Good morning, Dear Readers!
I find myself here at the nudging of a dear friend, urging me to resume my writing journey. Some of you may have witnessed the relentless struggle of a blank canvas overpowering words, while others reached out with encouraging messages. Yet, somehow, August slipped through my grasp, and I found myself unable to conjure the valuable words to fill this pristine white screen.
Words that might have the power to illuminate your day.
To be honest, part of this resistance to write stems from my initial letters and rants to you. They began with a focus on the D2C space but gradually morphed into unstructured rants. You see, rants seldom adhere to a theme. They're more like a web of thoughts, spiraling outward without a clear destination.
So, I've decided to serve you another rant for September. Today is the fourth of September, not that I fully comprehend time in its chronological sense. It merely serves to provide us with a semblance of control. As I scribbled in my journal yesterday,
"Past and future may be parallel universes of which we are conscious, coexisting with the present."
Let that thought sink in for a moment.
That's life these days, isn't it? A lot of "let it sink in."
In this month's rant, I'd like to share a couple of intriguing insights I've gathered over the past six months, primarily related to food, and offer a movie recommendation I recently received.
About Food
Have you noticed how packaged, processed foods constantly dominate the outermost shelves of general stores? They shout at us with their vibrant packaging and brand names, beckoning us to "Come, Savor Me!"
After making honest attempts to understand food and nutrition from both Ayurvedic and Western perspectives, I've come to believe that both systems of living are trying to convey the same set of simple food principles. These principles are essential to counteract the rampant surge in lifestyle diseases since the post-World War II era. In India, this trend likely began after the Liberalization, Privatization, and Globalization policies of 1991, as there were not many packaged food brands in the country before that.
It's almost ironic how our school biology textbooks taught us about macronutrients—carbohydrates, proteins, fats—but seldom delved into the mind-body connection or nutrients in a holistic sense. However, when comparing Western and Ayurvedic principles of food, both emphasize adding more colors to your plate—more vegetables. Regardless of what packaged items claim, obtaining nutrition from natural sources is always, always better.
In a course I'm currently taking, Dr. Maya, the Director of Health Media Innovation at Stanford, succinctly explains the problem with packaged foods. To extend the shelf life of these products, industrialists strip them of much of their nutritional value and key components like fiber. Michael Pollan, a journalist renowned for his writings on food and healthy living, argues that these packaged items cannot yet be declared as food because they lack nutritional value. They are close to homemade food nutritionally, but they haven't quite reached that status.
Here are some simple principles I've gleaned from the course:
1. Balance Your Plate: Strive for a balanced diet that incorporates a variety of food groups, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. This balance provides the essential nutrients your body needs.
2. Portion Control: Practice mindfulness with portion sizes. Overindulging, even in healthy foods, can lead to weight gain. Understanding appropriate portion sizes aids in maintaining a healthy weight.
3. Whole Foods: Opt for whole, unprocessed foods whenever possible. These foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, are typically more nutritious than heavily processed alternatives.
4. Limit Added Sugars: Excessive sugar consumption has been linked to various health issues. Read labels and reduce your intake of foods and drinks with added sugars.
5. Moderation: Indulge in treats and less nutritious foods in moderation. It's perfectly fine to enjoy them occasionally, but they should be exceptions rather than the rule.
6. Hydration: Stay well-hydrated by drinking water throughout the day. Limit sugary beverages and excessive caffeine.
7. Mindful Eating: Pay close attention to what you eat, savor each bite, and be present in the moment. Mindful eating can prevent overconsumption and encourage healthier food choices.
8. Dietary Diversity: Incorporate a wide range of foods into your diet to ensure you receive a variety of nutrients. Different foods offer various vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
9. Cook at Home: Preparing meals at home gives you greater control over ingredients and cooking methods, facilitating healthier choices.
10. Listen to Your Body: Tune in to your body's hunger and fullness cues. Eat when you're hungry and stop when you're satisfied.
11. Lifelong Habits: Remember that healthy eating is a lifelong commitment. Focus on building sustainable habits rather than resorting to quick fixes or fad diets.
These are just a few key takeaways. If you're eager to learn more, I've included a link to the course here. Additionally, you might want to explore the Rediscovering Self podcast for more insights into Ayurveda.
That wraps up September, folks! See you next month.
Movie Recommendation: Before Sunset
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