AN AYURVEDIC APPROACH TO COOKING

Agni is essentially your digestive fire. Pitta governs agni, which is responsible for converting food, body temperature, longevity, courage, strength, and keeping the doshas in balance. When Agni is affected by the doshas, it produces less nourishment and more ama (undigested food or toxins in the body).

Simple ways to strengthen your Agni:

■ Eat only when you're hungry

■ Eat when the previous meal has been digested (limit snacking)

■ Eat in a peaceful, calm environment

■ Favor warm, cooked foods

■ Sip hot water frequently throughout the day (it's more about the frequency than the amount of water)

■ Understand food combinations

■ Eat with the seasons

■ Eat a diverse range of plant-based foods

Photo by Silas Fallstich