Sacred Healthy Habits
For decades, my passions have always included the study of health and wellness. In high school, I came across a book my father gifted to me that I still treasure today, all about the teachings of Maimonides – The Guide For The Perplexed. Rabbi Moshe ben Maimon, also known as the Rambam or Maimonides, was a 12th-century scholar, as well as doctor, educator, and spiritual mentor. I was so intrigued by the scriptures, as explained by Maimonides, that I pursued my research in ‘foods for healing.’
My focus has always been in creating a lifestyle focused on health, wellness, and natural healing. I was never status-quo – always in search of inner healing, spiritual growth, and understanding life on a deeper level.
Divya Alter and Annemarie Colbin - holistic chef healing teachers. My Mentors.
These cookbooks are special to me. I have a golden collection of cook books. Reach out for requests or talking health and wellness.
I studied Macrobiotics as developed by Japanese philosopher George Ohsawa (dietary and lifestyle philosophy focused on balance, harmony, and longevity – focusing on grains, beans, and vegetables) and by Ayurveda, an ancient traditional medical system from India dating back over 5,000 years – it’s known as the science of life, focusing on balancing the body, mind, and spirit through changes in diet, yoga, and lifestyle. After attending a few holistic cooking schools and learning from gifted teachers, I began to understand the concepts of food combining for better digestion, mood, and spirituality.
Let me share a bissel (Yiddish for a little bit) of pure holistic gold to inspire you as well.
The historic text The Guide for the Perplexed by the 12th-century philosopher and physician Maimonides (Rambam) integrates deep spiritual wisdom with holistic health and wellness. Maimonides taught that physical vitality, mental clarity, and spiritual balance are completely connected as a single path to human well-being.
The Guide to the Perplexed – Rambam
This book is special to me. It’s written in Yiddish and English.
Core Health Lessons from Maimonides
Body and Soul: True wellness nurtures the entire person rather than just treating physical symptoms
Physical Movement: Regular exercise and active movement are vital for maintaining bodily strength
Mindful Eating: Proper nutrition, gut health, mindful digestion, and proper hydration support longevity
Mental Well-Being: Cultivating gratitude, inner peace, and emotional stability protect against mental distress
Core Principles of Eating
Eat only when hungry
Stop eating before you feel full (75% satiety)
Eat lighter foods (such as fruits or other quickly digestible foods) before heavier ones – this will help with proper digestion and avoiding blockage
Avoid drinking a lot during meals – the liquid can interfere with digestion
Wait at least 3 hours after eating before you go to bed – your food needs to digest or it can interrupt your sleep
Eat lighter, cooler foods in the summer and warmer, spicier foods in the winter
Avoid processed foods and foods that are harder to digest
Exercise daily, even if only light physical activity – walking, swimming, stretching, breathwork, there are so many forms of movement – warming the body before eating helps with digestion
Source
The Guide To The Perplexed – Moses Maimonides
Genia’s Spoon Me Tips
Be mindful when eating. I love to take a few deep breaths before I begin to eat. A prayer of thanks is a wonderful way to acknowledge how grateful we are to have food on our plate.
There’s a time and place for everything. Try to follow an 80/20 rule – 80% of the time, commit to your healthy habits and routine. A little treat here and there – during the other 20% – is normal and healthy, too. Balance is key to maintaining equilibrium in your life.
And, remember, healthy habits create a happy lifestyle. It feels great to have clarity, which sets us all free. Clarity knowing what to eat = understanding = freedom.
There are differences of opinion and in recommendations on dietary regimens – health and wellness is an individual journey. Please seek guidance as to which diet best suits your personal needs.
Much love,
Genia