The Fire Element: from spark to service

By The Food Yogi | January 9, 2026 | Comments 0 Comment

When I teach Food Yoga, I often say: fire is the transformer. It’s the heat that turns raw into tender, intention into action, and an ordinary kitchen into a tiny temple. In the Vedic map of the self, our gross body is made of five elements—earth, water, fire, air, and ether—and the subtle and spiritual layers ride on top of that foundation.

What fire does in you

Fire shows up as digestion, metabolism, courage, and the will to follow through. In practical terms, if your inner fire is strong, you usually digest well and can handle a raw salad at midday when the sun is high; if your fire is low—especially in the evening—you’ll do better with a spicy, hot soup that supports digestion. Common sense and your body’s feedback are the guides.

Ayurveda also observes that each food carries an elemental “signature.” People heavy in the earth element (steady but sometimes sluggish) benefit from more fire and air foods to mobilize energy. The art is balancing the four elements on the plate to spark positive change.

A small devotional detail from my monastic days: in traditional Indian cuisine we ate with the right hand—the hand of fire—because touch awakens digestion and presence. It’s a simple way to invite warmth and awareness into a meal.

Feeding your inner flame (without burning out)

Choose fire-forward plants. In my Sacred Foods list, herbs like coriander and fennel carry a pronounced fire reaction; black cumin is also rated as fire. Sprinkle, brew, or toast them to gently kindle the system.
Time your raw. Midday raw works best when your constitution already has good fire; evenings tend to favor cooked, warming meals.
Balance passion. If your temperament runs hot—quick to react—cool it with water-element foods and a calmer soundscape while you cook and eat.

The spiritual meaning of fire

There’s a reason every tradition gathers around a flame. When we offer our work in love, ordinary action takes on the quality of fire—it’s purified and becomes service. I’ve described it like placing a cold iron rod into a blazing fire: the rod takes on the fire’s heat and light. In the same way, dedicated action takes on a higher vibration.

The Gītā’s promise is wonderfully simple: “If one offers Me with love and devotion a leaf, a flower, fruit, or water, I will accept it.” Cooking, like any act, becomes sacred when it’s an offering, not an ego project.

A 7-minute Fire Ritual (kitchen edition)

Light & breath. Before you cook, pause for three slow breaths and light a small candle—remembering the transformer you’re invoking.
Warm the pot with love. Toast a pinch of coriander or fennel to wake their fragrance, then build your meal around grounding grains and fresh vegetables.
Offer. When the food is ready, close your eyes for a moment and silently offer the meal. Let intention be the heat that finishes the dish.

When the fire is too low—or too high

Too low: sluggish, cold, unmotivated. Favor fire foods and warm, spiced soups; eat earlier; keep phones and heavy media out of the kitchen so your attention can act like a steady flame.
Too high: irritable, overheated, driven. Add water-element foods, finish with soothing herbal tea, and take your meals in a calm, uncluttered space.

Fire is the quiet courage to show up and the bright mercy that transforms whatever it touches. Tend it wisely—on your plate, in your breath, and in your service—and let it turn everyday life into a steady offering.

Grounding: coming back to Earth (literally and spiritually)

By The Food Yogi | January 9, 2026 | Comments 0 Comment

I learned to get out of my head the same place I learned to cook for thousands—by touching what’s real. Bare feet on the earth. Hands in honest work. A quiet prayer. Grounding is how I return from the noise to the now—body steady, mind clear, soul awake.

Why grounding matters today

Modern life lifts us off the soil—towers, screens, and schedules—and the data isn’t kind: high-rise living and digital isolation correlate with more stress, weaker social ties, and tougher child-rearing environments.

Our ancestors walked barefoot for a reason. When skin meets soil, studies show healthier blood flow (less red-cell clumping) and potential regulation of the endocrine and nervous systems. Grounding also helps discharge some of the “dirty electricity” that saturates our lives. The earth is rich with electrons that help bring the body’s currents back into balance.

What grounding actually grounds

Vedic wisdom says we live in three concentric layers: a gross body of the five elements (earth, water, fire, air, ether); a subtle body (mind, intelligence, false ego); and the spiritual self—the witness and driver. Grounding steadies the first two so the third can shine through.

Simple ways to ground (that I use)

Barefoot minutes. Stand on grass or soil, or lie on the ground for a few minutes—especially at night—for stress relief and better sleep.
Sacred connection. Visit a protected cow and give a gentle hug; in Vedic culture the cow embodies the Earth, and the practice is deeply calming. (No cow nearby? Use a well-installed grounding mat.)
Eat the Earth element. Build meals that anchor: amaranth (root-chakra steadiness) and barley grass (a “psychological grounding agent”) are two of my favorites.
Offer the moment. Act fully, release the outcome—yukta-vairāgya. It’s how I turn ordinary acts into spiritual practice.

A 3-minute grounding reset

Feet + breath. Plant your feet hip-width on bare earth. Inhale four counts, exhale six, for ten rounds.
Name the senses. Notice five things you feel/see/hear/smell—let attention drop from mind to body.
Offer & remember. Whisper a simple prayer of gratitude and dedicate the next thing you do. Presence becomes prayer.

Closing

We’re souls wearing bodies, traveling through a noisy age. Touching the ground—through feet, food, and offering—reminds us where strength really lives: in the elements that built us and the Source that animates us. Stay close to Earth, and you’ll feel close to yourself.

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FAQs

Q: What are the benefits of grounding?

A: Grounding offers numerous benefits, including reduced stress levels and improved emotional well-being. It reconnects individuals with nature, enhancing physical health through better blood flow and balance.

Q: How can I practice grounding at home?

A: You can practice grounding at home by standing or sitting barefoot on natural surfaces like grass or soil. Incorporating grounding mats or natural materials in your living space also helps.

Q: Is grounding supported by scientific research?

A: Yes, grounding is supported by various studies showing its positive effects on physical health, such as improved circulation and reduced inflammation. These findings highlight its relevance in modern wellness practices.

Water: the quiet teacher of mind, body, and soul

By The Food Yogi | January 9, 2026 | Comments 0 Comment

Water: the quiet teacher of mind, body, and soul

When I cook for others, I start by pouring a glass of water and saying a simple prayer. Water listens. It carries intention. And in a world that often shouts, water teaches us quietly—how to cleanse the body, settle the mind, and reconnect with the Source.

Body: hydration as humble medicine

Drinking more water may seem basic, but this simple act holds significant importance for our health. Adequate hydration alleviates constipation, reduces kidney stone recurrence by diluting urinary minerals, and aids in weight management by enhancing satiety and slightly boosting energy expenditure, particularly when consumed before meals.

Water also shows up inside our food. In Food Yoga, we balance elemental forces in a meal—earth, water, fire, air—so the plate works on the body, mood, and spirit at once. For passionate or aggressive constitutions, foods rich in the water element soothe and cool.

Mind: what surrounds your water surrounds your thoughts

If our bodies are mostly water and water is easily influenced, then the vibrations around us—music, films, environments, company—matter. As I’ve written, water can carry energy that heals when it’s pristine or harms when it’s polluted; the late Dr. Masaru Emoto popularized the idea that water “communicates,” reflecting the energies it encounters. That means the soundscape and mood you bathe your cells in can shape your physical, mental, and spiritual health.

In short: be mindful of what you let your water hear.

Soul: offering transforms the ordinary

The Bhagavad-gītā assures us that if we offer even “a leaf, a flower, fruit, or water with love and devotion,” it is accepted—not because of the item’s size, but because of the love behind it. When we dedicate an act to the Divine, the ordinary becomes prayerful action.

I often explain this with a simple image: muddy puddle water is unfit to drink, but under the sun’s heat it evaporates, leaving impurities behind, rises, and returns as rain to nourish life. Offering our work and resources has the same purifying arc.

Stewardship: protecting the waters that protect us

Water is life—and our choices ripple outward. Industrial animal agriculture consumes vast quantities of freshwater, and runoff from factory farms is among the largest threats to river and stream quality in the U.S. Choosing plant-based compassion is also water stewardship.

A 5-minute “Water Sādhanā”

Try this today; it’s simple and powerful.

Clean vessel, clean intention.
Wash your cup or bottle mindfully. In Food Yoga, cleanliness is the gateway to spiritualization—our loving intention shows up in pure handling and presentation.
Charge with sound.
Hold the water, breathe, and speak words of gratitude, or softly chant the holy names. Uplifting sound is the tongue’s highest use and elevates consciousness.
Offer and sip.
Silently offer the water to the Divine and to all beings, then drink with awareness. A tiny act, made sacred by love, is enough.
Hydrate with wisdom.
Keep sipping through the day; if weight management is your goal, drink water before meals rather than during.

Closing: learn from water

The sages note that water is the principal element linking both gross and subtle forms of creation. No wonder it touches every layer of our lives. Treat water as teacher: keep it clean, keep it grateful, and let it carry your best intentions into every cell.

One glass at a time, we can heal the body, calm the mind, and remember the soul.

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FAQs

Q: How does water influence our health?

A: Water is essential for hydration, aiding digestion, and overall bodily functions. It also affects our mental clarity and emotional well-being.

Q: What is Food Yoga and how is it related to water?

A: Food Yoga emphasizes balancing elemental forces in meals, including water, to enhance physical and spiritual health.

Q: How can I practice gratitude with water?

A: You can practice gratitude by mindfully washing your drinking vessel, holding the water with intention, and offering it before consumption.

Food Yoga: turning every meal into a prayer (and a quiet revolution)

By The Food Yogi | January 8, 2026 | Comments 0 Comment

Let me take you back to a smoky refugee camp kitchen where we had more hungry faces than pots of rice. I remember the knot in my chest loosening only when I surrendered the outcome and focused on service—cooking as worship, offering what we had with love, and trusting the rest to the Divine. That inner shift is the heartbeat of Food Yoga: show up, cook with care, offer with love, and let grace do the heavy lifting.

What is Food Yoga?

Food Yoga is spiritual hospitality in action—using clean, plant-based meals to nourish body, mind, and soul, and to remind us we’re one family. In my workshops I began calling the lifestyle a “Prasadarian” path: choose food that’s free from harm and negativity, prepare it with loving intention, and offer it before eating. Prasadam literally means “mercy”—food cooked and offered in love, then shared.

At its core is a simple social truth from the Vedic lens: every sentient being shares the same spiritual quality. We’re seemingly divided by species and labels, but in essence we’re interdependent and inseparable. Hospitality becomes a bridge—not a brand.

Why plants, prayer, and intention?

Three reasons:

It heals the planet and the body. A plant-based diet lightens our footprint and is consistently linked with better health outcomes. When we choose beans over beef, we choose breathable air, cleaner water, and a calmer heart.
It heals our consciousness. Think of prayer as medicine and sanctified food as the healing diet. We’re not just filling stomachs—we’re tuning vibration. Intention matters. Clean kitchens and clean hearts are the recipe.
It includes everyone. “No one should miss out on the experience of prasadam.” Feed widely, without discrimination—snacks in offices, meals at festivals, plates at shelters. Food Yoga is a social change movement disguised as a feast.

The element behind every bite

Ayurveda sees food as alchemy. Each ingredient carries an elemental signature—earth, water, fire, and air—that interacts with your unique constitution and the time and place you eat. Balance those elements and the meal works on your body, your mood, and your spirit all at once.

That’s why not every meal should be raw, and not every person needs the same plate. Cold evening? Choose a warming soup (fire). Feeling heavy and stuck? Add light, expansive foods (air). Cooking for a fiery personality? Soften the menu with water-element foods. This is common-sense consciousness in the kitchen.

Vibration is real (your water knows)

If our bodies are mostly water and water responds to the energies around it, then the sounds, moods, and media we bathe our meals in change us. Cook and eat in uplifting vibration and the food carries that song. It’s practical mysticism: what surrounds the pot surrounds your heart.

The Food Yoga ritual (3 steps you can do today)

1) Center & clean.

Begin with a breath and a tidy space. Excellence isn’t fancy—it’s pure. Clean hands, clean counters, clean mind. Let your intention be service.

2) Cook for someone you love (including you).

Design an alchemically active plate:

Earth (roots/grains) to ground.
Water (soups/steamed veggies) to soothe.
Fire (spices like ginger or cinnamon) to awaken.
Air (greens/sprouts) to lift.
As you stir, remember why you’re cooking. Love is the secret spice.

3) Offer & share.

Before serving, pause. Offer the meal in gratitude—silently or with a simple prayer—and then share it. When we dedicate our action, the ordinary becomes sacred; cooking turns from ego-task to soul-practice.

“But I’m just making dinner…”

Perfect. Food Yoga isn’t about saffron robes; it’s about sincerity. The mother who ladles stew with a blessing is doing Food Yoga. The student who shares a hummus wrap with a lonely classmate is doing Food Yoga. The volunteer who smiles as they serve a plant-based plate in a shelter is doing Food Yoga. The kitchen is your temple; the ladle, your bell of mindfulness.

A gentle challenge

This week, try one Prasadarian meal: plant-based, cooked cleanly, balanced by elements, offered with love, and shared with someone—human or animal friend. Notice how your mind feels afterward. Then repeat. Meal after meal, we re-member who we are: souls in a human kitchen, practicing unity one plate at a time.

When we feed others with this spirit, we don’t just fill bellies; we elevate the room. That’s Food Yoga: a quiet revolution that begins where you stand—apron on, heart open.

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OR physical copy at foodyoga.org

FAQs

Q: What is the concept behind Food Yoga?

A: Food Yoga combines cooking and spirituality, using plant-based meals to nourish the body, mind, and soul. It emphasizes intention, love, and community while preparing and sharing food.

Q: How can I practice Food Yoga at home?

A: You can start by cleaning your cooking space, preparing a meal with love, and sharing it with someone. Focus on the intention behind your cooking and how it connects you to others.

Q: Why is a plant-based diet important in Food Yoga?

A: A plant-based diet promotes better health and environmental sustainability. It reduces our ecological footprint while providing nourishing meals that can be shared widely, embodying the spirit of community and inclusiveness.

What is the Food Yoga Diet? And why the Paleo Diet is Stupid

By The Food Yogi | November 19, 2025

There are so many diet program being promoted these days, but one in particular really upsets me — the paleo diet.

Proponents claim the paleo diet is what our ancestors followed and is the “is the ONLY nutritional approach that works with your genetics to help you stay lean, strong and energetic!” says, Robb Wolf. I say, baloney!

First of all, to capitalize the word ONLY, Wolf unequivocally discounts every other diet program in existence. A mighty big claim indeed and one that is impossible to back up with science or even history. But that is exactly what Wolf and others like him do and thus they lead people down a narrow path of blind devotion.

To build a foundation for a healthy diet, let’s identify key components that are widely accepted as beneficial:

Lean proteins
Fresh fruits and vegetables
Healthy fats

Now let’s address some of the false claims made by Wolf and other paleo devotees.

Meat, seafood and fish oil are necessary for a healthy diet. Bogus!

What is biggest flaw in the Paleo diet?

Paleo advocates base their belief system on a false premise: We are physical beings, biologically programmed to act and think in the same ways our ancestors.

There is no perfect diet for all people

Numerous diet programs are currently being promoted, but one in particular stands out as particularly troubling—the Paleo diet.

Recognizing that dietary needs vary widely among individuals is crucial. Factors such as age, activity level, and health conditions significantly influence what constitutes an effective diet. Personalizing dietary choices is essential for achieving optimal health outcomes.

Thus, personalizing dietary choices can lead to better health outcomes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main principles of the Paleo diet?

The Paleo diet focuses on eating foods presumed to be available to our ancestors, such as meat, fish, vegetables, and fruits. However, it often excludes dairy, grains, and processed foods.

Why do some people criticize the Paleo diet?

Critics argue that the Paleo diet oversimplifies nutrition by claiming it is the only effective approach. Many also believe it ignores modern dietary science and the diversity of nutritional needs.

What are healthier alternatives to the Paleo diet?

Healthier alternatives may include balanced diets that incorporate a variety of food groups, such as the Mediterranean diet or plant-based diets, which emphasize whole grains, legumes, and healthy fats.

Q: How does the Food Yoga diet differ from Paleo?

A: The Food Yoga diet emphasizes a holistic approach to nutrition, focusing on balance and mindfulness in food choices. Unlike the restrictive nature of the Paleo diet, it encourages a wide variety of food groups.

Q: What should be included in a balanced diet?

A: A balanced diet typically includes lean proteins, fresh fruits and vegetables, healthy fats, and whole grains. This diversity supports overall health and meets individual nutritional needs.

The First Steps in God Realization

By The Food Yogi | May 30, 2020 | Comments 0 Comment

Excerpt from FOOD YOGA – Nourishing Body, Mind, & Soul

“I am the Taste of Water”

The Bhagavad-gita[1] contains a statement from Krishna that illustrates how easily we can raise our awareness of God, just by being conscious while drinking water:

O son of Kunti [Arjuna], I am the taste of water, the light of the sun and the moon, the syllable Om in the Vedic mantras; I am the sound in ether and ability in man. [2]

The translator, Srila Prabhupada comments: “This is the all-pervasive nature of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. We should mark the important word in this verse from the original Sanskrit: aham. Aham means ‘person,’” he says.

According to monotheistic traditions within Hinduism, God is both a person and an all-pervading energy. Krishna states later in the Bhagavad-gita: maya tatam idam sarvam jagad avyakta-murtina, “By Me, in My unmanifested form, this entire universe is pervaded. All beings are in Me, but I am not in them” (Verse 9.4); or, as French philosopher Voltaire once stated, “God is a circle whose center is everywhere and circumference nowhere.” [3]

A practical way to understand this all-pervasive nature of God is through the example of the sun. We understand the constitution of the sun globe by experiencing its all-pervasive heat and light. Although we are 93 million miles away from the sun, we are able to understand what the sun is through its energy, heat, and light. Essentially, therefore, the sun and its qualities of heat and light are distinct and yet inseparable.

For example, when the sunshine enters your room, you say, “the sun is in my room.” Of course, if the sun were really in your room, you wouldn’t be around to talk about it. The point is that the sun globe and the sun rays are simultaneously one and different. In the same way, the impersonal, all-pervading energy of the Creator is simultaneously one with and different from the personal features of the Creator. God, the Supreme Person, and God’s omniscient energy are essentially the same thing, and yet distinctly different. Such is the inconceivable and apparently contradictory nature of the Supreme.

The idea that the realization of God can be experienced in the mundane act of drinking water is profound, to say the least, but certainly believable once we accept the all-pervasive nature of the Supreme. After all, water is just one of the numerous energies that make up this mortal world. Logically, we must conclude: where there is energy there must be an “Energetic” — a source from which that energy flows. That energetic Source, according to the Vedas is Para-Brahman.[4]

The Bhagavat Purana contains a rich description of how we can perceive the presence of God’s all-pervading energy or universal form in nature:

O King, the rivers are the veins of the gigantic body, the trees are the hairs of His body, and the omnipotent air is His breath. The passing ages are His movements… (SB 2.1.33) …the clouds, which carry water, are the hairs on His head, the terminations of days or nights are His dress, and the supreme cause of material creation is His intelligence. His mind is the moon, the reservoir of all changes. (SB 2.1.34)

Even without these scriptural references, it is easy to perceive the presence of a divine force in our lives, if we only take the time to contemplate. We may argue on specifics of the Divine, but we can all agree on one thing: God in some form or another exists.

The late Mother Teresa encouraged the practice of contemplation as a means to God-realization by making it a central component of her mission.

“Our life of contemplation shall…gather the whole universe at the very center of our hearts where the Lord of the universe abides, and allow the pure water of divine grace to flow plentifully and unceasingly from the source itself, on the whole of his creation.”

In her teachings, she urged people to become more thoughtful by taking the time to silence our rushed lives.

“We need to find God, and he cannot be found in noise and restlessness. God is the friend of silence. See how nature — trees, flowers, and grass grow in silence; see the stars, the moon, and the sun, how they move in silence … We need silence to be able to touch souls.”

Sometimes, we need to slow down and quiet our minds to be able to appreciate the full value of our current situation. Silence is golden. Author of The Ragged Edge of Silence: Finding Peace in a Noisy World, John Francis Ph.D. certainly believes so.

After an oil spill near the Golden Gate Bridge of San Francisco in January of 1971, Francis took a vow of silence and avoided riding in motorized vehicles for the next 22 years. A strong-willed and opinionated man, Francis decided to see what he could learn from listening and walking wherever he went. In sharing his experience, Francis learned that contemplation is an effective means to enhance our spiritual awareness because it helps us to discover who we really are — and ultimately — to find peace.

Lacking a natural quiet of a previous age, we can accept the benefits of meditation and silence as a way to counteract the anxiety and depression often generated through our association with a noise-polluted world.

Of all the material elements, water is the one that speaks to our body, mind, and soul. In its purest form, it energizes our body through the process of hydrolysis; as calming tea, it can still our mind; as a transporter of higher vibrations it can inspire our soul, and its feminine qualities can embrace and nurture our entire being.

Take the time to fully appreciate this wonderful element and reap the benefits of holistic well-being.

Excerpt from FOOD YOGA — Nourishing Body, Mind, and Soul

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Footnotes —

[1] Bhagavad-gita As It Is, by A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami, published by Macmillan in 1972.

[2] Bhagavad-gita As It Is, Verse 7.8.

[3] Voltaire (1694–1778).

[4] Para-Brahman: term often used by Vedantic philosophers as to the “attainment of the ultimate goal.” There is only one Supreme Para–Brahman and all energies and other deities are expansions of this Para-Brahman.

New Book: The 7 Maxims for Soul Happiness

By The Food Yogi | April 28, 2019 | Comments 0 Comment

**Unlock the keys to a more fulfilling life with help from ‘The 7 Maxims of Soul Happiness’**

New book by Paul Rodney Turner teaches readers how to unleash their inner bliss

GAITHERSBURG, Md. – According to former monk and the “Food Yogi” Paul Rodney Turner, the state of happiness is in trouble; with many unable to find some form of happiness, people go through life sad, exasperated and even suicidal. In “The 7 Maxims for Soul Happiness: How to Unleash Your Inner Bliss” (published by Balboa Press), Turner shares insights into living a more blissful life.

Filled with a plethora of tips, the book features pragmatic spiritual solutions intended to nurture a wayward spirit. Turner explains that happiness is the natural state of being. Most discontentment stems from a person’s misidentification with their physical form. “We are programmed to look for happiness in all the wrong place,” says Turner.

He adds, “Everyone wants to be happy but most of us are looking for it in the wrong place. In my new book, I outline some concepts that will shed light on our true potential as spiritual beings, from where true happiness resides.”

For a complete list of books authored by Turner, visit his Amazon Author page.

“The 7 Maxims for Soul Happiness”

By Paul Rodney Turner

Softcover | 6 x 9 in | 156 pages | ISBN 9781982222451

E-Book | 156 pages | ISBN 9781982222468

Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

[button_3 text=”download-now.png” align=”center” href=”http://paulrodneyturner.com/7-maxims-of-soul-happiness”/]

About the Author

Australian-born Paul Rodney Turner, also known as the “Food Yogi,” was a celibate monk for 14 years from age 19-33. He lived a simple life, including sleeping on the floor without a pillow, taking cold showers, rising at 3:30 am every morning, meditating for 2 hours and studying the ancient Vedic literature of India. Turner is a vegan chef, social entrepreneur, public speaker, numerologist, holistic life coach, spiritual guide and the international director of Food for Life Global, the world’s largest food relief that serves up to 2 million plant-based meals daily. He currently lives in the Andes Mountains of Colombia with his wife and son on their animal sanctuary. Get a free sample here

Turner emphasizes that the first step towards happiness is self-awareness. By recognizing our thoughts and feelings, we can identify the patterns that lead to dissatisfaction. Journaling or meditative practices can aid in this process, allowing for reflection and clarity. Through understanding ourselves, we start to uncover the true sources of joy within.

One of the key concepts in the book is the importance of community. Engaging with supportive friends or like-minded individuals fosters a sense of belonging, which can significantly enhance happiness. Participating in group activities, whether they are spiritual, social, or recreational, can lead to shared experiences that uplift the spirit.

Turner also discusses the significance of gratitude in cultivating happiness. By regularly acknowledging and appreciating the positive aspects of life, individuals can shift their focus from negativity to abundance. Simple practices, like maintaining a gratitude journal, encourage a mindset that attracts more joy and fulfillment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the 7 maxims?

The 7 maxims are principles outlined by Paul Rodney Turner to help individuals discover and maintain inner happiness. Each maxim offers practical insights and spiritual wisdom aimed at nurturing one’s soul and encouraging a more fulfilling life.

How can I apply the maxims in daily life?

Integrate the maxims through daily practices such as meditation, journaling, or engaging with community. Consistently reflecting on these principles helps reinforce their teachings and fosters a deeper connection with one’s spiritual self.

Is the book suitable for everyone?

Yes, the book is designed for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of happiness. Its balanced approach combines practical tips with spiritual insights, making it accessible to readers from various backgrounds and beliefs.

The 12 things you can do to avoid cancer

By The Food Yogi | December 24, 2018 | Comments 0 Comment

Or at least dramatically decrease your chances of getting it!

I think all of us have a relative or a close friend or two that have contracted some form of cancer or who have died from cancer in our lifetime.

I don’t propose to have the absolute answer or cure for cancer but I will go out on a limb and say that the following twelve tips will absolutely help you avoid it. The more of these you are able to incorporate into your life the better off you’ll be.

Please note that everything I recommend is backed by scientific research and my personal experience. I don’t propose that my recommendations are the conclusion of all discussions. It is simply 12 things I feel will help one be as healthy as they can and minimize their chances of getting cancer. There are probably 100 things you can do!

1. Eat a Healthy Plant-based Diet

What you eat has a huge impact on your health. However, for most people that might mean feeling better or have more energy but diet has a much deeper impact on our longevity — what you eat can be the difference in dieing way before our allotted time or living a full and vibrant life. According to the World Health Organization, about one-third of all cancers can be prevented by factors within your control, including diet. For example, a plant-based (vegan) diet is richer in many essential nutrients, but fortifying the body against disease. It helps to keep our body at optimum weight and it is well documented that obesity is a leading factor of poor health. A plant-based diet can lower blood sugar levels and most importantly, it can protect us against certain forms of cancer.

Source: 6 Science-based Health Benefits of a Vegan Diet

Source: A plant-based diet is a powerful way to achieve good health.

2. Avoid all Dairy

Dairy products have been linked to all kinds of chronic diseases, including cancer. Milk and other dairy products are the top sources of artery-clogging saturated fat, contributing to heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease. Studies have also linked dairy to an increased risk of breast and ovarian cancers. Contrary to dairy industry propaganda, dairy products and calcium do not prevent stress fractures and regular consumption of dairy products has been linked to prostate cancer.

Proponents of India’s health system, Ayurveda will disagree with these conclusions but I want to draw their attention to the fact that the milk that is glorified in the ancient Ayurvedic texts is NOT anything like what is currently being sold in supermarket stores. Commercial dairy has none of the healing benefits that are mentioned in the Ayurvedic texts and should be avoided at all costs.

Source: The Dairy Debate

Source: The Health Concerns about Dairy

Please also read: https://www.pcrm.org/news/health-nutrition/dairy-products-and-ovarian-cancer

And: https://www.pcrm.org/news/blog/got-prostate-ditch-dairy

3. Connect with Nature

We are nature — each one of us is an integral part of a perfectly balanced ecosystem and yet, for the most part, humans live disconnected from nature — in high rise apartments eating processed foods and drinking chlorinated water.

A study conducted by the University of British Columbia examined the specific effect of immersion in nature upon the overall sense of well-being of participants and was published in the Journal of Positive Psychology.

Researchers divided people into three different groups. For one group, immersion in nature was defined as taking time to engage in some form of connection with the natural world, including not just walking in nature but anything not human-built: a houseplant, a dandelion growing in a crack in a sidewalk, birds, or exposing our body to the sun through a window.

One of the other two groups focused on their self-observations regarding human-made objects, and the third did neither. Researchers found that the difference in the participants’ well-being —their happiness, sense of elevation, and their level of connectedness to other people, not just nature — was significantly higher for the first group than that of participants in the group which noticed how only human-built objects made them feel. It was also higher than the control group, which did neither.

Source: Why Connecting with Nature Elevates your Mental Health

4. Minimize Electromagnetic Pollution

The digital world we all relish and appreciate has its drawbacks — the electromagnetic pollution we are all being bombarded with is changing our physiology. The threat of numerous forms of electromagnetic fields (EMFs) to human health is becoming increasingly clear, and thanks to researchers like Camilla Rees, the dangers are beginning to permeate the mainstream media.

B. Blake Levitt, Former New York Times writer and author of Electromagnetic Fields, A Consumer’s Guide to the Issues and How to Protect Ourselves, and Editor of Cell Towers, Wireless Convenience? Or Environmental Hazard? explains in Rees’ book, Public Health SOS: The Shadow Side of the Wireless Revolution that:

“… It turns out that most living things are fantastically sensitive to vanishingly small EMF exposures. Living cells interpret such exposures as part of our normal cellular activities (think heartbeats, brainwaves, cell division itself, etc.) The problem is, man-made electromagnetic exposures aren’t “normal”. They are artificial artifacts, with unusual intensities, signaling characteristics, pulsing patterns, and wave forms. And they can misdirect cells in myriad ways.”

One practical way to reduce electromagnetic pollution is to practice grounding or earthing.

Source: What is the Best Way to Distress?

Source: Grounding the Human Body: The Healing Benefits of Earthing

Source: An Activists Journey to Raise Awareness of Electromagnetic Pollution

Source: The Influence of Electromagnetic Pollution on Living Organisms: Historical Trends and Forecasting Changes

5. Keep your Blood Alkaline

One of the two leading factors of disease is acidic blood, the other is lack of oxygen. The kind of food we eat certainly changes the pH of our blood and so too does our lifestyle.

When your body fluids contain too much acid, it’s known as acidosis. Acidosis occurs when your kidneys and lungs can’t keep your body’s pH in balance. Many of the body’s processes produce acid. Acidosis can lead to numerous health issues, and it can even be life-threatening.

Nearly all biological functions are dependent upon the acidity or alkalinity of the liquid environment. pH is a measure of the relative acidity or alkalinity of a solution where a pH of 7 is neutral, less than 7 is acidic and greater than 7 is alkaline or basic. A pH of 7.35 – 7.45 is ideal.

Foods that increase the acidity of our blood include meat, fish, dairy and alcohol. Food that increases the alkalinity of our blood includes green leafy vegetables, fruits, and fermented foods.

By eating a plant-based, alkaline diet it easier for the body to maintain that ideal number. If one ate only meat, fish, eggs, sugar and processed foods and drank lots of alcohol then the body would struggle to maintain that ideal number.

Source: Acidosis

Source: Diseases Caused by Alkaline or Acid pH in the body

Source: Acid/Base Balance

6. Keep a Positive Attitude

All disease begins in the mind.

When a person is depressed, the whole body is negatively impacted. Depressed people get ill easier and the road to recovery is more challenging. People who are happier and more positive are typically better able to fend off diseases and enjoy better health during chronic illness.

Everyone feels sad once in a while but depression can sap the life out of you and often leave you feeling helpless and weak. When depressed we often lose interest in normal activities such as eating, making love, and decision making, and our sleeping patterns are disrupted. We may feel tired, irritable, or lethargic most of the time; or think continually about death or suicide.

The National Institute on Aging shook up the medical world with the results of a remarkable study: Tracking 4,825 people ages 71 and older, researchers found that those who were chronically depressed for at least six years had an 88 percent greater risk of developing cancer within the next four years. The researchers speculated that depression fuels cancer by damaging T-cells and other parts of the body that fight the disease. (Of course, both cancer and chemotherapy may have biochemical effects that contribute to depression as well.)

Even before doctors had any inkling that mood could affect a person’s chances of getting cancer, it was already clear that depression and loneliness added to the devastation of the disease once it was present. Cancer patients without strong social ties are particularly likely to die early, and patients who get counseling and support may add years to their lives: One study of women with advanced breast cancer found that those who attended weekly support groups lived an average of 18 months longer than those who didn’t. Although later studies did not find the same benefit, doctors agree that support groups can increase your quality of life. Weighted blankets have also been proven to help with depression.

“Cancer survivors who are depressed are twice as likely to die prematurely as those who are not depressed” -Journal of Cancer Survivorship

Just last month, the British Journal of Medicine (BJM) published the findings of 16 cohort studies conducted in England and Scotland over a 14 year period, that examined the role of psychological distress as a predictor of mortality in cancer patients. Based on self-reports of over 160,000 men and women, those with higher levels of distress had a 32% greater risk of total cancer mortality, specifically those reporting symptoms of depression and anxiety. These findings, the Journal reports, contribute to the growing evidence of the link between psychological factors and cancer survival.

Source: Illness: the mind-body connection

Source: Neglecting Mental Health in Cancer Treatment

Source: Awareness, Diagnosis and Treatment of Depression

7. Breathe

The science of breathing stands on quite ancient foundations. Centuries of wisdom instructs us to pay closer attention to our breathing, the most basic of things we do each day. And yet, maybe because breathing is so basic, it’s also easy to ignore. A brief review of the latest science on breathing and the brain, and overall health serves as a reminder that breathing deserves much closer attention – there’s more going on with each breath than we realize.

Controlling your breathing calms your brain and regulates your blood pressure. According to the ancient yoga teachings of India, at the time of our birth, we are allotted a certain amount of breaths for this life, so it follows then, that slowing down our breathing will increase our lifespan.

In yoga we learn to control prana, the vital force, through pranayama. We use the breath in pranayama to learn to control prana, but don’t confuse prana with breath. Prana is the energy that animates the lungs. It is NOT the breath. Using the breath is the easiest method for training prana. Once you are able to control prana through pranayama you are better able to control the movement of prana to other organs and areas of the body. – Amarajit Singh

In the 1930s, Nobel Prize winner Dr. Otto Warburg hypothesized,

“Cancer has only one prime cause. The prime cause of cancer is the replacement of normal oxygen respiration of body cells by an anaerobic (oxygen-less) cell respiration.”

He believed that cancer cells thrive in oxygen-poor environments and many research studies now support his assertion. Thanks to Warburg and others, we know that cancer cells metabolize differently than normal cells, which need oxygen for respiration. Instead, cancer cells metabolize through the process of fermentation. This inferior form of energy production is activated when the oxygen level of a cell drops below 40 percent. This leads to an acidic environment that encourages the growth of cancer cells.

It goes without saying that to get the full benefits of breathing practice, we should avoid smoking and also breathing in secondhand smoke. According to the CDC, “Secondhand smoke is the combination of smoke from the burning end of a cigarette and the smoke breathed out by smokers. Secondhand smoke contains more than 7,000 chemicals. Hundreds are toxic and about 70 can cause cancer. Since the 1964 Surgeon General’s Report, 2.5 million adults who were nonsmokers died because they breathed secondhand smoke.“

Source: How Breathing Calms Your Brain, And Other Science-Based Benefits Of Controlled Breathing

Source: Breathing Techniques for Stress-Relief

Source: Health Effects of Secondhand Smoke

Source: Why is Breath So Important in Yoga?

Source: Can Deep Breathing Be Key to Cancer Healing? You Bet!

8. Get Sunlight

Contrary to popular belief, the sun is not our enemy. In fact, sunlight is critical for our health, most significantly in helping our body produce Vitamin D. Although excess sunlight can contribute to skin cancers, a moderate amount of sunlight actually has preventive benefits when it comes to cancer.

Decreased sun exposure has been associated with a drop in your serotonin levels, which can lead to major depression with seasonal changes. The light-induced effects of serotonin are triggered by sunlight that goes in through the eye. Sunlight cues special areas in the retina, which triggers the release of serotonin. So, you’re more likely to experience this type of depression in the wintertime, when the days are shorter.

Due to this connection, one of the main treatments for depression with seasonal changes is light therapy, also known as phototherapy. You can get a light therapy box to have at home. The light from the box mimics natural sunlight that stimulates the brain to make serotonin and reduces excess melatonin.

Source: What are the Benefits of Sunlight?

Source: Welcome the Sun back into your life!

Source: https://luxeluminous.com/benefits-of-tanning/

9. Eat Fermented Foods

Our body has more bacteria living inside than all the cells that make up the human form. At any one time, we have about 3 pounds of bacteria living inside of us. A healthy body is one that has more good bacteria than bad bacteria. Our gut is the foundation of our organism. It is where we absorb our nutrition and from where we interface with the exterior world even more intimately than through our skin. If you want to get to the bottom of an ailment, you need to look at how your digestion is working, and what you are eating.

The four main nutrients needed for optimal digestion are enzymes, prebiotics, probiotics, and minerals.

Minerals activate enzymes that accelerate the chemical reactions of metabolism. Enzymes are there to break down food into less complex parts for better assimilation.

Prebiotics are food for your microbiome. The best prebiotics is found in raw fibrous fruits and veggies, especially raw, leafy, greens, and soluble and insoluble fiber found in produce.

Probiotics are most often found in fermented food like raw sauerkraut, kimchi, and other products (like live pickles). Probiotic foods also have digestive enzymes.

The Greek physician Hippocrates often referred to as “the founder of modern medicine,” said, “All disease begins in the gut.” The flip-side of that coin is also true! All health begins in the gut.

Source: The Science Behind These Common Fermented Foods

Source: Everything You Always Wanted to Know about Fermented Foods

10. Meditate

Since a good supply of oxygen to the blood and a healthy mind is critical to health, it is not surprising that yoga, tai chi, and meditation have lasted the test of time. Incorporating a deep breathing and meditation routine into your life has been proven beyond a doubt to be great for our overall mind/body/spirit health.

Science has proven that even the most basic meditation practice can reduce stress, control anxiety increase memory, improve attention span and self-awareness, improve the quality of our sleep and most importantly, reduce blood pressure.

As a monk, I would practice a form of mantra meditation for at least 2-hours daily and I found it to be tremendously helpful in reducing my stress and calming the mind. I was also celibate then, and meditation helped me maintain my vows.

Here is a collection of stories and comments people have sent to the researcher, Katie Holmes on the wonderful benefits meditation has brought them, published with the hope of inspiring YOU to try meditation for the first time (or pick it up again if you’ve just been lazy with it.

Benefits of Meditation: 38+ People Comment On The Benefits Meditation Has Brought Them

Source: 12 Science-based Benefits of Meditation

11. Intermittent Fasting

Intermittent fasting involves cycling between periods of eating and fasting, ranging from a few hours to a few days at a time. It is the kind of fasting I prefer because it does not disrupt your usual routines like a full-on fast would do. Fasting is not a new concept, it is a practice that dates back centuries and plays a central role in many cultures and religions. Fasting is a practice that has been associated with a wide array of potential health benefits, including weight loss, as well as improved blood sugar control, heart health, brain function, and cancer prevention.

In India’s Ayurvedic tradition, fasting is considered to be a cure for all diseases!

Several studies have found that fasting may improve blood sugar control, which could be especially useful for those at risk of diabetes. Intermittent fasting and alternate-day fasting could help decrease blood sugar levels and reduce insulin resistance but may affect men and women differently.

Research shows that inflammation may be involved in the development of chronic conditions, such as heart disease, cancer, and rheumatoid arthritis (4). Some studies have found that fasting can help decrease levels of inflammation and help promote better health.

Animal and test-tube studies indicate that fasting may benefit the treatment and prevention of cancer. Similarly, a test-tube study showed that exposing cancer cells to several cycles of fasting was as effective as chemotherapy in delaying tumor growth and increased the effectiveness of chemotherapy drugs on cancer formation (32).

I do intermittent fasting every day by simply refraining from eating after 8 pm and then not eating my breakfast until 10:30 which means I have fasted for 14.5 hours!

Source: 8 Health Benefits of Fasting, Backed by Science

12. Sleep Well

It is often believed that diet and exercise are the foundations of good health but according to Sleep Diplomat, Dr. Matt Walker, sleep is the real foundation and diet and exercise are the pillars.

Sleep is one of the most important but least understood aspects of our life, wellness, and longevity. Until very recently, science had no answer to the question of why we sleep, or what good it served, or why we suffer such devastating health consequences when we don’t sleep. Compared to the other basic drives in life—eating, drinking, and reproducing—the purpose of sleep remained elusive.

Walker has spent the last four and a half years writing Why We Sleep, a complex but urgent book that examines the effects of this epidemic close up, the idea being that once people know of the powerful links between sleep loss and, among other things, Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, diabetes, obesity, and poor mental health, they will try harder to get the recommended eight hours a night.

There is some evidence of a link between insufficient sleep and the risk of cancer. In particular, people with circadian rhythm disorders—in which the body’s biological clock is disrupted because of shift work, for example—may be at increased risk. A study in the International Journal of Cancer found a relationship between women’s irregular work schedules and the rate of breast cancer. Researchers compared 1200 women who had developed breast cancer between 2005 and 2008, with 1300 women who did not have a cancer diagnosis. They found that the rate of breast cancer was 30 percent higher for the women who had worked shifts. Women who had at least four years of night shift work, as well as those with fewer than three night shifts per week (keeping them from ever fully adjusting to one schedule) were at highest risk. Shift work has also been shown to increase the incidence of certain cancers—for example prostate cancer—in men.

Source: Lack of Sleep Increases Your Risk of Some Cancers

I hope these 12 tips are helpful. If you are currently struggling with cancer or have fears of contracting it, please try to incorporate some or all of the above suggestions into your life.

Some other sources

Wishing you the best of health and happiness!

Paul Rodney Turner, the Food Yogi

How I remained celibate for 14 Years and the Solution to a Peaceful World

By The Food Yogi | October 12, 2018 | Comments 1 comment

I’ve given hundreds of public lectures about my humanitarian work over the years in over 60 countries. Usually, I focus on the social impact our volunteers have made, including the enormous amount of meals served by these selfless souls. The statistics never fail to impress but at the Vegfest in Brazil in 2018 I decided to focus on the why rather than the what.

I boldly broached the topic with the somewhat sensational title: A former monk shares an inside secret. Right out of the gate I talked about the fact that during the prime years of my life 19 – 33 I lived the life of a celibate monk, this includes sleeping on the floor without a pillow, taking cool showers; only eating at regulated times of the day, and of course, abstaining from sex and all the typical hedonistic things young men do. How did I succeed? The shocking answer is that I learned how to control the urges of the tongue.

My spiritual teacher often told us, “Spiritual life begins with the tongue.” I later clarified that statement by asserting that

“Evolution of consciousness begins when one masters the tongue.”

According to the yoga tradition, the tongue has two functions: tasting and vibrating, so what you speak and what you eat dramatically impacts your level of awareness.

I go into great detail in my book, FOOD YOGA to prove this point, citing scientific research as well as references from the yogic tradition and of course my personal example speaks volumes. Even if you don’t accept my references, my experience is my experience and I know for a fact that through controlling the tongue it enabled me to be successful in controlling the sex urge and living a peaceful and stress-free life.

But getting back to the why does Food for Life Global only serve plant-based meals cooked with loving intention? It is because when food is prepared with a loving consciousness it has incredible power to transform the consciousness of those that eat it. And in this way, not only is Food for Life Global feeding stomachs, it is directly impacting the mood and awareness of our recipients to bring about a more peaceful and loving world.

The bottom line is, hunger is not a result of a lack of food. Hunger is directly related to the fact that the bulk of humanity has a selfish and divisive consciousness and thus the resources of the world are not equitably shared.

That day that every living thing is honored equally as an integral participant in the play of life, wherein all things are valued for their unique contribution and viewed as essential and not disposable, then and then only can we have peace and prosperity for all and social anomalies like hunger will cease to exist.

Enhance the introduction by briefly mentioning personal motivations for celibacy to create a more relatable hook for readers.

Include a specific anecdote or personal experience related to mastering the tongue that illustrates its impact on your celibacy journey, making the concept more tangible.

Add a concluding paragraph summarizing the key insights and encouraging readers to reflect on their own lives and choices regarding food and consciousness.

What does it mean to control the urges of the tongue?

Controlling the urges of the tongue involves being mindful of what we eat and say, as both significantly influence our consciousness and overall well-being.

How can plant-based meals impact consciousness?

Plant-based meals prepared with love can elevate the mood and awareness of those who consume them, fostering a more peaceful and compassionate society.

What is the connection between celibacy and a peaceful world?

Celibacy can lead to greater self-control and awareness, allowing individuals to contribute positively to society and work towards creating a more peaceful and loving world.

My personal journey into celibacy was fueled not just by a desire for spiritual growth, but also by the need to cultivate deeper relationships with myself and the world around me. The pressures of societal expectations often cloud our judgment and distract us from what truly matters. By stepping away from the pursuit of romantic entanglements, I found a unique opportunity to explore my passions and dedicate my energy to meaningful humanitarian work. The decision was not merely about abstaining from sex; it was about embracing a life of purpose and connection, free from the distractions that often accompany intimate relationships.

One pivotal moment in my journey came during a period of intense craving. I vividly remember attending a gathering filled with laughter, delicious food, and engaging conversations. Amidst the joyous chaos, I felt the familiar tug of desire. In that moment, I consciously chose to focus on the conversations around me instead of indulging in my cravings. I began to practice mindful eating and speaking, taking a moment to savor each bite and engage fully with those around me. This experience reinforced my belief that mastering the tongue—both in what I consume and how I communicate—was essential for maintaining my celibacy and nurturing my inner peace.

Ultimately, my journey has shown me that the path to a peaceful world begins with individual choices. By reflecting on how we nourish ourselves and interact with others, we can create ripples of change that extend far beyond our own lives. Each meal, each word, and each conscious decision contributes to a larger tapestry of love and compassion. I encourage readers to consider their own habits and reflect on how they can cultivate a life that honors not just their own well-being, but also the well-being of all living beings. Together, we can work towards a world where peace and prosperity are not just ideals, but realities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to control the urges of the tongue?

Controlling the urges of the tongue involves a mindful approach to both our dietary choices and our spoken words. It means being aware of what we eat and ensuring that our food choices promote health and well-being, while also being conscious of how our words affect ourselves and others. This control can lead to greater self-discipline, heightened awareness, and ultimately, a more fulfilling and peaceful life. By mastering the urges of the tongue, we can cultivate a lifestyle that aligns with our spiritual goals and contributes positively to the world around us.

How can plant-based meals impact consciousness?

Plant-based meals, especially those prepared with love and intention, can significantly elevate the mood and consciousness of individuals. When food is made with care, it carries a transformative energy that nourishes not just the body, but also the mind and spirit. Consuming such meals fosters a sense of community and compassion, as they often reflect values of kindness and sustainability. This mindful approach to eating can shift one’s perspective, encouraging a more peaceful and harmonious existence, both personally and collectively.

What is the connection between celibacy and a peaceful world?

Celibacy, while often seen as a personal choice, can have broader implications for societal peace. By practicing celibacy, individuals can cultivate greater self-control, focus, and awareness, which can enhance their ability to contribute positively to society. This self-discipline allows for a deeper understanding of one’s own desires and motivations, leading to more compassionate interactions with others. When many individuals choose paths of self-restraint and mindfulness, it creates a ripple effect, promoting a culture of peace, respect, and love that can transform communities and, ultimately, the world.

Take Our Survey and WIN a FREE SCHOLARSHIP

By The Food Yogi | August 21, 2018

I am offering a FREE scholarship at the Food Yoga Academy.

All you have to do is take a quick survey that you can complete in less than 2-minutes!

And that’s it. You will be in the running to get full access to the Food Yogi level 1 Certification course.

The introductory course provides comprehensive insights into food yoga, featuring numerous video lessons and engaging vegan recipe demonstrations. Participants who successfully complete the course will receive a printable certificate along with a digital badge for their online resume.

for food yoga and it includes many hours of video lessons and vegan recipe demonstrations. All students that complete the course will be awarded a printable certificate and a digital badge that they can proudly display on their online resume.

So don’t delay, do the survey now and be in the running.

HOW TO ENTER

Answer the following question in this short survey and you will be in the running to win a FREE scholarship at the Food Yoga Academy for the Level 1 Food Yogi Certification.

The survey should take no more than 2-minutes to complete. Don’t delay!

Create your own user feedback survey

We are excited to offer a FREE scholarship at the Food Yoga Academy, inviting you to participate and learn more about the transformative power of food yoga.

To enter, simply answer the survey question and submit your response within 2 minutes. This quick and easy process allows you to express your interest and be eligible for the scholarship. Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your skills in food yoga!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is food yoga?

Food yoga combines the principles of yoga with a focus on nutrition and mindful eating. It promotes a holistic approach to wellness, encouraging participants to develop a deeper connection with food.

How long does the survey take?

The survey is designed to be quick and should take no more than 2 minutes to complete. This allows you to participate easily without a significant time commitment.

What will I receive if I win the scholarship?

Winners of the scholarship will gain full access to the Level 1 Food Yogi Certification course, including video lessons, recipe demonstrations, and a certificate upon completion.