Radhi Devlukia On The REAL Reason You Have Digestion Issues (& How To FIX IT)

Added: Feb 26, 2024

In this podcast episode, Jay Shetty interviews his wife Radhi Devlukia, a clinical dietitian nutritionist and ayurvedic health counselor. She is the author of the book "Joyful," which contains over 125 plant-based recipes. Radhi's cooking journey has been greatly influenced by her family, particularly her grandmother, mother, and father. She learned the importance of forming connections through food and the significance of homemade meals from her family.

Key takeaways

🥦

Practice conscious eating by being present while consuming meals to avoid overeating and feeling lethargic.

🌬️

Incorporate breathwork into daily routines to manage stress, improve focus, and enhance overall well-being.

👐

Chew food thoroughly to aid in digestion and improve nutrient absorption.

Avoid consuming cold drinks and iced beverages while eating to support digestion; opt for warm water or tea instead.

📝

Keep a food diary and pay attention to how different foods make you feel to make informed choices that support your health and well-being.

Three Modes in Ayurveda

In her book, Radhi discusses the three modes in Ayurveda: the mode of goodness, the mode of passion, and the mode of ignorance. The mode of goodness includes foods that nourish the body and bring vitality, such as fresh fruits and vegetables. The mode of passion consists of foods that provide immediate gratification, like spicy and sour foods. The mode of ignorance includes foods that make the body feel lethargic and sluggish, such as deep-fried and leftover foods. Radhi emphasizes the importance of being mindful of the foods we consume and their impact on our body and mind.

Tips for Living Joyfully

Radhi also shares nine tips for living joyfully in her book. One of these tips is to eat until satisfied, not stuffed. She explains that it is essential to listen to our body's cues and not overeat, as it can lead to digestive issues and discomfort. By eating until satisfied, we allow our digestive system to function optimally and avoid feeling bloated or lethargic after meals.

Another tip from Radhi's book is to practice breathwork throughout the day. She highlights the benefits of breathwork in calming the mind, energizing the body, and promoting relaxation. By incorporating breathwork into daily routines, individuals can manage stress, improve focus, and enhance overall well-being.

Radhi also emphasizes the importance of being an active participant in one's health. She encourages individuals to observe how different foods and habits affect their body and mind. By keeping a food diary and paying attention to how certain foods make them feel, individuals can make informed choices that support their health and well-being.

Mindful Eating Practices

Radhi highlights the importance of conscious eating and being present while consuming meals. She explains that being distracted while eating can lead to overeating and feeling lethargic. By taking the time to appreciate and savor each bite, individuals can better gauge their hunger levels and avoid overeating.

She also emphasizes the significance of chewing food thoroughly to aid in digestion. By breaking down food in the mouth, the body can more efficiently absorb nutrients and prevent digestive issues. Radhi suggests taking the time to chew each bite slowly and mindfully to improve digestion and overall well-being.

Another key practice Radhi discusses is eating and cooking with hands. She explains that using hands to eat can help establish a connection with food and signal to the body that a meal is being consumed. This tactile experience can enhance the eating process and promote mindful eating habits.

Additionally, Radhi advises against consuming cold drinks and iced beverages while eating. She explains that cold beverages can dampen the digestive fire and dilute digestive juices, leading to poor digestion. Instead, she recommends opting for warm water or tea to support digestion and overall health.

Impact of Skipping Meals

Radhi addresses the issue of skipping meals and its impact on overall health. She explains that while some individuals may thrive on intermittent fasting, others may experience negative effects from skipping meals. It is essential to listen to the body's signals and determine the best meal schedule based on individual needs and preferences.

Changing Perspective on Protein

One significant change Radhi has made in her health journey is reevaluating her perspective on protein. Coming from a vegetarian background, she initially relied on plant-based sources of protein such as lentils and beans. However, as she delved deeper into understanding her body's needs, she realized the importance of incorporating adequate protein into her diet.

Radhi shares that increasing her protein intake has had a positive impact on her overall health, including improvements in hair health, skin quality, and satiety levels. She emphasizes the importance of finding a balance between protein sources and incorporating them into meals to support optimal health and well-being.

Shifting Focus to Feeling Good

One of the most significant changes Radhi has made in her health journey is prioritizing how food makes her feel rather than focusing solely on external appearance. She acknowledges the societal pressure to conform to certain beauty standards but emphasizes the importance of nurturing a positive relationship with food based on internal well-being.

Radhi encourages listeners to eat in a way that makes their bodies feel good and nourished, rather than solely focusing on aesthetics. By tuning into internal cues and honoring the body's needs, individuals can cultivate a healthier relationship with food and prioritize overall wellness.

Embracing Self-Acceptance

Through her journey, Radhi has learned the importance of self-acceptance and embracing one's unique body and experiences. She shares personal anecdotes of overcoming insecurities and societal pressures to live authentically and confidently in her own skin.

Radhi's message resonates with the idea that true fulfillment comes from within and that self-love and acceptance are essential components of a healthy lifestyle. By prioritizing self-care and honoring individual needs, individuals can cultivate a positive relationship with food and their bodies.

Importance of Presence in Experiences

Radhi emphasizes the significance of being present in experiences rather than being consumed by other people's views. She reflects on how being present allows her to create memories, feel the sand beneath her feet, and truly experience life. This shift in mindset has also influenced her eating habits and connection to her body.

Value of Spices in Cooking

Radhi is passionate about spices and their role in making healthy food tasty. She explains that spices not only enhance the flavor of food but also offer medicinal benefits. By incorporating a variety of spices into meals, individuals can experience different cultures and cuisines while reaping the health benefits of these ingredients.

Morning Routine

Radhi shares her morning routine, which includes tongue scraping, meditation, and a workout. She emphasizes the importance of starting the day with a healthy breakfast and incorporating savory options to support her overall well-being.

Meal Prep Tips

Radhi recommends meal prepping by cutting up vegetables in advance to save time during the week. She advises against prepping certain ingredients too far in advance to ensure freshness. By planning meals and having ingredients ready, individuals can make healthier choices and avoid the temptation of ordering out.

Meal Ideas for Different Occasions

For a date night or when hosting guests, Radhi suggests making jalapeno cheesy dough balls to impress them. This dish is fun, flavorful, and easy to share, making it a great option for entertaining.

For girls' night, Radhi recommends serving roasted red pepper tagliatelle with a butter bean and tomato salad on the side. These dishes offer a balance of flavors and textures, perfect for a gathering with friends.

For a special date night, Radhi suggests preparing a Mexican lasagna with a side of warm nutty superfood salad and sweet potatoes with cavolo nero pesto. To end the meal on a sweet note, she recommends a decadent dessert like baklava cheesecake or chocolate mud pie.

Intentions Behind the Book

Radhi's intentions for the book "Joyful" are threefold. She aims to show that food can be both nourishing and joyful, encourage the accumulation of small joyful moments throughout the day, and emphasize the importance of spices in enhancing vibrancy in both food and life. Additionally, the book serves as a platform for Radhi to share the knowledge she has gained from various teachers and mentors.

Videos

Full episode

Episode summary