Yoga principles – diet
In yogic terms, energy has three intertwined qualities, known as Sattva (purity), Rajas (activity, passion) and Tamas (darkness, inertia). To understand this, on any tomato vine, there will be some that are ripe (sattvic), some ripening (rajastic) and some overripe (tamastic). Our diet needs to be designed for our needs, not just as something ‘ideal’ so although Sattvic food is the purest diet and the most suitable one for any serious student of Yoga, and it is claimed it will lead to true health, defined as a peaceful mind in control of a fit body, with a balanced flow of energy between them. Sattvic foods include:
- cereals
- wholemeal bread
- fresh fruit and vegetables
- pure fruit juices
- milk
- nuts
- seeds
- sprouted seeds
- honey and herb teas
It isn’t necessarily right for everyone.
Rajastic food is very hot, bitter, sour, dry or salty food that feeds the body at the expense of the mind. Aating in a hurry is also considered rajastic, but rajastic diets are good for athletes and soldiers in the days before they must use their strength. Rajastic foods include:
- hot foods and herbs, such as sharp spices or strong herbs (all those curries we love so much!)
- stimulants such as coffee and tea
- fish
- eggs
- salt and chocolate.
A Tamastic diet benefits neither the mind nor the body because prana, or energy is withdrawn, the mind and will are weakened and a sense of inertia sets in. The body's resistance to disease is destroyed and the mind filled with dark emotions, such as anger and greed. However, some tamastic food helps to balance the power of rajastic food and to calm down a fiery temper. Overeating is also considered tamastic.
Tamastic food includes:
- meat
- alcohol
- onions
- garlic
- fermented foods such as vinegar.
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