Yoga Food Recipes“You are what you eat”.
Food plays an important role in influencing our health and our behavior. The ancient Indian art of Yoga places a great emphasis on the right diet to supplement Yogic exercises. The right diet combined with the right kind of exercise and lifestyle is essential to lead a healthy and spiritual life. Yoga classifies food into three different classes depending on their effect on the human body and mind.
Most fruit, vegetables, nuts, whole grains, seeds, honey, dairy products and water are termed ‘Sattvic’. These kinds of food are said to promote calmness and clarity and are the recommended food for all those practicing Yoga. Foods such as garlic, onion, fish, eggs, coffee, tea and hot spices are said to promote activity and induce restlessness in the mind. These types of food are termed ‘Rajasic’ and although not taboo, they should be avoided by those seeking to embrace the more spiritual aspects of Yoga. ‘Tamasic’ foods include meat, stale food, processed food, and stale or overripe food.
Stimulants such as alcohol also come in this category. These foods make the body heavy and dull the mind. They should be avoided at all costs. Yoga Diet Recipes Yoga diet recipes are made from easily available ingredients that fulfill the ‘Sattvic’ diet requirements. These vegetarian dishes are not only tasty but also highly nutritious. For those who are starting out on a Yoga diet, the switch from meat to total vegetarianism may be a very hard change. For them it is recommended to first cut out alcohol and red meat and then slowly make the switch to vegetarianism. As you practice Yoga and become more in tune with your body, you will notice the negative effect that meat has on it and will automatically make the transition to a completely vegetarian Yoga diet. Yoga diet recipes are meant to be cooked from fresh ingredients. Organic fruit and vegetables, if available, are preferable to other commercially grown produce as they have more nutrients with less harmful chemicals. Organic methods of cultivation are natural and help to maintain the balance of nature. Yoga diet recipes are meant to be cooked in clarified oil. Other healthy sources of oil that may be used include olive oil. Refined oils and butter or margarine should be avoided at all costs. Processed foods such as refined sugar or flour should also be avoided. Instead one should opt for natural sugar and whole grain flours. |
