In our fast moving modern world, where convenience often takes priority over nutrition, it’s easy to overlook the wisdom of our roots. Our ancient Indian food is rooted in Ayurveda and offers not just nourishment but a deep connection between food, mind, and body.
It’s not just about what we eat, but how and when we eat that matters, this is something that Ayurveda has always emphasised long before science evolved.
Healing Ayurvedic Approach to Food
Ayurveda, the 5,000 year old Indian system of medicine, treats food as medicine.
It revolves around one theory: Every ingredient affects the doshas- Vata, Pitta, and Kapha- are energy forces that govern the body. Our main goal is to make sure that we are eating in a way that keeps these doshas in harmony.
Instead of trendy superfoods or fancy supplements, Ayurveda focuses on simple, local, seasonal, and freshly prepared meals. And the beautiful thing here is that these principles naturally align with our everyday wellness needs like reducing stress, improving digestion, boosting immunity, and staying energised.
Tried and True: Ayurvedic Nuskhas for Modern Health:
Let’s take a look at a few relatable nuskhas we still swear by every day.
- Feeling sluggish after a late night of work?
You can have a bowl of warm moong dal khichdi with a spoonful of ghee to soothe your stomach and reset your energy.
- Overeating: making you bloated or heavy?
Start the day with warm water and a pinch of fennel and ajwain. This Ayurvedic habit helps you with better digestion.
- Post workout meal or feeling hungry after your evening yoga practice?
A glass of warm turmeric milk with a few nuts calms the nervous system and aids in muscle recovery with a good amount of protein.
Whether you’re managing a hectic routine, attending Yoga Classes in Pune, or practicing yoga sessions online, these ancient old food habits can help you feel lighter, calmer, and more balanced.
Ancient Ayurvedic Foods That Fit Today’s Modern Lifestyle
Here are some traditional Indian foods and practices that are not only Ayurvedically approved but are also incredibly modern to consume:
- Ghee (Clarified Butter):
Yes! It’s ghee, and no, it’s not fattening. Instead, it can help us reduce weight if taken in a proper way. It improves digestion, helps in managing blood sugar spikes, lubricates joints, boosts immunity, and even supports brain function. Add a teaspoon to your rice or lentils- your body will thank you.
- Millets:
Ragi, jowar, and bajra are nutrient-rich, gluten-free, and easier to digest than modern wheat. They have a really good amount of fiber, which helps you stay satiated for a longer period of time. Other than this, it’s actually a great choice to add more nutrients to your meal, as they are rich in iron, calcium and protein.
It’s ideal for busy professionals as it helps with better energy.
- Spices as Medicine:
Every Indian kitchen has a natural pharmacy. These tiny little spices kept in boxes have many benefits, like turmeric being anti-inflammatory, cumin aiding digestion, fennel cooling the system, and ginger boosting metabolism. Adding these to daily meals isn’t just for taste- it’s for balance.
- Buttermilk (Chaas):
Everyone’s summer favorite and especially useful in summer or after a heavy meal, chaas helps with digestion, cools the body, and restores gut health. Skip the sodas and colas – opt for this ancient probiotic drink.
Perfect Pairing: Yoga and Ayurveda
If you’re practicing yoga sessions online or going to yoga classes in Pune, your food choices can enhance and even improve your practice. Ayurveda and yoga were never meant to be separate- they work best together.
A sattvic (pure, calming) diet is often recommended for yoga practitioners. This usually includes fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and dairy products that bring mental clarity and peace.
For example:
- Pre yoga: Have soaked nuts or dates for gentle energy.
- Post yoga: Enjoy moong dal soup, sattu drink or a bowl of steamed vegetables with paneer/ tofu for grounding and nourishment.
Conclusion
Ancient Indian foods aren’t just nostalgic- they’re timeless tools for wellness that we still follow somewhere everyday in our everyday routine without even knowing. While we may live in a tech-driven world, our bodies still crave the natural rhythm of seasonal, wholesome meals.
So, the next time you plan your day,
Don’t forget to add nourishing meals in your dabba that will help you with better energy and will keep you away from all the future health problems.
Whether it includes work meetings, school runs, or Yoga Sessions Online, consider including these traditional foods. And if you’re someone attending yoga classes in Pune, let your diet be your daily dose of nourishment.
Because sometimes, the simplest ingredients offer the deepest healing- just like how our grandma’s always said, “Good health starts in the kitchen”:)
