28. How Much — Portion and Hunger

Classical texts describe dividing the stomach's capacity into parts: one part for solid food, one for liquid, and one left empty for the movement of the doshas (some texts divide it into four, with two parts solid). The modern equivalent is to stop at about three-quarters full — satisfied, not stuffed. For older guests, whose agni is often weaker, this is the single most useful rule.

Figure. The classical division of the stomach — solid, liquid and space

Figure. The hunger–fullness scale: begin eating at 3–4 and stop at 6–7

Measure	Classical idea	Kitchen translation
Anjali	The two cupped hands of the person	A portion of grain roughly the size of the eater's own two cupped hands
Agni bala	Quantity depends on digestive strength	Larger lunch; smaller breakfast and dinner; less when ill
Guru and laghu	Heavy foods to half satiety; light foods to near-satiety	Small sweets and paneer; generous soups and vegetables
Signs of the right amount	No heaviness, comfortable breathing, easy movement, satisfied senses	Ask guests how they feel an hour after the meal
Signs of too much	Heaviness, sleepiness, bloating, acidity, restlessness	Reduce portion; lighter dinner
Signs of too little	Weakness, early hunger, low mood, weight loss	Add ghee, milk, paneer, nuts; check appetite with a doctor if weight falls