Food is of great interest to many yogis, as it has been shown that what you put into your body can directly affect your mind. As the aim of yoga is to still the mind and create space, peace and happiness, it is logical that this will become more difficult if we deny our body the food it needs – or fill it with inappropriate fuel it cannot use.
Considering when and what you eat is an important part of life and good health. Yoga is about nourishing your body and nourishing your mind and it is impossible to do this with too little or too much fuel.
The basic advice is to choose foods which are pure, wholesome, clean and fresh. This is the ideal food to eat for good health, a strong body, and a clear mind.
Many dedicated yogis follow what is known as a sattvic diet. All this means is that they eat the foods described above and avoid processed or heavily salted or spiced options. Foods which are said to assist yoga and promote a healthy body and mind include:
• Milk
• Rice
• Vegetables
• Ghee (clarified butter used in India: butter or olive oil are good options in the West)
• Wholegrains
• Fruit
• Nuts and seeds
• Yoghurt (or curd)
Many yogis choose to avoid meat, fish and eggs – however, listen to your body and act in accordance with it. Making major dietary changes too quickly is not a good idea, and will be detrimental to the ‘stilling of the mind’ which we are working towards. You may find that over time the need for meat and fish decreases. Or you may not.
Remember, this is your path and your journey into discovering who you are. Taking responsibility for your diet in the same way you take responsibility for your practice is a crucial aspect of yoga and the healing it can offer to you.
Your body is the greatest tool you will ever have. Treat it with respect, love and nourishment – both physically and emotionally – and it will serve you well. If you abuse your body, your mind will abuse you. In this case, stillness will not come, and the state of yoga is lost.
