We have all practiced yoga at some point or the other in our lives. Either by taking a class, self-practicing yogic postures, or through meditation, it’s highly likely you’ve tried some form of yoga at least once (maybe without even knowing it). For more serious practitioners who incorporate the philosophies of yoga into their daily lives, practice extends well beyond the physical asanas or postures. In the yogic way of life, food is of equal importance. Food is considered to be medicinal, and what we eat influences our physical body as well as our mind, emotions, and thoughts. Eating in accordance with Ayurvedic principles keeps the body nourished and the mind clear.
According to Ayurveda, food is classified into three essential types – sattva, rajas, and tamas. Sattvic foods are whole, raw, fresh foods like fruit and vegetables, that purify the mind and body. Rajasic foods are those high on spice and caffeine – they aid in activity and stimulate the mind. However, an excess of rajasic foods causes restlessness and hyperactivity. The food we should completely avoid is tamasic food. These are foods that you make feel lethargic, tired, and disoriented – think excess refined sugar, fatty and oily food, excessively processed food; meals that lead you to a slump afterwards.
Though we might not be yogis, we can all definitely benefit by incorporating more sattvic foods into our daily diet. These are some yogic foods that are great for your mind and body, and will help you feel good from the inside out.
1. Seasonal Fruit
When you eat fruits that are in season, they are less likely to be grown using artificial methods of farming and they haven’t been in cold storage, which usually means they have higher nutritive value. So don’t be afraid of mangoes, lychees and other stone fruit during the summer! Here are ways to make the most of them.
2. Ghee
Though you might have heard that ghee is ‘fatty’, that line of thinking is a thing of the past. Ghee is what we consider a “healthy fat.” It aids digestion, and because of it’s high absorption rate, it helps your body absorb the nutrients present in other foods. It also lowers the glycemic index of whatever food you eat it with, preventing your blood sugar from spiking.
3. Dairy
Even though some modern nutrition research suggests that dairy and dairy products are unnecessary for adult humans, according to Ayurveda dairy products are great for us. Ayurveda specially recommends consuming homemade yogurt, as it is an excellent source of calcium and probiotics. The best time to eat dairy products is in the afternoon, because that is when the digestive system is at it’s peak.
4. Dates
Dates are an excellent source of energy, and provide a host of vitamin and mineral benefits too. They’re naturally sweet and will satisfy a craving instantly! Dates are an excellent substitute for refined sugars when used to make desserts and treats, Eat one or two dates on their own, or make these Date & Orange Zest Energy Bites.
5. Lemons
Most things taste better with a squeeze of lemon. If you’re feeling run down, or want to get your digestion back on track, drink up a glass of warm water with the juice of one lemon. Lemons help stimulate digestion, reduces inflammation, is packed with immune-boosting Vitamin C, great for treating acid reflux.
6. Green Leafy Vegetables
Green leafy vegetables most definitely rank high on a yogi’s lists of preferred foods. Scour your local vegetable markets for indigenous greens, as they are largely underrepresented and give ample room for experimentation.
7. Pomegranates
Pomegranates are powerful beauty foods as they’re brimming with antioxidants. They also contain ellagic acid that inhibits the breakdown of collagen. Additionally, pomegranates are also considered a tonic for the heart, are rich in iron, and lowers cholesterol – this is a fruit with innumerable benefits.
8. Legumes
Mung beans, split peas, bean sprouts, lentils – they are all sattvic legumes when prepared well. They are an excellent source of protein for vegetarians, and the common Ayurvedic belief is that the smaller the legume – the easier it will be to digest. Soaking them in advance also makes them easier to digest. Try this nourishing spiced lentil soup.
9. Spices
Though overly spicy foods that heighten the taste buds are not considered sattvic, there are some mild spices like cardamom, coriander, cumin, fresh ginger, turmeric, and cinnamon that have a host of uses in yogic food preparation. Add more of these spices to your diet, and reduce the others.
10. Water
This one is a no-brainer. Water is universally good for your body. Make it a habit to drink more water by keeping a bottle near you, download an app that reminds you to hydrate every few hours, and drink water infused with fruits and herbs for a refreshing change.
Superb Vidushi … just love all your articles and recipes and information …..
Thank you! 🙂