Yoga diet: What to eat and when

Just how you obsess over following the right posture for yoga asanas, remember that eating a healthy diet is also crucial. In fact, yogis believe that diet is an integral part of yoga. This not only helps in developing a mindful eating practice but also supports and nurtures your yoga regime.

There are a lot of myths and truths about the foods that are considered good and bad for yoga practice. Many believe that eating ghee can help in relieving body stiffness, and that one fruit before yoga practice is a must. Here, we have sorted some basic and general food rules that are followed by yoga practitioners.

BELIEF IN SATTVIC DIET: According to Ayurveda, there are three broad dimensions, Tama (slow, lethargic, bland), Sattva (purity, harmony), Raja (hot, spicy, fast). These three qualities are present in everything, but in different quantities and thus, making one quality dominant. When it comes to Rajasic foods, they are believed to be hot, bitter, dry, salty, or spicy. They overstimulate the mind. Tamasic foods are bland. They include meat, alcohol, tobacco, garlic, onions, fermented foods, and overripe substances. Sattvic food is considered as the purest form of diet. It is believed that Sattvic food is suitable for those who follow a yoga regime. It helps in nourishing the body and maintains a peaceful state. You stay calm and your body gets purified.

HERE ARE A FEW SATTVIC FOODS:

fresh fruit and vegetables

pure fruit juices

wholemeal bread

seeds

sprouted seeds

milk

butter and cheese

legumes

Coconut milk and almond milk

nuts

honey and herb teas

YOUR DIET SHOULD BE FREE FROM CHEMICALS: Another prevalent belief is that yogic diet should be free from stimulants and chemicals. You must refrain from alcohol, tobacco, caffeine and artificial and processed sweeteners. These foods have the ability to divert your attention and may hinder your yoga regime.

YOGIS BELIEVE IN VEGETARIAN DIET: It is believed that yogis should eat a vegetarian diet. This is because animal protein contains too much uric acid and other toxins. Some get eliminated but rest gets deposited in the tissues and joints. This can lead to arthritis and cancer. Hence, they prefer eating high-quality protein, which is obtained from legumes, green leafy vegetables and dairy products. They do not pollute your internal system and are easily digestible.

EATING TWO HOURS BEFORE ASANA AND SLEEPING: You must avoid eating foods two hours before exercising. The same rule applies when you go off to sleep. This is because they believe that energy should not be given for digestion. When you perform yoga, you must spend energy in performing the right postures. Also, you must ensure that before sleeping, food is properly digested.

YOU MUST FAST FOR ONE DAY IN A WEEK: Choose one day to fast in a week. You can try fruit juices and water or whatever foods you choose, it must be to purify mind and body.