Enjoy your meal with all the members of the family. Let the dining table strengthen family ties and let all family members eat together in a pleasant atmosphere. Water helps the metabolic system work and also helps burn calories. Take pure water early in the morning. Water should not be taken during meals or before or after meals.
Daily physical exercise is a necessary for good health. It helps in facilitating blood circulation and body functions. According to one of the great saints, early in the morning when the sun's rises, which we call as Arunoday, is the right time to walk because the atmospheres ozone air help in regenerating the body's different organs.
There is another factor of your own, called mana i.e. mind, which needs more careful attention and you need a completely different type of treatment for it to be healthy. All you need when working with the body is a certain discipline and discretion. But dealing with the mind is extremely complicated. The mind keeps us occupied forever and always keeps us busy and discourages us from following the path of our perfection.
Let’s talk about mind in some other article.