One has heard of the infamous Delhi Street food and the many flavors of India. Even though I cook mostly Indian food at home, I was excited to embark on this tasteful journey.

I will say most meals have been a dance in my mouth, but the street foods of Delhi left me disappointed. I am sure I did not pick the right places but as soon as I tasted the first few bites of the few places I tried, I could taste the oil was severely off. I know that before I practiced Ayurveda, I may have been blind to these subtle awareness’s in ingredients. But I realized that I am indeed a person who has been able to live a life of privilege in the West – my body rejecting the food immediately. I wanted to keep eating it as overall the taste and flavors were on point – however, my mouth and throat would not allow me to swallow the food that was sub optimal to supporting my body’s health.

This encounter served as a poignant reminder of the connection between what we consume and how it impacts our health. It highlighted the importance of listening to our bodies and making conscious choices that support our overall well-being, even amid tempting culinary adventures.

Before embarking on my journey, my diet consisted mainly of convenient, less-than-nourishing meals at home. Caught up in the whirlwind of a fast-paced American lifestyle, I was living on autopilot, and so were my senses. I was disconnected from my body’s needs and desires, oblivious to how I was fueling myself with the wrong foods.

Having embraced a slower pace since the start of my journey and a heightened sense of mindfulness in every action I take (or don’t take), I find myself appreciating the gifts of Ayurveda more than ever before.