“Secrets to Good Health Lie in Food: Dr. H. K. Kharbanda”: This principle of eating is not only crucial for physical health but also for mental and spiritual balance.
According to Dr. H. K. Kharbanda, eating once a day leads to a yogic lifestyle, twice a day to indulgence, and three or more times to illness. Eating with a pure (satvic) mindset and meditating with equanimity leads life towards excellence.
In the “Samyak Gyan Shivirs” (Spiritual Knowledge Camps), during the sessions on “Samyak Gyan Dhyan Shatak” (Hundred Verses on Right Knowledge and Meditation), discussions are held on various stages of meditation. Contemplation of the self and the divine with a balanced mind leads to the highest meditative state—ultimately achieving spiritual liberation (Param Samadhi).
Former Assistant Professor (Homeopathy) and renowned physician Dr. H. K. Kharbanda emphasizes the importance of introspection: “Why have I come here? What is my purpose? Who am I?”
This kind of reflection reveals the true goal of life. Continuous awareness and mindful meditation are key to success in spiritual practice.
To attain meaningful meditation, awareness is needed in three areas—Aahar (Diet), Vihaar (Behavior/Lifestyle), and Nihaar (Perspective/Outlook). Avoiding rajsic (overstimulating) and tamasic (lethargic) foods, and choosing satvic (pure, balanced) foods with gratitude and discipline is essential. Our food habits should reflect the gentle approach of a bee (taking nectar without harming the flower), or the impartial nature of a cow.
Dr. Kharbanda reiterated: “One who eats once is a yogi, twice a bhogi, and thrice a rogi.”
If this formula is adopted in daily life, a person can eat half a stomach, drink double the water, and do three times more physical activity, leading to improved meditation and a longer, healthier life. A balanced diet supports not just spiritual practice, but also helps maintain energy and harmony in all aspects of life.
Modern research also supports this ancient wisdom. Limiting food intake to once or twice a day, especially with balanced and nutritious meals, helps manage weight and blood sugar, and is effective in controlling lifestyle diseases like diabetes.
Dr. Kharbanda further explains that fasting intervals of 8–12 hours between meals and avoiding unnecessary snacks or sweets allow the body to convert stored fat into energy, thus reversing metabolic disorders naturally. This is a beautiful blend of ancient yogic philosophy and modern science, now validated from both practical and scientific perspectives.
He states that reducing the frequency of meals helps lower insulin levels. Therefore, he recommends eating only twice a day, avoiding wheat, rice, milk, and sugar as much as possible. In between meals, if one feels hungry, he suggests light options like:
- Water
- Buttermilk
- Green or black tea (without sugar)
- Coconut water
- One tomato or cucumber
Eating before sunset is considered most beneficial.
Dr. Kharbanda concludes that simple lifestyle changes can be highly effective in reducing weight and preventing diabetes.
He confidently says: “If a person eats just two meals a day, it can not only help with weight loss but also control diabetes. In fact, diabetes reversal is possible.”
