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a buddhist diet?

graceleegracelee Veteran
edited October 2010 in Buddhism Basics
Hello everyone,

I'm intrested in finding out peoples opion on diet..
i understand that very strict buddhist only eat before midday? that seems a little on the severe side to me but understand the reasoning.
I have a problem with overeating, I find how much and what to eat quite difficult to gauge, infact mostly i just eat junk in large quantities!
I havent managed to stick to healthy eating plan although i no longer beat myself up for it

I'm just intrested to know how others handle the question of eating and stayng healthy?

Thanks in advance xx

Comments

  • MountainsMountains Veteran
    edited October 2010
    I don't know what "very strict" means. Very little about Buddhism could be called "strict" unless you're a monk or a nun living in a monastery.

    Overeating and addiction to junk food are symptoms of not being mindful. Cultivation of mindfulness will help with both.

    Good luck on your journey..

    Mtns
  • HondenHonden Dallas, TX Veteran
    edited October 2010
    I haven't fallen onto any strict diet plans; I've just started switching out meals for "healthier/less harmful" alternatives. You know, less meats...more rice/yogurt/fruit.
  • nanadhajananadhaja Veteran
    edited October 2010
    gracelee wrote: »
    Hello everyone,

    I'm intrested in finding out peoples opion on diet..
    i understand that very strict buddhist only eat before midday? that seems a little on the severe side to me but understand the reasoning.
    I have a problem with overeating, I find how much and what to eat quite difficult to gauge, infact mostly i just eat junk in large quantities!
    I havent managed to stick to healthy eating plan although i no longer beat myself up for it

    I'm just intrested to know how others handle the question of eating and stayng healthy?

    Thanks in advance xx
    The people who only eat before midday are monastics or people on retreats who are on 8 precepts.Others may do so on certain days of the months,but this is not a strict rule for lay people.In fact people who are going out to work everday may find this really difficult.
    It is good to see that you acknowledge you have a bit of a problem,always a good start.Unfortunately,having always been a bit of a skinny bloke I can not really give you much advise,but hopefully some of the other members may be able to come up with a few ideas that can help you.
    With metta
  • username_5username_5
    edited October 2010
    Gracelee,

    Have you read the book 'The Zen of Eating'? Written by a psychologist and meditator and endorsed by a couple prominent Buddhist teachers. Might be worth checking out.
  • federicafederica Seeker of the clear blue sky... Its better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to speak out and remove all doubt Moderator
    edited October 2010
    I once had the finest choicest rarest morsels being fed to me, at the click of my fingers. My every dietary whim was satisfied, and I ate and drank as I wished, at will, whenever I decided to. Nothing was forbidden me; indeed, my every wish was granted.
    A while later, I subsisted on one grain of rice per day, until you could see my backbone resting against my belly. I was painfully thin, emaciated, malnourished and close to death; fortunately, a young maiden named Sujata took pity on me, and began to restore my strength gradually, by feeding me sweetened rice in milk.

    Thus did I learn the wisdom of All things in Moderation; Including Moderation.

    Meh.....If I can do it, so can you.

    ;)
  • pineblossompineblossom Veteran
    edited October 2010
    federica wrote: »
    I once had the finest choicest rarest morsels being fed to me, at the click of my fingers. My every dietary whim was satisfied, and I ate and drank as I wished, at will, whenever I decided to. Nothing was forbidden me; indeed, my every wish was granted.
    A while later, I subsisted on one grain of rice per day, until you could see my backbone resting against my belly. I was painfully thin, emaciated, malnourished and close to death; fortunately, a young maiden named Sujata took pity on me, and began to restore my strength gradually, by feeding me sweetened rice in milk.

    Thus did I learn the wisdom of All things in Moderation; Including Moderation.

    Meh.....If I can do it, so can you.

    ;)

    Well, I went for three weeks on honey and peanut butter sandwiches and learnt that one could survive but that was out of necessity - not to do with achieving enlightenment.:om: ;)
  • MountainsMountains Veteran
    edited October 2010
    federica wrote: »
    I once had the finest choicest rarest morsels being fed to me, at the click of my fingers. My every dietary whim was satisfied, and I ate and drank as I wished, at will, whenever I decided to. Nothing was forbidden me; indeed, my every wish was granted.
    A while later, I subsisted on one grain of rice per day, until you could see my backbone resting against my belly. I was painfully thin, emaciated, malnourished and close to death; fortunately, a young maiden named Sujata took pity on me, and began to restore my strength gradually, by feeding me sweetened rice in milk.

    Hmmm... haven't I heard that story somewhere before Fede? Are you sure you're not trying to pull something on us?? :)
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