Food Lover’s Dilemma

Have you ever found yourself craving delicious, indulgent food while also trying to stay mindful of your health? It’s that constant tug-of-war between satisfying our gastronomic desires and remembering that some choices may not be the best for our well-being.

But there has to be a middle ground, right? There are several ways to strike this balance. One of the best places to start is by cooking meals at home. Cooking at home gives us full control over ingredients – how much oil we use, the quality of vegetables, and portion sizes. It’s amazing how much healthier a meal can be just by tweaking oil quantities or using fresher ingredients. Not to forget, the food will always be wholesome compared to any food eaten out!

Another approach could be the 80/20 rule – 80% healthy, whole foods and 20% indulgence. That way, you never feel completely deprived but still prioritize your health. 

One other effective strategy is to follow a structured meal plan – three well-balanced meals a day so that when we indulge, we do so mindfully within those meals rather than through constant snacking.

Going vegetarian can also be a great way to enjoy wholesome, delicious food while keeping our diet in check. Many meat-eaters may not realize the vast and flavorful options that vegetarian cuisine offers, but once they make the switch, they start appreciating its richness. 

Growing our own vegetables can further enhance this experience, making us more curious about plant-based meals while ensuring fresh, garden-to-table nourishment. Not only does it connect us to our food, but it also makes healthy eating more enjoyable and rewarding. Plus, it naturally reduces the temptation of eating out. 

With the wealth of recipes available online, it’s easier than ever to indulge in flavorful, satisfying meals while being conscious of what goes into them. One fantastic source for vegetarian recipes is the Isha Cookbook (A Taste of Isha Cookbook – Book), which offers a diverse range of delicious and healthy dishes to explore. The book features exceptional salad and soup recipes that are not only nutritious but also bursting with flavor. It also includes delightful Indian rice recipes—perfect for a guilt-free indulgence! A popular recipe from this book is the apple beetroot salad. It’s not just delicious but also uplifting, setting the perfect mood for the rest of the meal. 

Beyond what we eat, how we eat also matters. [Tips for Eating Healthy – How, When and What to Eat]. In his article Tips for Eating Healthy – How, When, and What to Eat, Sadhguru, yogi, mystic, and visionary, shares insights on mindful eating habits.

Many people practice intermittent fasting, but Sadhguru emphasizes the importance of doing it consciously:

“It is good to fast once in a way, but if you forcefully go without food, this may cause damage to the system. If you want to fast, you have to prepare psychologically and physiologically, so that you can effortlessly go without food. We have identified certain days of the lunar month when digestion is not at its best. On these two days in the month, known as Ekadashi, which is the eleventh day after the full and new moons, it is best to have only light food or to fast entirely. Ekadashi was built into your system. If you can fast, please do. If that is not possible for you, go on a fruit diet.”

Being mindful of what, when, and how we eat can make a significant difference in our well-being. Have you ever experimented with fasting or specific eating patterns? Eating food that is conducive to our system keeps problems at bay. For some, fasting allows them to detox their body, for others, going on a fruit diet for one meal works wonders, yet for others, eating an early dinner helps to slow down their digestion at night.  

A food lover’s dilemma doesn’t have to be a struggle—it’s all about striking the right balance between indulgence and nutrition. The secret? Eating mindfully, not mindlessly, so every bite is both satisfying and smart.