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Can You Be Healthy and Normal on a Sattvic Diet?

You can be healthy and normal with Sattvic Diet

Until we decide to change something, we never know the extent of our knowledge or ignorance. It is important to be open and willing to test this out for yourself.
Swami Vivekananda once said:

“Experience is the only source of knowledge.”

You can read more about where this quotes from here.
In response to last month’s blog post about the importance of Sattvic food, a reader sent me this question:

“Ma, people are telling me not to stop eating onion and garlic because it will affect the sperm count.”

In answer to this question, I dedicate this blog post for all the men who are looking for answers regarding Sattvic Method and sattvic diet. Over time, men have assumed different eating habits along with the myths surrounding them.

  • Men can eat as much as they want: This is a myth that is based on the belief that men have a higher metabolism than women and can therefore eat as much as they want without gaining weight. While it is true that men typically have a higher metabolic rate than women, this does not mean that they can eat unlimited amounts of food without any consequences. Excessive calorie intake can lead to weight gain, regardless of gender. The Sattvic Method of eating encourages intermittent fasting as a part of its routine. Thus, you can regulate your intake when following the Sattvic Method of eating.

  • Men need to consume large amounts of protein: While it is true that men generally require more protein than women due to their higher muscle mass, this does not mean that they need to consume excessive amounts of protein. In fact, consuming too much protein can put a strain on the kidneys and liver. The recommended daily intake of protein for men is around 56 grams per day. Plant based protein is the foundation of Sattvic Method. By following the Sattvic Method you can intake the required amount of protein.

  • Men should avoid all carbs: Carbohydrates have been demonized in some circles as the enemy of weight loss. However, not all carbs are created equal, and some are essential for good health. Men should consume complex carbohydrates such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, which provide energy and essential nutrients. By following the Sattvic Method of eating, you can get plenty of complex carbohydrates in your diet.

  • Men should consume large amounts of red meat: In Sattvic Method we do not encourage consumption of any kind of meat. It is generally believed that red meat can be a good source of protein and iron, consuming excessive amounts of it can increase the risk of heart disease, colon cancer, and other health problems. Men should  opt for leaner cuts or avoid meat completely. To try meat free, flavorful meals, try the Sattvic Method challenge and wean yourself away from meat and meat products.

  • Men don’t need to worry about their calcium intake: Calcium is essential for strong bones, and men are just as susceptible to osteoporosis as women. Men should consume foods high in calcium, such as dairy products, leafy greens, and fortified food. All of these are encouraged and possible as a part of the Sattvic Method.

Coming to the sperm count, here is some information about the kinds of food that enhance sperm production and the sperm count in men:

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A Sattvic Diet is Best for Body and Mind

One of my newsletter subscribers asked me this question: “Why does sattvic diet avoid onion or garlic?”

Thank you for asking this question. I am answering this question in the blog because it might help other people also.

People often tell me, “We are vegetarians. So, we eat sattvic food.”

One common misunderstanding about sattvic diet is that any vegetarian food is sattvic food. The science and philosophy of sattvic diet is based on several inter-related practices of Hinduism, Buddhism, and to some extent, Jainism.

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SuperFood: Lentils!

When I traveled to Turkey, it took me only 20-minutes to convey to the tuk-tuk driver that I was looking for an eatery that served vegetarian food. The success was not due to my ability to speak Turkish or Arabic. In my garbled talk in English and a mixture of Hindi and Urdu, I blurted the password that made the communication successful. Dal! A bowl of warm dal with butter and salt was my first meal in two days.
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No-Cook Cookbook: It works!

Food means different things to different people. For my grandma, food was medicine. She said,

“A good cook needs no medicine.”

What she meant was, a vigilant mother cooked for the health of the family. If a child is having sore throat, she would cook up foods with ginger and pepper. The food would not only support the recovery of the child, but it would also provide immunity for the whole family. In this instance, food is both a medicine and a meal. (more…)

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Turmeric: A Healing Spice

Healing Spice

Growing up, I saw turmeric used for numerous purposes around the home.

We used it to drive away ants and other insects. We used it as beauty aid. Our kumkum, the red dot between our eyebrows, was made with turmeric.

Follow the video to make kumkum at home.

We ate turmeric when we were sick. We ate turmeric when we celebrated. Our thanksgiving, Pongal, festival was incomplete without live turmeric plant. We offered turmeric in worship. We gave turmeric to ladies when they visited the home. I cannot recall a time when turmeric was not a part of my life.

Turmeric is a safe and effective spice for most people. It is easy to use this spice everyday by adding turmeric to your diet. Here are some ways to add turmeric to your diet:

  • Add turmeric powder to your food.
  • Make turmeric poultice or face mask.
  • Drink turmeric tea.
  • Apply turmeric cream to your skin.

Turmeric is a powerful herb with many health benefits. Adding it to your diet is a great way to improve your overall health.

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Return to Source: Food Journeys

Our friend M—— told us his tale of how he came to love Indian food. Growing up in a traditional Western household, he ate a lot of meat and potatoes. At that time, he thought it was tasty.
Then, he went to college in the East coast. As a student, he soon realized that he faced three challenges. First, to find cheap food. Second, he needed to find source of food that would fill him. He had a healthy appetite! Third, ideally, he wanted to find a place that did not place limit on the number of servings. His quest lead him to the Indian restaurants in the downtown. (more…)

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Return to Source: Living Sattva Project

Since 2009, when I started Dine for Charity, I have highlighted the need for and importance of vegetarian diet. I have also taught vegetarian cooking classes. In my classes, I have always found that the versatility of the vegetables and the flavors of spices have been received with much positive joy. Many students have continued to use the recipes long after the class has been completed. Many have requested me to compile the recipes into cookbooks.
I am starting a new chapter in this journey with the launch of new series of cookbooks under Return to Source. You can find more details about the project here. (more…)

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