Ayurveda & Its Definition of Comfort Food

Every now and then, we feel like indulging in our favourite comfort foods and reach for chocolates, chips, and samosas to uplift our mood. However, Ayurveda looks at comfort food very differently. It believes that foods are truly comforting to our body and mind when they are:

• Nourishing

• Nurturing

• Hearty and

• Fulfilling

Here’s what Ayurveda recommends as comfort food:

• Eat a triptighna diet - one that includes foods that are fresh, organic, and have the ability to carry nature’s intelligence to your brain and body.

• To further invigorate your food and protect nature’s intelligence, add ghee, water, and spices to your food. This strengthens ojas (immunity) and keeps the agni properly fired.

• Always eat freshly prepared and warm food as it strengthens the prana (life force).

• Opt for cooked food over raw options. Cooked foods are easier to digest as they’re enriched with agni (digestive fire).

• Drink milk boiled with elaichi (cardamom) and dalchini (cinnamon) as they are both warming spices. In addition to having a calming effect on your psyche, they also kindle the agni and aid digestion. However, they also tend to aggravate pitta, and should be had in moderation by pitta dominants.

• Regular sweets like chocolates and pastries give you temporary sugar high before making you feel low. Sate your sweet cravings with fresh fruit, dates, raisins, kheer, and gur as they don’t cause your blood sugar to spike.

Now that we’ve changed your definition of comfort food, reach for healthier choices the next time you have a mood swing, and you’ll be happy to know that you’ve made a healthier choice for your mind, body, and soul.

For more information on diet and nutrition, speak to a Jiva doctor today. Dial 0129-4040404 or click on ‘Speak to a Doctor’ under the CONNECT tab in the Jiva Health App.