Yoga emphasizes discipline in lifestyle and diet, a concept embraced by the West today. Adjusted to modern times for improved health, practitioners of hatha yoga avoid unhealthy eating habits to prevent obesity and related disorders. Incorporating fresh fruits and vegetables promotes a healthy lifestyle. The connection between yoga and traditional Indian diet dates back centuries. Ayurvedic practices, which involve herbal remedies, proper nutrition, yoga, and meditation, have been effective in treating metabolic and neurological conditions. These ancient techniques have become widely popular and adopted in the West.
In the traditional Indian yoga diet, there are three main categories of food based on yoga philosophy:
Satvik food is fresh, unprocessed, and free from preservatives, consumed raw, steamed, or lightly cooked. It is known for its soothing, detoxifying properties and is believed to enhance longevity, strength, and comfort.
Rajasic/ Rajasik food is lacking in essential nutrients and includes fried, highly seasoned, alcoholic, processed foods, and sweets. It is advised to be avoided in the Indian yoga diet as it can lead to discomfort and illness.
Tamasic food is low in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, often prepared with excessive spices, seasonings, and salt. Yoga philosophy discourages the consumption of this type of food as it can result in lethargy and an irritable disposition.
In the traditional Indian yoga diet, there are three main categories of food based on yoga philosophy:
Satvik food is fresh, unprocessed, and free from preservatives, consumed raw, steamed, or lightly cooked. It is known for its soothing, detoxifying properties and is believed to enhance longevity, strength, and comfort.
Rajasic/ Rajasik food is lacking in essential nutrients and includes fried, highly seasoned, alcoholic, processed foods, and sweets. It is advised to be avoided in the Indian yoga diet as it can lead to discomfort and illness.
Tamasic food is low in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, often prepared with excessive spices, seasonings, and salt. Yoga philosophy discourages the consumption of this type of food as it can result in lethargy and an irritable disposition.
The yoga diet is revered in Indian philosophy, with the Bhagavad Gita highlighting the importance of a balanced diet through ‘Yuktaahar’. This diet is specifically tailored to support yoga practice and spiritual growth. Ancient texts emphasize the significance of food quantity, quality, timing, and order. A proper diet is a prerequisite for effective pranayama practice. Mastery over one’s diet is essential for successful yogic endeavors. In addition to yoga, maintaining a balanced sleep and diet is crucial.
Improper dietary choices can lead to a range of issues affecting behavior, cognition, and decision-making. Achieving a balanced diet involves consuming appropriate levels of proteins, vitamins, and carbohydrates, alongside an adequate intake of water. Ultimately, an individual’s happiness and well-being are of paramount importance. Nutritional needs vary depending on factors such as age and gender. The abundance of food choices in today’s society makes it difficult to establish a consistent eating routine. Exploring the potential benefits of adopting an Indian yogic diet may simplify this decision-making process.
Types of Foods in Traditional Indian Yoga Diet
SATVIK FOOD
The Indian yoga diet emphasizes the consumption of fresh, raw, and unprocessed foods. Sattvik diet, a type of yogic diet, consists of preservative-free foods that are typically eaten raw, steamed, or lightly cooked with minimal spices. This nutritious yet simple diet includes foods rich in cellulose and minerals, with flavors ranging from sour to sweet, such as tomato salad. Sattvik food is natural, fresh, soothing, and easy to digest, providing energy and promoting overall well-being. It includes carbohydrates, proteins, minerals, and vitamins from sources like pulses, whole wheat flour, vegetables, fruits, and nuts. This balanced diet boosts energy levels, happiness, longevity, and strength, while aiding in digestion and detoxification. Sattvik food also enhances mental clarity and comfort for both the mind and body.
RAJASIK FOOD
Rajasic diet lacks essential minerals, vitamins, and nutrients, leading to acidity, hyperacidity, indigestion, and constipation. This type of food is often stale and fermented, consisting of fried, heavily seasoned, alcoholic, processed, and sweet items. Consuming such foods can result in weight gain and bodily discomfort.
It is advisable to steer clear of this diet to prevent discomfort and health issues. Caffeinated beverages like tea and coffee, along with hot chilies, mushrooms, garlic, tobacco, junk food, sugary treats, and stale items, are all part of the rajasic diet. These foods are highly stimulating, potentially causing negative emotions such as jealousy, anger, and selfishness. While leaders and fighters may favor this diet for increased intelligence, excitement, and confidence, it can lead to obesity, arthritis, diabetes, anxiety, and depression.
Yogic teachings suggest avoiding salty, bitter, and sour foods like mustard, alcohol, meat, and garlic. Yogis should also stay away from stale, excessively dry, and acidic items, opting instead for wholesome foods such as grains, wheat, barley, rice, ghee, vegetables, dry ginger, and pulses like moong. Moderation in food intake is emphasized in yogic literature to maintain a healthy balance, as excessive consumption of any food can be detrimental to one’s well-being.
TAMASIC FOOD
Tamasic food is characterized by its low cellulose, vitamin, and mineral content, often prepared with excessive spices, seasonings, and salts. Consuming such foods is not recommended by yoga, as they can lead to feelings of laziness and irritability. These foods are typically starchy, spicy, fried, and fatty, posing health risks due to their lack of essential nutrients and acidic nature. Additionally, they are associated with negative behaviors like selfishness, mood swings, and lack of discipline. Tamasic foods are difficult to digest and can cause issues such as constipation and diarrhea.
Foods high in fat that fall into the tamasic category include white flour, chilies, black pepper, alcohol, preserved fruits, jam, jelly, flavored drinks, sausages, pickles, papad, and bakery products. Improperly cooked, stale, and leftover foods also fit into this classification.
Individuals dealing with depression or chronic illnesses should avoid tamasic foods, as they can dull the mind, provoke anger, impede spiritual progress, and reduce life expectancy. These foods not only foster laziness and weakness but also cultivate pessimism. Those who consume tamasic foods may struggle with anger management, making it advisable to avoid them according to yogic principles.
FOOD TECHNIQUE ACCORDING TO AYURVEDA
Yogis engage in pranayama for extended periods. Therefore, it is recommended to consume easily digestible food. Excessive sleep is also discouraged for a yogic practitioner. A yogi should aim to fill half of their stomach with food, one quarter with water, and leave the remaining quarter empty to allow for proper air circulation.
According to yogic texts, the ideal time for a yogi to eat is when the air flows through the sun energy channel. Similarly, the best time for a yogi to sleep is when the air flows through the moon channel. Before practicing pranayama, a yogi should neither be too full nor too hungry. It is suggested to have some milk or butter before pranayama, while avoiding other foods. The concept of “mithara” involves filling half the stomach and leaving the rest to honor the divine.
This mindset is crucial for a yogi as it fosters harmony between the mind and body. Having the right attitude towards a yogic diet is equally important. Typically, a yogic diet consists of easily digestible vegetarian food that is rich in energy and nutrients. This type of diet helps in reducing the risk of heart disease, maintaining blood pressure, and managing cholesterol levels. The yogic diet is specifically designed to keep yoga practitioners healthy and strong. Individuals with an unhealthy lifestyle can also benefit from following this diet to enhance their yoga practice and overall well-being.
So I hope this blog helps you to understand which type of food is good for the human body….
For more food stories, blogs and recipes follow us on social media.
Facebook: chefvenkatesh sharma
Instagram:@chefvenkatesh sharma
Youtube: chefvenkatesh sharma
Google: chefvenkatesh sharma
chef venkatesh 