Though there is no one universal yogic diet, yoga devotees often find that their practice of postures, breath work and meditation are enhanced by a diet that properly nourishes the body, reports "Yoga Journal." A daily yogic diet typically includes foods that help keep the mind clear and the body light. Exactly what these foods are may vary from person to person, and depends somewhat on your individual constitutional type.
Ayurveda
Yoga goes hand in hand with Ayurveda, an ancient holistic healthcare system from India that uses herbs and personalized diets to achieve and maintain health. Ayurveda is based on the concept of doshas, energy types that govern all bodily functions. Each person possesses the three doshas--vata, pitta and kapha--in varying degrees, with one or two being dominant. Ayurveda teaches that disease is the result of an accumulation of toxins, known as amma, or of imbalances in the doshas.
Personalized Diet
Your dominant dosha determines your ideal Ayurvedic diet. According to the Ayurvedic Institute, if you have a dominant vata dosha, you should eat warm, cooked foods and eat every two hours. You may do well with soups, casseroles and stews and may use more oil in their cooking. You should also limit your intake of raw foods, which may cause digestive problems. Pitta types should avoid oil and limit salt intake, and eat foods that are cooling and non-spicy. If pitta is your dominant dosha, you should also avoid meat, eggs and alcohol. Kapha types tend to have slower metabolisms and should avoid dairy products and greasy foods. If you have a dominant kapha dosha, you should eat light, dry foods such as leafy greens. Kapha types do not require large amounts of protein.
Foods to Eat
In Ayurveda, foods that promote healing and purity are known as sattvic foods. The concept of sattva refers to a state of purity, balance and a clear mind. Sattvic foods are those that are fresh, easy to digest and balance all of the six tastes--sweet, sour, salty, pungent, bitter and astringent. Sattvic foods include milk, rice, clarified butter known as ghee, almonds and most fruits, according to the Chopra Center.
Foods to Avoid
In general, avoid foods that are tamasic or rajasic in nature. Tamasic foods, which create a state of dullness or sluggishness, include heavy foods that are hard to digest, or foods loaded with preservatives and artificial ingredients. Meat, garlic and onions are tamasic foods. Rajasic foods are those that are stimulating and promote a state of hyperactivity that can lead to aggression and irritation. Rajasic foods include coffee, tea, hot peppers and rich foods.
Considerations
Determining the ideal diet for keeping your mind clear and your body light depends on both your constitution and your present state, notes "Yoga Journal." As your levels of vata, pitta and kapha fluctuate, so too will your dietary needs. The best daily diet for your yoga practice doesn't necessarily contain only sattvic foods. You may need to experiment with various foods to find a diet that leaves you feeling both light yet properly nourished.
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