Yoga And Diet- What is the secret of yogic diet
Yoga deals with the science of life. This science contains the secrets of keeping the human body in perfect health. Food is necessary for one’s physical, mental and spiritual development. It is also the source of vitality. One therefore has to be aware of what he is eating including the quantity and quality of the food.
The corner-stone of any healthy diet is balance. A suitable diet can restore health at any age. A well balanced diet consists of protein, carbohydrates, fats, salts and minerals. A yogic diet increases efficiency, vigor and stamina. We should eat to live and not live to eat. Yogic diet is mainly a vegetarian diet comprising of raw, fresh and natural food. The diet should include green salads, vegetables, fruit, cereals, grains and dairy products.
The basic principles of yogic diet are –
- Intake of nourishing food which will increase one’s energy and vitality
- Always eat in moderation, with little less than your capacity. It helps in digestion and makes you feel light, active and efficient.
- Food should be eaten slowly and chewed properly which again helps in digestion.
It is best to eat when one is hungry. Even simple food then tastes excellent. Food consumed under compulsion or in duress causes abdominal disorders. Overeating or overloading of the digestive system causes various ailments. Just as over-eating makes the body fat and heavy, under-eating makes it weak and nervous. It is, therefore, important to find a proper balance between the needs of the body and the quantity of food absorbed.
Since what we consume has a direct impact on our thoughts and actions, we should follow a prudent wholesome diet which will promote positive feelings and thoughts; one that will have a calming effect on our mind and keep us physically and mentally healthy.
Food in Ayurveda comes in three categories – satvik (pure and superior quality), rajasik(medium) and tamasik( inferior quality).Yogic diet falls under ‘satvik’ category. It helps in maintaining physical, mental and spiritual balance. It makes you immune to illness and you can preserve your strength and vitality well into old age too.
A person intending to strictly adhere to a yogic diet should avoid meat, fish and eggs. Even onions and garlic are to be avoided as they act as stimulants. The same rule applies for spicy, fried, roasted food, frozen and preserved food, aerated drinks, coffee, tea, alcohol, tobacco in any form.
If one follows a moderate diet in conjunction with the laid down principles, you can maintain a perfect state of health and equilibrium.
