There are many different schools of thought when it comes to yoga and diet. Some people believe that you should eat a vegetarian or vegan diet in order to reap the benefits of yoga. Others believe that you can eat whatever you want as long as you practice yoga regularly. So, what is the truth? What do you need to know about yoga and diet in order to achieve optimal health?
Yoga and Diet: What You Need to Know
If we were to strictly take into account the principles of Prana, Sattva, and Ahimsa. a true yogi diet should be:
Vegetarian
A vegetarian diet is the most natural way to live according to the yogic principles of Prana, Sattva, and Ahimsa. A vegetarian diet is plant-based and therefore contains more life-giving prana than a meat-based diet. It also tends to be higher in sattva, which is associated with purity and harmony.
And while a vegan diet is the purest and sattvic of all vegetarian diets, it can be difficult to follow in our modern world. If you are not able to commit to a vegan diet, try to at least reduce your meat intake and eat more plant-based foods.
Organic
So basically, you want to eat things that are free from chemicals, pesticides, and other toxins. Eating organic foods is one of the best ways to do this. The principles of yoga teach us to live in harmony with nature, and eating organic foods is one way to do that.
Sattvic
Now here is where it can get a little tricky. Not all foods are created equal, and not all foods are good for you. There are some foods that are considered sattvic, which means they promote balance and harmony in the body. Sattvic foods include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds.
There are also some foods that are considered to be toxic or rajasic, which means they can cause imbalance and disharmony in the body. Rajasic foods include processed foods, caffeine, alcohol, and meat.
Fresh Foods
By fresh foods, we mean foods that are as close to their natural state as possible. Fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and unprocessed foods are all considered fresh foods.
This might also mean not eating any frozen vegetables been if you are the one who prepared them. Try to eat as much organic produce as possible, and if you can't find any organic produce in your area, then at least buy produce that is not from a GMO source
Eat at Regular Intervals
Lastly, the best way to ensure that you are eating in a healthy and sattvic way is to eat at regular intervals. Try not to go too long without eating, and make sure that your meals are balanced and include plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables.
So, what do you need to know about yoga and diet in order to achieve optimal health? Is it something you would like to try? If so, start by making some small changes in your diet and see how you feel.
