Food for Thought: What Ayurveda Teaches Beyond “What to Eat”
When discussing nutrition, most of us immediately think: what should I eat?
In Ayurveda, that question is important but not complete. To truly support balance in the body, we also have to consider:
How are you eating?
When are you eating?
Where and why are you eating?
These questions invite self-inquiry, and I’ll be the first to admit that I still catch myself slipping into unconscious eating habits. Just like yoga, understanding how we nourish ourselves is a practice of observing, learning, and gently course-correcting.
Choo-Choo-Choo
Maybe you’ve heard that we should chew each bite of food 32–40 times. While the number might vary depending on whether you're eating watermelon or steak, most of us aren’t getting close. We rush, we gulp, we move on.
Distracted Dining
It’s easy to eat while half-watching something, flipping through a book, or rushing through conversation barely registering that we’re eating at all.
Skipping & Snacking
Skipping meals messes with appetite regulation. Snacking when we're not hungry overwhelms digestion. Neither approach gives our system a chance to work optimally.
Train, Car, Couch… Tree?
Are you eating while standing at the counter? In the car on the way to work? Slouched on the couch watching Golden Girls for the 12th time? (Okay, that last one might just be me.)
The “Why” Behind the Bite
Food holds meaning. It can soothe us in grief, spark joy through memory, or act as a reward—or even punishment. But when decision-making becomes reflexive and unconscious, we distance ourselves from the type of eating that promotes true nourishment.
Taking time to observe the how, when, where, and why behind our meals can uncover patterns that disrupt digestion, assimilation, and elimination.
A Practice to Try This Week!
Choose one to three meals this week to observe with full attention. Use these simple guidelines to begin resetting your relationship with food:
Stop what you're doing.
Sit down to eat, preferably in a calm environment.
Chew your food thoroughly.
Eat at consistent times to regulate appetite.
Let hunger—not stress or boredom—be your cue.
Enjoy your largest meal mid-day.
Take a breath and appreciate what’s in front of you.
Listen to your body’s signals.
✨ Eat to thrive.
Ready to Go Deeper?
If you're feeling the pull to reset your eating habits and realign your body, mind, and spirit, the 21 Days of Restoration is for you.
This guided, virtual Ayurvedic program is designed to help you step into fall with more energy, clarity, and balance. Through mindful eating (including a mono-diet), daily reflection, and supportive yoga practices, you'll create space for deeper healing and restoration.
💻 The program is 100% virtual and includes:
A complete guide to Ayurvedic mono-dieting
Instructions for internal oleation & Abhyanga
Unlimited in-person and virtual yoga
30 days of Tejas On-Demand yoga (with over 300 classes!)
Journaling prompts, program support, and office hours with James
4 live workshops with recordings available for the full 21 days
Access to a private WhatsApp group for inspiration and Q&As
A bonus Yoga Nidra workshop if you register as an early bird!
This Fall, Choose Restoration
Whether you're ready to immerse yourself in the full 21 Days of Restoration or simply seeking a more mindful transition into the new season, remember:
small, intentional shifts can lead to lasting transformation.
🍁 Enrollment opens this month—and space is limited to ensure you receive personalized guidance and support throughout the journey.
🔗 Learn more about the 21 Days of Restoration (link will be live when registration opens)
Restore your digestion. Reset your habits. Reconnect with what truly nourishes you.
I’d be honored to share this experience with you.
