What was Sai Baba's general philosophy regarding food and the practice of fasting?

Sai Baba's philosophy on food was very clear: he did not advocate for fasting as a means of spiritual attainment. In fact, he actively discouraged it. As Chapter 32 explains, Baba himself never fasted and would not allow his devotees to do so either, believing that the mind of a fasting person is not peaceful. He taught that God is not attained on an empty stomach and that one must first satisfy their physical hunger. His core teaching was to 'first satisfy the soul of the self' by eating, as this provides the necessary strength for devotion. Baba emphasized that while excessive eating is harmful, moderate eating is essential for comfort and spiritual practice, viewing excessive fasting as a terrible practice that causes continuous discomfort.