Mahatma Gandhi was surely an outstanding leader and diligent human. His non-violence practices are widely known, but there is another aspect of his preachings that is not so popular. He was a true advocate of correct diet and food practices. So, on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti, let’s learn the lessons inspired by Gandhiji’s food habits.
He reformed the society through the perspective of food and lifestyle too. There are certain bits of advice by him, that are valid even today in the light of the healthy living. He usually experimented with food and shared the revelations with society. Let us look at a few of the diet and food teachings by Mahatma Gandhi to implement them in our lives too.
Table of Contents
4 Lessons To Learn From Gandhiji’s Food Habits
1. Turning To Vegetarianism
Turning vegetarian was a choice that Gandhiji made for his life. Even when he was in England, he did not touch meat. He strongly believed in his choice and stuck to it till the very end. Salt’s Plea For Vegetarianism was the book that inspired him to turn completely vegetarian. He was touched by the content of the book and took the oath to turn vegetarian by choice. He chose vegetarianism because he wanted to stay grounded in his roots. This makes us think that he indeed made the right choice and that plant-based foods have their own nutrient value too.
2. Intermittent Fasting
Gandhiji firmly held his voice on fasting. He believed that fasting was a means to offer rest to the digestive system. He said that it had various health benefits, such as improved digestion and consumption. Thus, came the concept of intermittent fasting; which is switching between fasting and eating at regular intervals. This gave enough rest to the body, and recharge it for the next consumption. So, we understand that intermittent fasting is a great way to keep our body fit and offer a resting period for recovery as and when needed.
3. Consuming Raw Food
Consuming raw, uncooked, and unfired food had several health benefits according to Gandhiji. He experimented by eating raw food for days and observed how his body reacted to it. He said that if raw food is coupled with milk or ghee, that it is the perfect body cleanser. It nourished the body with vital nutrients. Food, if consumed in the purest form is the best tonic for a healthy body. Salads, sprouts, mix veggies must be eaten raw for gaining maximum benefits. Now, it is evident that raw food has its own nutritional value, and how it can prove beneficial for our overall health. Are we taking the oath today? WE ARE.
4. Prefer Unpolished Grains
The Mahatma argued that grains lose their vital nutrients as soon as they are polished. For instance, when the bran of wheat is polished it leads to the loss of important nutrients from it. He always preferred grains in their pure and raw form. And, he consumed every grain in its unpolished and raw form only. The only learning we can squeeze out of this is unpolished grains in their truest form are a blessing for the human body, and that is the only way to consume them.
These were the 4 food habits laid out by Gandhiji that we should include in our lifestyle. Along with non-violence, following a healthy diet was his belief too. This Gandhi Jayanti let’s implement one of these and see how it changes our life and health.
