How much should I eat?

Written by John Immel Asheville, NC

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4.20 out of 5 stars 5 ratings, 46 likes

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"I totally agree with these guide lines and feel good living by them. If i stray from these rules I feel ill and have..."

- Susan Simonetti Cocoa beach, FL

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Next time you are hungry, this ancient technique will help you decide how much to eat: Place your two hands together and make the shape of a bowl or cup. Limit your portion size to this volume, approximately 2/3's the size of your stomach. Ideally, you'd fill your stomach with 1/3 food & 1/3 liquid, leaving some empty space so that you have room for digestion. The 1/3 liquid should come from soup or from small sips of water during the meal.

Remember that large meals leave you sleepy while a healthy portion improves your vitality and energy. Eating less, you'll feel refreshed, happy, and ready for the day. If you eat too quickly, this amount of food won't satisfy you initially. But if you eat slowly, your body's natural appetite suppression mechanisms will kick in. Then, you'll naturally feel satisfied.

It's no secret that portion sizes have grown beyond healthy norms. By cupping your hands together, you'll always know how much is healthy for you. Read more about health portions.

About the Author

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

John's hobbies & specialties include advanced digestive disorders, medieval Catholic philosophy, & botany. He holds a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Harvard University. His wife and family of 7 kids live in Asheville, NC.

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(4.20 out of 5 stars) 5 ratings, 46 likes

Cathy Campbell Orillia, ON

2014-05-14

“My Ayurvedic Teacher also taught that when you are full the following are indicators; Vatta will burp Pitta will begin to sweat Kapha will push food around the plate. Cathy "

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Susan Simonetti Cocoa beach, FL

2014-05-14

“I totally agree with these guide lines and feel good living by them. If i stray from these rules I feel ill and have stomach and bowel issues. You may feel hungry in the beginning but after a week or two it becomes second nature. "

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Anne Beaverton, OR

2014-05-14

“I have discovered that even those who are inclined to be underweight like me can eat this portion of food and still feel energetic and healthy as long as the portion is high in protein. I have found that to be essential."

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Anne Beaverton, OR

2014-05-14

“Oh, and it can be meat-free, too."

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John J Immel Asheville, NC

2015-12-28

“Ayurveda recommends three meals a day only. If you are eating 5 meals a day, portions should be smaller. But if you eat too often, your digestive tract will never get a rest."

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Kimberly Kubicke Asbury park, NJ

2018-07-31

“Vata types typically do best eating smaller portions, but eating more frequently."

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