|| Anna He Purna Brahma ||
“Anna He Purna Brahma” literally means Food is God. With regards to food there are two important things -
- The actual contents of the food
- The state of mind in which food is consumed.
- Contents -
Traditionally, there are 3 categories of food - Satvic, Rajasic and Tamasic based on 3 gunas : a) Sattva - guna of balance,light and life b) Raja - activity,passion and restlessness. c) Tamas - ignorance, inertia, darkness, attachment.
These categories were probably developed to suit different occupations / social structures.
Sattvic diet - a sentient diet (according to Yoga and Ayurveda) is a diet constituting foods rich is satva guna. Such a diet should bring clarity and equanimity of mind in addition to good health.
Rajasic diet - this diet fills the body but it promotes activity hence making the mind restless.
Tamasic diet - tamsic food makes the body heavy and the mind dull.
Balanced diet should cover all the food groups and all 6 tastes (not just first three) viz. Sweet, Sour, Salty, Bitter, Pungent and Astringent. It should also cover most of the textures. Some theories link addiction to lack of some of the tastes in the diet. ( I don’t know if it is true )
- Mental State -
Happy, calm, attentive state and slow chewing is very important. Involving as many senses (hands-touch, senses, sight and taste) as possible gives a more satisfying experience. Talking, watching TV or working on computers while eating should be avoided. Traditionally, eating too fast or with a disturbed mind is Rajasic and overeating is Tamsic. Half of the stomach capacity should be filled with food, one quarter with water and the reaming one quarter empty (to assist digestion).
On this website I will add healthy recipes, diet plan and general dos and don’ts about food.
All recipes are from fresh products. NO tinned, frozen, canned foods here.
I will also add a ‘Food while Travelling’ section which should be free of artificial flavourings and preservatives.
I have never cooked with measured proportions but for the benefit of users I will try to include measures just as a guideline, however, most of the recipes will be flexible.
Enjoy reading and most importantly experimenting the recipes. I am happy to have any feedback from you.