We Become What We Eat

Being alive and alert, we become what we should. “Tell me what you eat and I will tell you what you are” - French proverb

The year 2023 is the International year of Millets, India is at the forefront of popularising Millets, for its nutritional value, food security and welfare of the farmers. The Grain Millets is Naturally rich in protein, iron, fibre, calcium, vitamins and minerals, millets are gluten free and are a healthier alternative to rice and wheat. So let us switch to the Nutritional Powerhouse, versatile and diverse, sustainable and It is worth noting that leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, have emphasised the importance of healthy eating habits and the promotion of a balanced diet. The government of India has also launched programs like National Nutrition Mission (POSHAN Abhiyaan) to address malnutrition and promote healthy eating practices.

The CROP OF THE NEXT GENERATION, wonder grains- miracle millets. Millets promote good health, food security and environment friendly grain that Economic Empowerment.

There are two things that contributes to our destined identity, our heredity in the form of genes that we acquire and the environment we are born and brought up in. Well we can’t change the science, our genes, but we can surely learn the art of what we fill ourselves or give ourselves, in the form of the our environment. It includes anything and everything. Starting from our physical, mental and spiritual intakes.

We become what we learn, the knowledge and skills we acquire contribute to our personal and professional development. We become we believe in, our beliefs influence our values, decisions and the way we navigate the world. We become what we read, the books and knowledge we consume shape our perspective and personal growth. We become what we surround ourselves with, the people environment and influences we surround ourselves with greatly impact our development and character. We become what we think and do, our thoughts shape our beliefs, attitudes and actions, ultimately defining what we become and do, because our actions and behaviours shape our habits and ultimately shape our identity. We become what our love and attraction is: the people and things we invest our love and care into play a significant role in shaping our identity and happiness.

In the same way, we become what we eat, as our food choices, directly impact our health and wellbeing. Therefore, we should not eat good food, we should eat super foods. Super foods are food that are rich in compounds such as antioxidants, fibre, or fatty acids. When we talk about super foods we prefer to have whole foods and grains as compared to fine and grounded grains. Basically according to Vedas, the super foods are foods that gives to immense energy to combat under productivity, lethargy and is beneficial for our body organs like brain, heart and prevent us from various diseases, simultaneously protecting us from toxins. According to our traditional Ayurveda learnings food can be classified into Satavik, Rajasik, and Tamasik. In an Ayurvedic diet there are basic rules to it, it can have selection of foods according to our body types (Doshas) viz. Vata, Pitta, and Kapha.

The purpose of the good diet is not only to increase the longevity of life, vital energy and bodily strength but also purifies the mind, body, soul and increase consciousness and spirituality level.

My friend who is a nutritionist always say that the food are blended not only for taste but also for proper digestion and assimilation of nutrients present in combined meal. Having two meals in a day allows our body to fully digest, absorb and assimilate the nutrients before introducing next meal. Someone who has two meals a day is called bhogi, which means, one who relishes food’. Someone who eats one meal is a yogi and who eats three meals is a Rogi, means a diseased being.

Traditional fasting methods are also as beneficial, because it helps removes toxins from the body. When we talk about our body type, super foods, we need to talk about the changing our eating habits too. By changing eating habits we mean, replacing unhealthy habits with new heathy habits. Replacing non vegetarian food with Vegan Food for health and energy. This can be a food for thought and not food for body.

As Contributed by The New York Times, Bill Clinton’s Vegan Journey. He has shown it how vegetarian diet helped him in restoring good health and youthfulness. It says undergoing two separate heart procedures, former President Bill Clinton changed his diet to slow the progression of heart disease. But one a doctor told him that more Intensive Changes “were needed for someone with this family history of heart disease, Mr. Clinton – the man famous for his love of McDonald’s and junk food – went Vegan.

I am of the belief that mental, physical, and spiritual well-being are influenced by various factors, and adopting a vegetarian lifestyle is one of the very important aspect. Vegetarianism is often motivated by ethical concerns about animal welfare and cruelty. By abstaining from meat consumption, individuals may experience a sense of compassion, empathy and harmony with other living beings. This ethical alignment can contribute to positive mental and spiritual well-being by promoting greater sense of interconnectedness and reducing cognitive dissonance.

By choosing a vegetarian lifestyle, individuals can align their actions with their environment values, which can foster a sense of purpose, connectedness to nature, and overall spiritual well-being.

No wonder, that practicing mindful eating encourages a non-judgemental awareness of one’s thoughts, feelings and physical sensations and in turn promote a deeper connection with food and cultivate a sense of gratitude and appreciation for the nourishment it provides, potentially enhancing the overall spiritual experience.

We become what we do. We become what we believe in. we become what and how we interpret and respond. We become what we strive for. The goals and aspirations we pursue shape our growth, achievements, and the person we become.

To summarise, eat super foods, vegetarian if not vegan, plant based food including fruits and lots of salads and of course remember to add millets in your diet, to be disease free, healthy and enthusiastic towards life.

Eat well to live well. Happy eating! Mindful eating.

To conclude, we are not what we eat, but we are 200% what we ate.