You Are What You “Eat”

When you hear the phrase “you are what you eat,” your mind probably goes straight to food—the meals you prepare, the snacks you enjoy…

But what if I told you that nutrition extends far beyond just what we put on our plates?

Ayurvedic teachings say that true wholistic nutrition encompasses everything you consume through your five senses—sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell.

Think about it: you’re constantly “eating” throughout the day, and not just food. You’re consuming the shows you watch, the books you read, the music you listen to, the conversations you have, and the content you scroll through. According to Ayurveda, all these inputs pass through your sense organs—eyes, ears, skin, tongue, and nose—and impact your overall well-being. Just like food, these sensory experiences can either nourish or deplete you.

Modern Life Through an Ayurvedic Lens

In our fast-paced, screen-heavy world, it’s easy to overload our senses. The constant buzz of notifications, endless binge-worthy shows, and loud environments can overwhelm our minds and bodies, leaving us feeling out of balance. Ayurveda reminds us to pause and ask: “What am I feeding myself right now?”

Here’s how each sense contributes to your “diet” and how you can nourish it more intentionally:

1. Sight (Eyes): The Media You Consume

The eyes are tied to the fire element (Tejas), which governs clarity and perception. In today’s digital age, we spend hours staring at screens, scrolling through endless reels or watching thrilling shows.

What are these visuals feeding your mind? Are they uplifting and inspiring, or are they leaving you stressed and overstimulated?

Tip: Choose shows, books, and online content that bring you joy or spark growth. Take regular screen breaks and spend time outdoors to rest your eyes.

2. Sounds (Ears): The Words and Music You Hear

The ears, connected to the space element (Akasha), process everything from the music you stream to the conversations you have. Are you listening to empowering, uplifting sounds, or are you surrounded by noise and negativity? The sounds we absorb can influence our emotions and energy.

Tip: Curate a playlist that energizes or calms you. Limit exposure to harsh or chaotic noise, and instead, seek silence, soothing melodies, or meaningful conversations.

3. Touch (Skin): Your Environment and Physical Connection

Touch is governed by the air element (Vayu), making it one of the most grounding senses. In Ayurveda, even the sensation of soft fabrics, warm sunlight, or a gentle hug plays a role in how nourished you feel. In modern life, we often overlook this, opting for synthetic textures or missing out on physical connection due to busy schedules.

Tip: Practice self-massage (Abhyanga) with warm oil to relax and ground yourself. Wear comfortable, natural fabrics and make time for physical touch, like hugs or even walking barefoot on grass.

4. Taste (Tongue): Food and Beyond

Taste is central to Ayurveda, with each of the six tastes—sweet, sour, salty, pungent, bitter, and astringent—impacting your health and emotions. But taste isn’t limited to food. It’s also about how you experience life. Are your daily activities satisfying, or do they leave you feeling bitter or unfulfilled?

Tip: Eat mindfully and enjoy a variety of fresh, whole foods. Beyond meals, seek out experiences that bring you joy and contentment.

5. Smell (Nose): The Scents Around You

The nose, linked to the earth element (Prithvi), is deeply connected to memory and mood. The scents in your environment can either uplift or weigh you down. In modern life, we’re surrounded by artificial fragrances and pollutants that can disturb this delicate sense.

Tip: Use natural essential oils like lavender or sandalwood to create a calming atmosphere. Spend time in nature to breathe in fresh, pure air.

Mindful Consumption in Daily Life

Both Ayurveda and modern mindfulness emphasize the importance of digesting all your inputs—not just food but also the sensory information you encounter every day. Overconsumption, whether it’s overeating or over-scrolling, can leave you feeling exhausted and out of balance.

Here are simple ways to practice mindful consumption:

• Audit Your Inputs: Take stock of what you’re watching, listening to, and surrounding yourself with. Does it energize or drain you?
• Create Balance: If your day is filled with heavy or overstimulating inputs, balance it with something calming, like meditation or a walk in nature.
• Protect Your Sense Organs: Give your eyes, ears, and other senses breaks to recover, just as you would give your stomach a break between meals.

Closing Thoughts

Nutrition isn’t just about food—it’s about everything you let into your life. In Ayurveda, the key to balance is mindful consumption through your five senses. The next time you sit down to eat, scroll, or listen, ask yourself: Is this nourishing me? Is it bringing me into balance or pushing me further away?

You are what you eat, see, hear, and feel—so choose wisely. What’s one thing you can shift today to better nourish your senses? Share your thoughts below!