Everything that we eat is food for our soul. Yogis believes that food is the creators of prana(life force)that suistains our bodies and brings us vitality and health.
Therefore, the types of foods we choose to eat reflected the level of our conscious development.The discipline of yoga suggests a pure (ethical) vegetarian diet,which facilitates the development of sattva. Sattvais quality of love, awareness,connection, and peace with all sentient beings. Yogis believe that food is our first interaction with the world around us , and if we do not eat with a sence of love, connection, and peace, all other facets of our lives are inclined to suffer.
The basic of sattvais the concept of ahimsa (non – harming).A sattvic diet avoids any foods that involve killing or harming if animals. Sattvic diets also encourage foods grown harmoniously with nature, and foods that are ripened and grown naturally.
In addition, the foods that we eat should be prepared with love and positive intention.In eating a yogic diet, we are increasing prana and a higher state of consciousness .Please take note of these suggested yogic foods, while avoiding foods that do not align with yogic principles.These suggestions are recommended for any level of yoga practitioner or individual seeking a healthy, spiritual path.
Yogic food items are wholesome, preventive/curative, natural and less processed with no proven side – effects. Interestingly the three golden rules followed by the yogic for a healthy living are 1. Eating garden fresh foods prepared and consumed fresh 2. Inclusion of foods from each category such as cereals, pulses, vegetables,fruitsetc in the daily diet 3. “Mitahar” is the essence of their daily routine.’mita’ means proportioned or ‘enough to nourish’ and Aahar means food.Mitahartherefore means moderation in eating.
Even ayurveda and naturopthy follow the similar kind of principles of sattvicaahar for the betterment body,mind and soul.
Foods to Eat when Following a Yogic Diet
Fruits of all types,especially those that are naturally sweet, all vegetables, except onions and garlic, whole grains, especially oats, wheat, and rice, Beans,tofu, mung. Plant based oils, like sesame, sunflower,and olive oil. Nuts and seeds, yet not salted or overly roasted
Natural,raw sugar, maple, molasses. Herbal teas, water with lemon and/or lime Sweet spices, like cinnamon, cardamom, mint, basil, turmeric, ginger, cumin, and fennel
Food prepared with love, and gratitude given before consumption.
Foods Avoid or Reduce When following a Yogic Diet.
Meat and fish of all types, including eggs. Processed and/or artificial foods, junk food, artificial sweeteners, soda. Animal fats, margarine. Fried foods canned foods, except naturally canned tomatoes and fruit
White flour, white sugar, Garlic, onions, spicy foods. Stale or overly cooked foods, Microwaved foods, Alcohol, tobacco,stimulants, Foods that are genetically engineered, Foods that are eaten in a rush or in a disturbed environment.
Foods to Eat when Following a Yogic Diet
Fruits of all types,especially those that are naturally sweet, all vegetables, except onions and garlic, whole grains, especially oats, wheat, and rice, Beans,tofu, mung. Plant based oils, like sesame, sunflower,and olive oil. Nuts and seeds, yet not salted or overly roasted
Natural,raw sugar, maple, molasses. Herbal teas, water with lemon and/or lime Sweet spices, like cinnamon, cardamom, mint, basil, turmeric, ginger, cumin, and fennel
Food prepared with love, and gratitude given before consumption.
Foods Avoid or Reduce When following a Yogic Diet.
Meat and fish of all types, including eggs. Processed and/or artificial foods, junk food, artificial sweeteners, soda. Animal fats, margarine. Fried foods canned foods, except naturally canned tomatoes and fruit
White flour, white sugar, Garlic, onions, spicy foods. Stale or overly cooked foods, Microwaved foods, Alcohol, tobacco,stimulants, Foods that are genetically engineered, Foods that are eaten in a rush or in a disturbed environment.