A diet that is wholly conducive to the practice of Yoga and spiritual progress is called Yogic diet. Diet has intimate connection with the mind. Mind is formed out of the subtlest portion of food.
The gross particles become excrement, the middling ones flesh and the fine ones the mind. My child, when curd is churned, its fine particles which rise upwards, form butter. Thus, my child, when food is consumed, the fine particles which rise upwards form the mind. Hence verily the mind is food.”
Again you will find in the Chhandogya Upanishad: “By the purity of food one becomes purified in his inner nature; by the purification of his inner nature he verily gets memory of the Self; and by the attainment of the memory of the Self, all ties and attachments are severed.”
Diet is of three kinds Sattvic diet, Rajasic diet and Tamasic diet. Milk, barely, wheat, cereals, butter, cheese, tomatoes, honey, dates, fruits, almonds and sugar-candy are all Sattvic foodstuffs. They render the mind pure and calm. Fish, eggs, meat, salt, chilies and asafetida are Rajasic foodstuffs. They excite passion. Beef, wine, garlic, onions and tobacco are Tamasic foodstuffs. They fill the mind with anger, darkness and inertia.
Foods to Eat When Following a Yogic Diet
- Fruits of all types, especially those that are naturally sweet
- All vegetables, except onions and garlic
- Whole grains, especially oats, wheat, and rice
- Beans, tofu, mung, aduki
- Plant-based oils, like sesame, sunflower, and olive oil
- Nuts and seeds, yet not salted or overly roasted
- Natural, raw sugar, maple, molasses
- Herbal teas, water with lemon and/or lime
- Sweet spices, like cinnamon, cardamom, mint, basil, turmeric, ginger, cumin, fennel
- Food prepared with love, and gratitude given before consumption
Avoid When Following a Yogic Diet
