1. Protein foods in descending order placed first in the meal

Foods high in protein quality require heavy duty stomach acids in higher quantity for digestion, whereas foods with lesser protein quality, starches, leavy greens, in comparison, need very little stomach acids. When protein foods such as lentils, meat, eggs, nuts are consumed at the end of the meal, the remaining stomach acid is not sufficient to digest these proteins. Legumes are best eaten before grains.

2. Salty foods to be consumed at the beginning of the meal

Salt stimulates gastric juices for the digestion of all other foods that are consumed later. Usually protein rich foods such as meat and legumes are prepared using more salt for easy cooking and better taste too. Soups are traditionally served at the beginning of the meal, however they are better consumed first if they contain protein substances...else, if the first consumed items are too heavy then just a water based soup such as Rasam is better consumed at the end of the meal inorder to dilute the initial digestive juices needed for protein breakdown, ..

These salty foods, otherwise have another feature...if consumed at the end of the meal or after the meal, in a limited quantity to get relief from stomach destress conditions such as belching, vomitings, heartburn etc. in these situations, just a small piece of salted gooseberry or a salt plum can help reverse the discomfort condition. Salt is best in combination with food at the beginning of the meal and as a digestive aid at the end of the meal for problem relief in special situations.

3. Proteins, fats and starch based foods are best combined with leafy greens or non-starchy vegetables

4. Fruits and Sweets should be consumed alone, or in small quantities at the end of the meal.

Because of their simple carbohydrate structure, sweets and foods digest very fastly and they tend to monopolize all the digestive functions, the other items consumed in that meal ferment. Sweets and fruits combine very poorly with starches, proteins and leafy greens.

Following these basic guidelines will make meal time a healthy milestone everytime. Our ancestors and elders taught the same..yet most of us have altered them for comfort, convenience and due to negligence.....one rule is to never neglect and alter the best rules...specially with food and health.

--Prathyusha Talluri