What was Sai Baba's general philosophy regarding food and its connection to spiritual practice?

Sai Baba's philosophy strongly emphasized the importance of food for spiritual well-being. According to Chapter 32, Baba himself never fasted and would not allow others to do so, believing that a fasting person's mind is not peaceful, which negates any potential spiritual benefit. He taught that God is not attained on an empty stomach and one must "first satisfy the soul of the self." His view was that while excessive eating is not beneficial, moderate eating is essential, and excessive fasting is a terrible practice that causes continuous discomfort, hindering any spiritual progress.