Yoga is an ancient philosophy that has been taught for nearly 5,000 years. More than just a form of physical fitness, yoga is designed to bring balance and harmony to the mind, body and spirit. Traditional yoga teaches principles of nutrition, meditation, spirituality and ethical living. While some who practice yoga focus only on asanas, or the physical aspect, traditional yogis also follow the yogic diet and other areas of spiritual living.
Types of Yoga
There are six main paths or methods of classical yoga study. Hatha yoga involves physical exercise and breathing techniques. Raja yoga helps to develop concentration and spirituality through meditation. Jnana yoga is the path to wisdom and involves serious study. Bhakti yoga is the practice of devotion to God. Nada yoga uses sound and vibration through music and chanting. And Karma yoga is the teaching of selflessness and involves doing good works. The yogic diet is rooted in this last path and is based on the principle of ahimsa, which means "to do no harm."
The Yogi Diet
Yogis who follow a traditional yogic diet are primarily lacto-vegetarian. Yoga philosophy teaches that all foods can be considered either sattvic, rajasic or tamasic. The sattvic, or pure yoga diet, includes fresh fruits and vegetables, fresh fruit juices, whole grains, breads, cereals, legumes, nuts and seeds, honey, butter or ghee, milk, cheese and yogurt. Rajasic or extreme foods, such as spicy food, salty or fried foods, should be limited as they tend to overstimulate the system. The last category, tamasic or dead foods, are considered unhealthy by yogic standards. They decrease prana, or energy, and are debilitating to the body. These include meat, alcohol, tobacco, fermented and spoiled foods.
Recommendations
In addition to eating a vegetarian diet, yogis recommend consuming wholesome foods that have been raised following the principle of ahimsa. These include organic foods grown without the use of pesticides or harmful chemicals, and organic dairy products from animals not treated with antibiotics, hormones or other chemicals. Additionally, yogis recommend periodic fasting, or abstinence from food. Yogis believe fasting provides both spiritual and health benefits. Going without food for even short periods helps the body cleanse and detoxify, while allowing time for meditation and spiritual pursuits. Short fasts of one to three days are generally regarded as safe, but always consult your health care provider before fasting for the first time.
Considerations
A yogic diet includes many healthy elements supported by the USDA, provided there is adequate protein, iron, calcium and B vitamins. However, a strict vegetarian diet may not be right for everyone. If you are serious about following a pure yogic lifestyle, begin by gradually eliminating unhealthy items from your diet, especially alcohol, deep-fried and salty foods, and excessive meat. Try substituting meat entrees with legumes, whole grain pastas or tofu. And, don't be afraid to try new foods and recipes. The transition may be easier than you think.
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