Ayurvedic Breakfast: How Its Benefits Can Improve Your Health and Overall Wellbeing
Ayurveda is an ancient medical science that has been practiced for thousands of years. It’s based on the idea that everything has a balance called doshas, which are composed of three elements: air, water and fire.
When these elements are in balance, your body functions well; when they’re not balanced, you can experience health problems. Ayurveda also believes that how you start your day can affect how well it goes—and what you eat first thing in the morning can impact your health all day long!
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Ayurvedic Breakfast
When you wake up in the morning, your body is ready for a new day. It’s time to nourish your body with nutritious food that will give you energy and keep you feeling full throughout the day. But what if there was a way to start off each morning with something that also promotes health and wellness?
Ayurveda has an answer: the Ayurvedic breakfast! This ancient practice includes eating foods that are sattvic (pure), rajasic (stimulating) or tamasic (dull). That may sound complicated at first glance but don’t worry–we’re here to help break it down for you!
Sattvic foods
They are considered to be the most beneficial for your body. They’re made up of ingredients that are pure and natural, such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Sattvic foods contain very little fat or sugar and no processed ingredients, so they’re low in calories and easy to digest—making them ideal for breakfast.
Protein is the building block for your body, so including it in your diet is important. It helps you feel full longer, which means you’re less likely to overeat later on. Protein also helps build muscle and promotes healthy hair, skin and nails. Fruits are full of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that can help prevent disease. Vegetables provide fiber, which helps you feel full longer.
Sattvic breakfast foods are easy to digest, so they’re low in calories and won’t leave you feeling lethargic later in the day.
Sattvic breakfast rules:
- use oats, whole wheat breads and pastas, brown rice, beans, peas and lentils
- avoid processed foods
- avoid caffeine (coffee or tea)
- avoid alcohol
Rajasic foods
Rajasic foods are hot and light, they include sweet and sour fruits, vegetables, spices and herbs. These foods are good for digestion and flatulence. They also help to balance vata dosha in the body. Rajasic foods have a stimulating effect on the mind due to their heating nature.
Rajasic foods are ideal for people who have a weak digestion and are prone to flatulence as well. Rajasic foods help in improving the appetite, reducing constipation and indigestion. The best time to eat rajasic foods is in the morning or late afternoon as they energize the body.
Rajasic foods example:
- Hot and spicy foods like curries
- Spicy chutneys
- Sour fruits, such as lemons and limes
- Sweet and sour vegetables like tomatoes
- Pungent vegetables such as garlic and onion
Tamasic foods
Tamasic foods are heavy, dull and slow to digest. They are not good for your body. They slow down the metabolism and increase the chances of weight gain.
Tamasic foods example:
- Salty foods like chips, fries and processed meats
- Deep fried foods such as samosas, pakoras and vadas
- Dairy products like paneer cheese, yogurt and ice cream
- Heavy sauces made from oils
Ayurveda recommends that you avoid tamasic foods as much as possible.
Ayurvedic Breakfast Examples
There are many Ayurvedic breakfast recipes that you can try. You can have some cooked or soaked grains with milk, fruit juice or yogurt. You could also try a bowl of cereal made from oats, wheat and nuts.
- Milk (low fat) with honey and whole wheat bread
- Rice flakes with milk and fresh fruits like banana, papaya and mango
- Whole wheat toast with nuts, honey and milk
- Porridge made from oats, wheat and nuts with milk
- Fresh fruit smoothies
- Milk and cereal with fresh fruits in it
- Oatmeal with nuts, seeds and some honey
Conclusion
Ayurvedic breakfast recipes are very healthy and nutritious. You can try these recipes to start your day with a good energy level and mind clarity. This will help you perform better at work or school.