What My Diet Looks Like

When most people think about a "diet," they often associate it with losing weight. But for me, diet is not about shedding pounds—it’s about nourishing my body in a way that supports both physical health and spiritual harmony. In fact, I’ve never struggled with being overweight, nor do I aim to lose weight through dietary changes. My weight has consistently stayed around 48 to 50 kg, and I focus on maintaining a healthy balance without losing too much or gaining excessively. For me, the goal has always been about ensuring my body thrives by retaining nutrients, even when eating smaller portions. The changes I’ve made stem from a desire to address an inner discomfort—a subtle disconnect between my body and spirit—encouraging me to realign through intentional and mindful choices.

Diet as a Journey of Alignment

I didn’t adopt a new way of eating to "fix" myself but rather to listen to my body’s signals. Initially, my dietary changes came from a place of curiosity—curiosity about what my body needed to thrive and feel harmonious. Over time, these changes began to feel natural, almost effortless, as they resonated with me on a deeper level. This alignment became a form of self-care, reflecting my commitment to both physical health and spiritual well-being.

Vegetarian Beginnings

In early 2020, I transitioned to a vegetarian lifestyle. This was no small step—before this, I was primarily a meat eater (including chicken). Fish was a rarity on my plate, and vegetables were often an afterthought, relegated to small side portions. My meals were largely about indulgence, with little consideration for balance or variety.

Becoming a vegetarian completely transformed my relationship with food. It trained me to embrace vegetables and even appreciate their diversity. I explored an array of produce, from leafy greens like kale and spinach to root vegetables like beets and sweet potatoes. Each meal became an opportunity to discover new flavors, textures, and nutrient profiles. I also delved into the creative world of plant-based ingredients, learning how tofu, tempeh, jackfruit, and mushrooms could serve as satisfying meat alternatives. These discoveries not only made the transition easier but also deepened my respect for the abundance of nature’s offerings.

Mindfulness in Eating

As I grew deeper in my spiritual journey, I realized that being vegetarian alone wasn’t enough. True nourishment required a mindful approach to every aspect of eating. This mindfulness extended beyond the ingredients to include how I consumed and treated food. Several key aspects became central to my practice:

Eating Habits: The pace and intention behind my meals became as important as the food itself. I started savoring each bite, chewing thoroughly to support digestion and to fully appreciate the effort that went into the meal. I also began incorporating the Prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) teaching of reciting "Bismillah" before eating and "Alhamdulillah" afterward. This ritual grounds me in gratitude and mindfulness during meals, deepening my connection to the act of nourishment. Additionally, I became more aware of my body’s natural hunger and satiety signals, allowing me to eat in alignment with its needs rather than out of habit.

Treatment of Food: Handling food with care and gratitude became an essential part of my journey. I began to see food as a sacred gift—a blessing from the earth and a manifestation of divine sustenance that deserved respect. This shift transformed cooking from a mundane task into a meditative practice, where washing vegetables, cutting fruits, or preparing a simple meal became acts of mindfulness. Offering a small prayer of thanks before eating further deepened this connection, reminding me of the effort and abundance involved in every ingredient. Through this approach, I cultivated a profound appreciation for the act of nourishment, turning each meal into a meaningful ritual of gratitude and reflection.

Balanced Timing of Meals: I’ve found that maintaining regular intervals between meals, ideally five to six hours, has significantly improved my energy and digestion. Limiting myself to two main meals a day—one in the morning and another in the evening—feels natural and allows my body ample time to process and absorb nutrients fully. I also avoid eating late at night, as it tends to interfere with restful sleep and proper digestion. This approach has helped me feel more in tune with my body’s rhythms and more mindful of how and when I eat.

Food Type & Quality: The condition and type of the food itself became a priority. I gravitated toward fresh, whole ingredients over processed alternatives, such as choosing freshly picked fruits over canned options or whole grains like quinoa and brown rice instead of refined white rice. These foods, closer to their natural state, felt more aligned with my body’s needs and my spiritual growth. Incorporating vibrant vegetables, such as spinach, carrots, and cucumbers, added not only nutrients but also a sense of connection to the earth’s bounty. Each ingredient carried an energy of vitality and purity that resonated deeply with my intention to nourish both body and soul.

Incorporating an Organic Diet

Recently, I’ve taken another step forward by incorporating more organic foods into my diet. Organic options, though often considered less accessible and more expensive, have become increasingly easier to find and afford with careful planning. Organic produce feels more vibrant and connected to nature, free from harmful chemicals that disrupt the body’s harmony. It’s a choice that aligns with my intention to live in greater balance with the earth.

I also learned that fruits digest more efficiently compared to other foods due to their natural enzymes. These enzymes, such as bromelain in pineapples and papain in papayas, aid in breaking down proteins, reducing digestive strain, and enhancing nutrient absorption. Consuming fruits before meals, as encouraged by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), provides numerous benefits, such as improved digestion and better nutrient assimilation. Additionally, I began incorporating crushed black pepper, chia seeds, and black seeds into my meals for their exceptional health benefits.

Black pepper enhances the absorption of essential nutrients, such as curcumin in turmeric, amplifying its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Chia seeds, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and essential minerals, improve digestion and promote a feeling of fullness, making them a versatile addition to smoothies, oatmeal, or salads. Meanwhile, black seeds, which Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) described as a "cure for everything but death," contribute powerful immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties to my diet. These ingredients, used mindfully, not only enrich the flavor of my meals but also strengthen my connection to the holistic benefits of natural foods. Together, they have become a part of my daily practice of nurturing my body with intention and care.

Learning from Prophetic Wisdom

One profound influence on my eating habits has been the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). His approach to food—eating in moderation, expressing gratitude, and emphasizing the importance of fresh and wholesome foods—has inspired me deeply. For instance, he advised dividing the stomach into thirds: one-third for food, one-third for water, and one-third for air. This practice of moderation helps prevent overeating and promotes balance in the body.

The Prophet also emphasized the importance of eating slowly and with mindfulness, which aligns with my own practice of savoring each bite. Expressing gratitude through "Bismillah" and "Alhamdulillah" before and after meals has become a ritual that reminds me of the blessing of sustenance. Furthermore, avoiding waste and sharing food with others whenever possible are habits I strive to embody, reflecting the interconnectedness of nourishment and community.

While the Prophet himself ate meat in moderation, he also warned against its overconsumption, highlighting how it could become addictive. For someone as resilient and disciplined as the Prophet, this moderation was likely an easier balance to maintain. For me, however, adopting a plant-based diet has been a personal choice to train myself in modesty and health while avoiding the potential addictive nature of meat. It doesn’t conflict with my faith, as the ultimate goal is to take care of the body and health, which aligns with spiritual principles. Whether through a plant-based or balanced diet, the focus remains on maintaining well-being and honoring the body as a trust.

The Intersection of Diet and Spirituality

For someone on a spiritual journey like me, diet transcends mere sustenance—it becomes a practice of discipline, mindfulness, and reverence. Every choice I make reflects my connection to the earth, my respect for the body as a vessel for higher growth, and my commitment to living with intention. Choosing foods that are natural, wholesome, and compassionate with spiritual significance allows me to stay in tune with my purpose and to honor the divine cycle of life that sustains us all.

By aligning my diet with these timeless principles, I have not only nurtured my body but also cultivated a deeper sense of gratitude and harmony in every meal.