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Many people are anxious about which healthy foods to eat. Conflicting advice from experts makes food choices appear difficult. Orthorexia nervosa is actually an eating disorder characterized by anxiety around healthy food choices.

If you are baffled by the very concept of "inner body wisdom", here are some tips to wake up your natural food cravings. If you are disconnected from healthy bodily instincts around food, it's wise to remember that nurturing is not an intellectual activity. Other organs are better suited to nurturing. The heart, the gut, and even the womb are the seats of nurture & affection.

You can follow these steps to wake up your intuitive sense around eating:

1. Start with a fun, easy, mini-cleanse. It's very difficult to figure out your true cravings when you are constipated, gassy, congested, or have a bad taste on your tongue. Cleansing sharpens your sense organs, which is essential for accurate perception.

   Here are three of the most popular recipes for cleansing in Ayurveda. Select one of these kitcharis, and eat it for three days, breakfast, lunch and dinner.

   • Vata Kitchari
   • Pitta Kitchari
   • Kapha Kitchari
   Throughout your cleanse drink Cumin, Coriander & Fennel Tea.
2. See your options - Take a fun trip to the grocery store. Bring a piece of paper and a pen. Spend an hour in the produce aisle looking at, smelling, and getting acquainted with different foods options. This can be entertaining just like you going to the movies. It is even easier at a farmer's market.

   Then, write down your answers to these questions.

   • Which foods look desirable? Which colors are attracting you?
   • What kinds of smells and flavors would satisfy you right now?
   • What is the texture you are craving?
   • Which of the 6 tastes seem desirable (sweet, sour, salty, pungent, bitter astringent)?
   • What qualities are your craving (heavy, light, dull, sharp, cold, hot, oily, dry)?
3. Pick up a vegetable and examine it. Does it look healthy and desirable? Does it smell fresh? Sometimes, grocery store food looks like it's been sitting in a truck for too long. Make sure it is a healthy, tasty, and vibrant specimen. Sometimes, quality ingredients can make all the difference.
4. Spend time in nature - If you are still having trouble getting in touch with your cravings, go for a walk in nature. Spending time in nature helps your body acclimate to the season. You'll need at least three hours outside. Once you're acclimated, your body will give you stronger signals about what to eat.
5. See how you feel - After making your selections, and preparing your food, see how you feel after eating. Your instincts are pretty good, but they aren't perfect.

Beans may cause trouble for you in September, but a necessary supplement in February. For most ingredients, the question to ask isn't "If" but "When" and "How much?".

As you heal, you'll discover there are new health hurdles, requiring new regimens and exploration. The old foods and herbs that seemed like a panacea may suddenly stop working. This can overwhelm you, or be a simple reminder that life is a never ending journey of discovery and adventure.

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About the Author

John Immel, the founder of Joyful Belly, teaches people how to have a healthy diet and lifestyle with Ayurveda biocharacteristics. His approach to Ayurveda is clinical, yet exudes an ease which many find enjoyable and insightful. John also directs Joyful Belly's School of Ayurveda, offering professional clinical training in Ayurveda for over 15 years.

John's interest in Ayurveda and specialization in digestive tract pathology was inspired by a complex digestive disorder acquired from years of international travel, as well as public service work in South Asia. John's commitment to the detailed study of digestive disorders reflects his zeal to get down to the roots of the problem. His hope and belief in the capacity of each & every client to improve their quality of life is nothing short of a personal passion. John's creativity in the kitchen and delight in cooking for others comes from his family oriented upbringing. In addition to his certification in Ayurveda, John holds a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Harvard University.

John enjoys sharing Ayurveda within the context of his Catholic roots, and finds Ayurveda gives him an opportunity to participate in the healing mission of the Church. Jesus expressed God's love by feeding and healing the sick. That kindness is the fundamental ministry of Ayurveda as well. Outside of work, John enjoys spending time with his wife and 7 kids, and pursuing his love of theology, philosophy, and language.

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