YOGA DIET

The yogic diet is a vegetarian one consisting of pure, simple, natural foods. Eating foods from nature, grown in fertile soil (free from chemicals and pesticides) to ensure a better supply of nutritional needs.

There is a cycle in nature known as the "food cycle" or "food chain". The Sun is the source of energy for all life on our planet and it nourishes the plants (the top of the food chain). Plants are then eaten by animals (vegetarian), which are then eaten by other animals (carnivores). The food at the top of the food chain, being directly nourished by the Sun, has the greatest life promoting properties. The food value of animal flesh is termed as "second-hand" source of nutrition, and is inferior in nature. All natural foods, such as seeds, nuts, grains, fruits and vegetables, have in varying quantities, different proportions of these essential nutrients. As a source of protein, these are easily assimilated by the body. However, second-hand sources are often more difficult to digest and are of less value to the body's metabolism.

However, the true Yogic diet is actually even more selective than this. The Yogic system of nutrition recognizes three types of food, which are concerned with the subtle effect that food has on our mind and body: Sattvic food, Rajastic food, Tamasic food. Foods which are overly stimulating are avoided, preferring those which calm the mind and keep the intellect sharp.

Sattvic Food

This is the purest diet. It nourishes the body and maintains it in a peaceful state. It calms and purifies the mind, enabling it to function at its maximum potential. A sattvic diet is believed to lead to true health: a peaceful mind in control of a healthy body, with a balanced flow of energy between them. Sattvic foods include cereals, wholemeal bread, fresh fruit and vegetables, milk, pure fruit juices, cheese and butter, nuts, legumes, seeds, sprouted seeds, honey, and herbal teas.

Rajasic Food

Rajasic foods are very hot, bitter, sour, dry, or salty and destroy the mind-body equilibrium. Too much rajasic food will over stimulate the body and excite the passions, making the mind restless and uncontrolled. Rajasic foods include sharp spices or strong herbs, coffee and tea, fish, eggs, salt and chocolate. Eating in a hurry is also considered rajasic.

Tamasic Food

A tamasic diet does not benefit the mind or the body. Prana (energy) is withdrawn, powers of reasoning become clouded and a sense of inertia sets in. The body's resistance to disease is diminished and the mind becomes filled with dark emotions, such as greed and anger. Tamasic foods include meat, alcohol, tobacco, onions, garlic, fermented foods, eg. vinegar, stale or overripe substances. Overeating is also regarded as tamasic.

Any change in diet should be made gradually. The Yogic diet will help you attain a high standard of health, keen intellect and serenity of mind. To really understand the Yogic approach to diet one has to get familiar with the concept of the 3 Gunas or qualities of nature.