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The Yoga Diet
YogaLondon on 07 September, 2010 |

Yoga practise and frequent exercise is only half the battle to optimised health… then comes the proper diet. Yoga places much emphasis on food; in fact, there is even a food yoga called Anna Yoga. Anna Yoga stresses eating foods "whole" or closest to it's original state. It is unlike most food regimens that urge counting calories and measuring portions. The purpose of this article is to educate readers in the three food types within Anna Yoga and Ayurvedic medicine, as well as give guidance to the ideal yoga diet.

Where Do You Fit In?
As you may or may not know, yoga is an ancient Indian practise promoting health and wellbeing. Ayurveda is yoga's counterpart, as it's the traditional Indian method of medicine - another aspect of a healthy body. In Ayurvedic medicine, foods are placed in one of three categories: Rasajasik, Tamsic or Sattvic. Below you will find a description of the type of food and the kind of person that normally gravitates to it.

Rajasic Food
Rajasic food is normally on the fatty, fried, sweet and salty side. Those with a high metabolism or involved in high intensity activities are able to handle these foods best. In short, Rajasic food eaters are described as energetic and active. A possible downside to Rajasic foods is that they can be difficult for the body to digest.

Examples of Rajasic foods:
- Chocolate and similar sweets
- Eggs
- Coffee/Tea
- Eggs

Tamsic Food
According to FurtherHealth.com, Tamsic foods are described as "unnatural, overcooked, stale and processed". This includes a westerner's favorite burger and fries, pizza, donuts, soft drinks and the like. Pre-packaged snacks and meals also qualify as Tamsic food. Like Rajasic, Tamsic foods are difficult to digest and can bring on slothfulness in those who eat "Tamsic-ly".

Examples of Tamsic foods:
- Pizza
- Donuts
- Sodas
- Meats
- Alcohol
- Overly ripened fruits

Sattvic Food
Sattvic is not only the idea way of living for Yogis, it encompasses the ideal diet. Sattvic food is simple: prepared simply, cooked simply and kept close to it's natural state. For instance: When consuming broccoli, the Sattvic way would be to cook it lightly (keeping the broccoli somewhat raw) and keeping the toppings/seasonings like salt, pepper, oil and other dressings to a minimum. The Sattvic diet will increase your body's energy levels and facilitate a stronger you.

Examples of Sattvic foods:
- Whole grains
- Sprouts
- Nuts
- Beans
- Fresh fruit/vegetables

As mentioned, the ultimate goal is to consume Sattvic foods - the purest, most compatible foods for your body. Not only will you feel more energised and awake, you'll also feel calm and at ease. Furthermore, this will facilitate better yoga sessions. In the Sattvic diet, meats are prohibited (yes, even fish!). It may be difficult to cut meat cold turkey; first try eliminating red meat, chicken, pork and the like then gradually move to fish. Organic fruits and vegetables are suggested, as are whole grains.