The Time my Ayurvedic Doctor Taught me a Lesson on Moderation

The time my Ayurvedic doctor taught me a lesson on Moderation …. 

At an Ayurveda clinic on a local holiday, a reveler wandered in from the street with sweets to share. I was observing a cleansing diet that week, and when the man put a sweet in my hand that I “shouldn’t” eat, I wanted to cry.  

Seeing my reaction, the doctor broke off a chunk and said, “enjoy this small piece, and be happy.” This challenge to my “all or nothing” approach was the beginning of a continuing path toward moderation and a true, mindful enjoyment of food. 

Ayurvedic meals often feature small amounts of ingredients, which could be aggravating in larger quantities. Rather than omitting an ingredient, dishes will have just a sprinkle of roasted nuts, chopped chili, or potato, for example- enough to please the senses without accumulating in the system.