Yoga Diet: Eat The Right Food To Nurture Your Spirit

Yoga Diet (Anna Yoga) is an essential aspect of your daily yoga practice and is one of the Five Principles of Yoga. In order to fully benefit from what Yoga has to offer, you need to nourish your mind and your body to keep you alert and energized throughout the day and attain emotional and spiritual balance by redefining your relationship with food. In general, make sure to have a well-balanced diet, always eat in moderation and practice the Three Gunas, eat a proper organic diet, modify your diet patterns and fast. The Three Gunas: According to Yogic Philosophy energy has three qualities which exist in balance, and once energy takes form, one quality of the three dominates. Therefore on a fruit tree, some fruits are ripe (sattvic), some are ripening (rajasic) and some are overripe (tamasic). Eating Sattvic foods is the purest diet; It nourishes the body and calms and purifies the mind—leading to true health. Eat a proper Organic Diet: Having an active lifestyle is not enough; a "proper diet" is also needed. Proper diet has different connotations for different people, but no matter what diet you’re into, make sure that your body gets the nutrients that it needs by eating organically based on the Three Gunas. By going organic you will help save the environment and your digestive system will have an easier time processing your food. Modify your diet patterns: To change your food patterns can be challenging, particularly if you are used to a specific diet for a long time. The transition to change your diet can be made easier with determination and knowledge. Start by increasing your consumption of fruits and vegetables—finally changing to a pure vegetarian diet for a stronger body and improved frame of mind. Fasting: Fasting has been used for thousands of years as a way of cleansing and rejuvenating the body and allowing your digestive system to recover from abuse and to get rid of bodily toxins. Start with a single-day water fast, a fruit juice fast or a vegetable juice fast, however, only after three days of fasting will you see the most benefits: increased mental and physical energy, enhanced concentration and an enrichment of the senses. It’s important that when you break the fast, it is done in the evening, with fruit, to allow the food to digest while you sleep at night. By following these recommendations in conjunction with proper yoga practice, you will nourish your body and nurture your spirit with the Yoga Diet.