Finding Balance Through Yoga and Nutrition

Understanding Yoga Nutrition

Yoga teaches that a balanced diet is essential for maintaining a slim, healthy, and energetic body. The nutritional guidelines in yoga are tailored to the individual, considering their character, moods, and circumstances. Choosing the right foods can help you stay fit and avoid feeling stressed or grumpy.

The Three Gunas

In yoga philosophy, everything in the universe, including people and food, possesses three basic qualities known as Gunas: Rajas, Tamas, and Sattva. Understanding these can help you make better dietary choices.

Rajas

Rajas foods are hot, bitter, sour, dry, or salty. Examples include coffee, tea, chocolate, eggs, salt, fish, and sharp spices. These foods can make you restless and tense but may provide energy if you’re feeling lethargic.

Tamas

Tamas foods are acidic, dry, or old. This category includes alcohol, onions, garlic, overripe fruits, reheated food, and meat. Such foods can intensify negative feelings in those with a Tamas personality but may improve the mood of someone with a Rajas personality.

Sattva

Sattva foods are grains, fruits, juices, vegetables, dairy products, nuts, seeds, herbs, honey, and water. These foods bring the body and soul into balance, promoting a healthy mind in a healthy body.

General Yoga Nutrition Guidelines

• Freshness: Use as many fresh products as possible, avoiding those treated, modified, or irradiated for longer shelf life.
• Avoid Preservatives: Steer clear of foods with preservatives and dyes.
• Natural Foods: Avoid refined foods such as sugar, flour, and canned goods.
• Moderation: Practice temperance by eating slowly, chewing well, and not overeating.

Vegetarian Diet

Yoga teachings recommend a vegetarian diet, which excludes meat but may include dairy. This diet is rooted in the ethical principle of non-violence against living beings and has health benefits, as meat contains hormones and antibiotics that are slower to digest.

Fasting

Fasting aims to cleanse the body and is recommended for no longer than 1-3 days. During this time, it’s essential to stay hydrated with freshly squeezed fruit and vegetable juices.

Achieving Balance

Incorporating these principles into your daily routine can help you achieve a balanced lifestyle. By understanding your body’s needs and choosing foods that support your well-being, you can maintain energy, reduce stress, and enhance your overall health.

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