YOGIC LIFESTYLE DIET

“As the food

so the mind,

as the mind,

so the man”

Human beings cannot exist without air, water and food.  The ancient yogis gave careful consideration to this.  Their way of discriminating a diet was that of dividing the food into three categories based upon the end results of the nutrients. 

The entire universe is made up of three elements called Sattvic, Rajasic, and Tamasic. These three elements or attributes are called Gunas.  They are found in all matter, including our food and affect the mind also.

I have experimented with the Yogic diet and found that on days when I ate food under the Rajasic guna such as fish or eggs my mind was anxious and easily distracted, my concentration or my teaching suffered, therefore I try to eat food under the Sattvic guna so that I feel calm and peaceful, try it and see.

Sattvic Food  

Sattvic food is natural and is therefore easily digestible. It generates energy and thus alertness, brings relaxation, and a feeling of peace.  One feels contented, happy and joyous. 

Following is a list containing items under the Sattvic Guna:

• Milk and milk products

• Fruits and dry fruits

• Seasonal vegetables

• Cereals-wheat, unpolished rice, corn, potatoes

• Pulses, lentils, sprouts

• Ginger, turmeric, seeds

• Honey,  jaggery (a natural sugar substance found in Indian and Asian food shops) 

• Butter

Rajasic Food

This kind of food is not easy to digest and is gaseous and produces more phlegm. Though this food may generate more energy it leaves one is a disturbed state of mind.  It makes a person aggressive, restless, angry, anxious and irritated.  Rajasic food can be consumed in extreme cold seasons or if one is a heavy physical worker.   

Foods under the Rajasic Guna are:

• Meat, eggs, fish, poultry, etc, all non veg products

• Soya bean, chick peas

• Hot spices, black pepper, chillies

• Onions and garlic

Tamasic Food

Stale food kept for more than 24 hours is a Tamasic food, as is also over processed and frozen food.

This type of food is very difficult to digest, it gives no energy.  After consuming a person feels dull, inert, lazy and lethargic.

Foods under the Tamasic guna are:

• Tea, (not green tea which is very high in antioxidants!), coffee, cocoa, drinking chocolate, liquor, all stimulants

• White sugar, iodised salt

• Fine flour, polished rice, bread, biscuits, chocolates

• Processed food items like jam, sauces, soft drinks , pickles

• Food containing artificial flavours, colours, re-heated food, and deep fried food.

Eating light  

Eating is a delight

But for the yoga student

It has to be light………

Cause from  food comes

Darkness (Tamas)

Passion (Rajas)

And light (Sattva)

State of Mind while eating

The concept of Mauna (silence) is advocated mostly in all ancient literature, the greatest benefit of mauna is that one learns to live in the present with what one is doing.  Whilst eating one should be totally involved in the act of eating, no other thoughts should be entertained, do not eat when you feel angry, or upset.

Food and Diseases

It is believed in India that the root of all disease comes from the stomach.

Wise Eating

Eat when you are hungry

And only eat half a stomach full

For nature’s help is needed

Air, water and vital elements

Have to be added

And this makes the stomach full

So wisely, eat only half stomach full

And help your digestive process