Meals are structured times for eating, typically consisting of a variety of foods that provide essential nutrients and energy.
Do you know which animal that eats 7-8 small meals daily? The answer is “only humans!”
Modern medicine and even many online sources say eating multiple small meals is beneficial. But what does Ayurveda have to say?
The Ayurvedic perspective
According to Ayurveda, contrary to the principles of modern nutrition, eating multiple small meals a day will not keep the metabolism strong. It works the opposite way – it lowers your “Agni” or digestive fire!
Eat when you are hungry
Ayurveda says you should only eat when hungry and stop when you feel full. When you feel hungry, it indicates that your digestive enzymes are fully produced to the highest extent. Therefore, your body will break down the food you eat properly.
Ayurveda advises eating proper full meals 4 hours apart, sitting down, without talking.
Eat mindfully
It also suggests enjoying food with all your senses – touch, feel, smell, look, and listen to it! Eating four times a day has proven to assist some people in controlling their blood sugar levels and avoiding overindulging in larger meals.. Remember that the caliber and amount of food eaten at these meals matters just as much as how often they occur.
Give time to digest
After eating a proper full meal, you should allow the body time to digest the food entirely and form hunger. Once hunger is created and the previous food is completely digested, and you see signs like udgarasuddhi (belching without the smell or taste of the last meal), you can have the next meal. This usually takes 3.5 to 4 hours. It is essential to wait for hunger to form well before the next meal as it allows you to understand your body’s natural hunger and fullness cues.
Be consistent
Eating on time is very important too, ideally around the same time every day! Eating on time every day helps your body adjust to a set routine. Maintaining a regular eating schedule encourages the body to acquire all the energy it needs and, in turn, reduces the intake of sugar, junk food, and fast food. Planning your meals and snacks can help you eat better and have more energy throughout the day. This keeps your body working at its best all day. Consistently eating at regular times each day helps our bodies recognize hunger cues. This enables you to identify your hunger better and satisfy it healthily.
Let’s start eating like real humans again! Will you still be eating 7-8 meals a day after this?
It’s not about how many times you eat in a day, but how you are consistent with your timings and what you eat that counts! This helps improve your digestion and your life expectancy.
If you are struggling with any health issues, you can either book a consultation with us or send us a message via WhatsApp to +91 79074 89839. We have the best Ayurvedic doctors in Trivandrum who are always glad to help you. If you have any queries, contact us. You can also visit us at our hospital.