A Yogic Diet

It is quite common that once we immerse ourselves in to the world of yoga we begin to wonder about the correct diet to follow in order to improve our practice. Should we go vegetarian or vegan? What about raw food? Is ayurvedic food the best option? Should we avoid dairy, coffee, processed foods, and alcohol? Those and other questions can easily jump into our minds.

Yoga and Food

First, let’s keep in mind that yoga’s intention is not to force us to do or change something about our lives, or ourselves; more so, it recommends better ways to approach certain aspects of life, including nutrition. In general, the practice of yoga encourages us to pay more attention to our bodies and how we treat them; and by doing so, we can realize what is needed or unnecessary in our diet.

This does not mean you need to quit meat or your favorite dessert during the first month of your yoga practice. Actually, the idea is to start practicing and let all the changes develop at their own pace. With time, you will probably realize that the days you eat lighter and healthier your practice feels deeper and more powerful. I have noticed for example, that if I consume too much dairy, I develop more mucus in my internal system, and therefore, breathing becomes less productive while I practice. Or, if I have a heavy dinner, I find it hard to wake up early and enjoy my yoga session fully. Some people find it hard to relax at the end of their practice if they consume caffeine, and obviously, if you consume alcohol before the class, you will certainly get dizzy. So instead of having a rigid, super healthy, vegan diet, I suggest being more logical and pragmatic about it and listening to your own body, and seeing what’s good for you, not only considering the taste of food, but also the benefits that it brings. There is a lot of scientific truth to the phrase “We are what we eat”, our whole body, and its functions, depend on what we consume, so keep that in mind when you choose your next meal.

There are a lot of debates about the correct yogic diet. Some classical schools of yoga require you to be really strict with your diet. In the book “Krishnamacharya, his life and teachings” by A.G. Mohan he says: “Control over the quality and quantity of food we eat is critical for a successful yoga practice. Even more important, a balanced diet is necessary for good health and a long life”. Maybe what’s important is to be aware of the quality of food we consume and be conscious of how much we really need, especially in these times, when portions are getting bigger and heavier.

Take Time, Enjoy Your Meal

So let’s take time to eat. Sit by yourself in a peaceful setting, or share your meal with family and friends; enjoy every bite you take and avoid eating while working, in front of the computer or while watching TV – as it will distract you and you will tend to eat more and less healthy. Develop a healthy and friendly relationship towards food and try to incorporate veggies, greens and fruits into your daily diet. And most importantly, before you take your first bite, bless your food and feel gratitude for it. The fact that you can sit and enjoy three meals or more per day is a blessing, let’s not take if for granted.

Om Shanti Shanti Om!

Photo Credit:
Foodswings
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