Each time you work on a yoga pose or practice pranayama, you intensify your capacity to exercise control over your focus, breath and body. Likewise, as you delve deeper into the yogic philosophy, you will find yourself eating, sleeping and thinking like a yogi! And when it comes to eating, diet certainly plays a significant role.
It is a known fact, that food is an important element and life-giving energy to the human body. The quality and type of food impact our physical and mental well-being.
When nutrition is talked of from a yogic perspective, it includes much more than just the nutritional content of the food. As a full-fledged yogic practice demands the proper supplementation of the body with nutrients, the energetic aspect of nutrition is also to be taken into consideration while determining your choice of diet.
Meat or no meat?- The dilemma
Many yogis are faced with this question. As heard from many, practitioners feel that after long hours of practice, there comes a point when they do not really feel right or ready to consume non-vegetarian food anymore!
So what is the correct yogic diet (Sattvic Diet)?
Have you ever observed the impact that your food intake has been having upon your practice of yoga? It has been evident that some foods might wreck internal turmoil in the form of bloating or other such digestion disorders. On the other hand, there are some foods that are said to be more subtle and suitable to the body and mind.
The concept of Ayurveda, the sister science of yoga, enlightens us on the impact of different foods on our overall physical, spiritual and mental well-being. As per Ayurveda, “Sattva” denotes purity in quality of the self-control and spiritual well-being as apparent in the form of intelligence, virtue, awareness and happiness. Thus foods that are sattvic, promote purity in terms of both mind and body. They help nurture the mind – one that is clear, filled with compassion and keeps calm.
Following Sattvic diet
The good news for yogis is that Sattvic foods are absolutely vegetarian! Thus no animals are harmed in the making of such foods as they do not contain any animal products. These foods should be naturally cultivated and should not include any harmful preservatives, additive substances or artificial flavors.
What does a Sattvic diet or Food consist of?
A sattvic diet generally includes:
- Fresh, organically grown fruits and vegetables
- Nuts and whole grains
- Dairy – based foods example ghee (clarified butter ) and milk
- Lentils
- Beans
- Oils that are plant-based
- Foods with mild sweetness containing natural and unrefined sugars
- Spices such as turmeric, ginger, coriander, basil and cinnamon
How is Sattvic diet beneficial?
A sattvic diet aids in sharpening your intellect. According to the Bhagavad-Gita, the sattvic diet is said to be light and easy–to–digest. Being enriched with prana or purity, it fosters positive thoughts and satisfaction of the mind. Following such a diet can keep you alert, refreshed and peaceful.
