4 Eating Habits That Help Me Feel More Grounded and Energized—Backed by Ancient Traditions and Modern Science
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/mindful-cooking-habits-GettyImages-1475764778-0a6ef6fbbfdb42d89023f51403f5a0d3.jpg?w=780&resize=780,470&ssl=1 "4 Eating Habits That Help Me Feel More Grounded and Energized—Backed by Ancient Traditions and Modern Science")
Some trends are just noise. Others? They become part of your life because they actually make you feel better. For me, mindful cooking started as a necessity. After years of feeling disconnected from my body, I began studying nutrition, exploring Ayurvedic principles, and tuning into how food actually made me feel. Over time, I noticed that small, consistent rituals in the kitchen brought me back to center—physically and emotionally. These four habits help me stay grounded, energized, and more intentional throughout the week. No perfection required, just presence. “These recommendations are rooted in Ayurvedic principles, an ancient whole system of medicine,” says pediatrician Dr. Tokunbo Akande, MD. “While not all have been directly studied in Western clinical trials, science continues to uncover support for many practices previously dismissed as unscientific.’”
- Alina Nazari, FDN-P, gut nutrition practitioner and founder of Go Happy Belly
- Dr. Tokunbo Akande, MD, pediatrician, integrative physician and ayurvedic practitioner, and founder of Harmony 360 Health
Start the Day With Warm Water
After a full night’s sleep, “your body is mildly dehydrated,” says gut nutritionist Alina Nazari. That’s why starting the day with warm (or even room temperature) water can help wake up your digestive system. “A randomized controlled trial in post-surgical patients found that those who drank warm water experienced improved bowel motility,” she says. “A slice of lemon or ginger adds flavor and may offer added digestive support—but it’s not essential. The warmth is what matters.”
Eat With Your Hands (When It Makes Sense)
This one might raise eyebrows, but hear me out: eating with your hands can be a grounding, sensory experience. “Using hands has been linked to slower, more mindful eating, which can improve satiety and reduce overeating,” Nazari says. It’s part of why cracking pistachios or popping edamame pods can feel so satisfying—the process slows you down. In many cultures, especially Asian, African, and Arab communities, eating with your hands is a tradition—not a trend. It reconnects you to your food in a way that forks and spoons can’t.
Choose Warm, Cooked Meals
Yes, raw salads can be fresh and nutritious, but there’s something deeply satisfying (and digestion-supporting) about warm, cooked meals. Personally, my teeth are sensitive to cold, so I gravitate towards warmth. But there’s science behind it, too. “Cooking softens fiber and breaks down complex carbs, making foods easier on the gut,” Nazari says. Dr. Akande adds that “warm foods may relax the digestive tract, supporting smoother digestion and reducing bloating.” Your taste buds benefit too: an older scientific study from 1993 states warmer foods activate aroma and flavor more fully, making the experience more enjoyable overall.
Be Mindful With Leftovers
Let’s be honest: cooking from scratch for every meal isn’t always realistic. While I do eat leftovers, I’ve learned to handle them more intentionally. “Improper storage and reheating can increase the risk of bacterial overgrowth and foodborne illness,” Dr. Akande says. Nazari adds that “leftover foods tend to have higher levels of histamines, a naturally occurring compound in food that can exacerbate gut or digestive issues.” The takeaway? Leftovers aren’t off-limits—just aim to reheat them once, store them well, or freeze for freshness when possible. A little mindfulness goes a long way.
I don’t follow these habits perfectly, and I don’t believe in an all-or-nothing mindset. But when I do practice them, I feel more energized, grounded, and at home in my body. “At the end of the day, these practices invite us to eat more attentively, more in tune with our bodies, and more connected to our food—values that science is just beginning to quantify,” Dr. Akande says. Even one small change can shift how you feel. Try what resonates, and let your body tell you what works.
Source link
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/rs-roundup-lightweight-button-down-shirts-under-30-tout-370f839744964ccca479e3f937db5312.jpg?w=390&resize=390,220&ssl=1 "These Button-Downs Are the Summer’s Most Versatile Layer")
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/modernlivingroom-779f244e5ee44ae1b6521007e5ab5a5b.jpeg?w=390&resize=390,220&ssl=1 "8 Things Pro Organizers Declutter Every Week From Their Homes (and You Should Too)")
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/habits-attracting-gnats-inhome-GettyImages-1560719153-267e3658f15f47ebb22581b61f429ab6.jpg?w=390&resize=390,220&ssl=1 "5 Reasons You Suddenly Have Gnats in Your House")
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/dr-scholls-sneakers-amazon-sale-tout-689273272f1c4bfcb3669d7192e96afb.jpg?w=390&resize=390,220&ssl=1 "Dr. Scholl’s Comfy Time Off Sneaker Is on Sale at Amazon")