Implementing Gandhi's Dietary Beliefs In A Modern World

- By Kylee Ryers

Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was undoubtedly one of the wisest men ever to roam the earth and even had great insight as far as food was concerned. In his book Key to Health he said: “Whilst it is true that man cannot live without air and water, the thing that nourishes the body is food. Hence the saying, food is life”. The food choices we make on a daily basis have a direct influence on our overall wellness with the frequent consumption of processed and other unhealthy food often being cited as the cause of a range of potentially life-threatening health concerns. By establishing simple, healthy eating habits such as the following it becomes very easy to follow in the dietary footsteps of one of the greatest humans in the history of the world.

Embrace a vegetarian lifestyle

Gandhi loved the natural world and chose to live a fulfilled life as a vegetarian very early-on in his life. Adhering to a vegetarian lifestyle has countless benefits. Not only can you sleep with a clear conscience at night knowing that no animals were killed in order to feed you, but you will also be an overall healthier person. Studies published by the National Institutes of Health in the USA found that vegetarians and vegans tend to have a lower body mass index (BMI) than meat-eaters. Vegetarians also display healthier cholesterol levels and have a lower risk of contracting cancer – all good reasons to follow in Gandhi's footsteps and shun meat-eating in favour of a happier, healthier life.

Partake in clean eating

Within his series of articles entitled Guide to Health, Gandhi stated: “The body was never meant to be treated as a refuse bin, holding all the foods that the palate demands.” While he himself limited his diet to mainly raw and cooked vegetables, fruit, curd, unpolished rice and grains, soya beans, and a variety of nuts and seeds, a new-age palate may crave an increasing number of textures and flavours. Thankfully small changes can be made to render a modern-day diet substantially healthier. Like Gandhi, steer clear of overly-processed foods and beverages as much as possible, opting instead to prepare your own from fresh, seasonal produce. You can make deliciously fragrant meals without making use of any store-bought condiments and instead experimenting with combinations of oils, herbs, and spices.

Don't feel guilty about having food preferences

Fussy eating is often frowned upon and considered to not only be unnecessary, but unhealthy as well. While there are many reasons why someone is a picky eater, it is not essentially a bad thing as Gandhi himself had distinct preferences when it came to food.  Being a vegetarian he did not consume any animal products apart from the occasional bowl of curds. He also didn't partake in any coffee or tea drinking and was very picky particular about what grains and vegetables he consumed as well. Among his favourite foods were lauki (a type of guard), chapatti, brinjal and, while on the move, plantains and a groundnut paste that were believed to give him a much-needed energy boost. As long as you ensure that your body receives all the nutrient's required to be healthy, you do not have to feel guilty about having food preferences that are as radical as those of Gandhi.

Simple food preparation is key

Gandhi enjoyed food that was raw or prepared in a simple manner the most. There is no need for extravagant cooking equipment and gadgets when following a diet inspired by his lifestyle. Today a lot of food, whether prepared at home or in a restaurant, relies on unhealthy cooking methods such as deep-frying. Even when cooking for a large group of people you need nothing more than a large cooktop and a few basic cooking utensils in order to prepare delicious and nutritious meals such as rice and dhal, boiled vegetables, and a variety of fragrant curries. Steaming your vegetables is a great alternative to boiling. This is also considered to be one of the healthiest cooking methods at it preserves the nutrients contained within the vegetables very well. Even sweetmeats and yoghurt can be prepared in an unpretentious manner that is reminiscent of the ways the great Mahatma relished his meals most.

Don't be afraid to fast

Gandhi was known to use fasting as a non-violent weapon during India's fight for freedom. Of the 17 recorded fasts, the longest lasted for 21 days, promoting unity between Hindus and Muslims. Today, fasting in its various forms often go hand in hand with a balanced diet in a bid to achieve optimal health and well-being. While contemporary medicine does not endorse fasting for long periods of time, occasional fasting has been found to have many health-related benefits. Not only have several global studies indicated that fasting may help control blood sugar levels but it is also known to reduce the acute inflammation often linked to cancer, arthritis, and even cardiac disease. Alternating controlled periods of fasting with a wholesome diet you will not only enjoy many physical benefits but a more focused and disciplined mind as well.

Things to consider when fasting

In the period leading up to your first fast, try to eat at irregular times to prepare your body for what is to come. If you have any medical conditions that you suspect may be exacerbated by fasting, seek out advice from your doctor fast. Don't ever attempt too fast longer than it is deemed safe. Gandhi had an immensely strong will and only succeeded in his extended fasts because of it. Do not undertake any strenuous physical activity while fasting and also remember that fasting is always meant to be a restorative process, not one of self-mutilation.

What we eat, and how we prepare it can either be of great benefit or immense detriment to us. One small food-related lifestyle change at a time is all you need to enjoy a simple yet purposeful life as Gandhi did.