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A s any yoga practitioner knows, one of the fundamental aims of yoga is to bring one’s body into natural balance. We aim to control the fluctuating forces within ourselves and thereby harness our potential - be it physical, intellectual, or spiritual (although the three can often coincide).
However, it isn’t enough to simply attend class, diligently go through the workout, and step outside for a self-congratulatory burger. The true yogic lifestyle extends to all facets of our lives, and in order to practice yoga most effectively, it is not only important to observe your asanas but your diet as well.
Many of the benefits of yoga come from the demonstrable effect it has on our internal systems. However, just because yoga has a positive impact on our biological mechanics doesn’t give us license to consume at will. There is reciprocity in these interactions. Not only does the correct diet help maintain natural biological functioning, but it also facilitates yogic exercises, thereby maximizing the benefit of regular practice and diligence.
A balanced, nutritious diet is designed to promote one’s life force or prana. The basic theory is to eat small portions of high-quality food, thereby maximizing digestive potential and keeping toxins under control.
Balancing your physical and spiritual practice of yoga with a proper diet is a discipline that will definitely result in a positive impact on your health and wellbeing. Let’s take a look at the following specific food categories:
Carbohydrates
Complex carbohydrates are your friends. They are a less detrimental source of energy than animal proteins or fats; they burn cleaner. But stay away from simple carbs such as sugar. Try to eat whole grains wherever possible, and consider using certain high-carb vegetables such as potatoes, corn, winter squash, and yams. Foods that are high in carbohydrates also tend to be high in fibre, which in turn can help promote long-term cardiovascular health.
Fruits & Vegetables
These are to be embraced rather than avoided because they are an excellent source of essential vitamins and minerals. Green, leafy vegetables, such as Mesculen lettuce, kale, and spinach, are especially good in this respect. Additionally, certain vegetables such as peppers, broccoli, and carrots are rich in protein. Fruits such as apples, pears, peaches, bananas, grapes, and berries are also an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, as they are believed to possess a high concentration of prana, which makes them especially desirable. However, fruits also contain fructose (a simple sugar) and should therefore be eaten only in moderation.
For maximal nutritional value produce should be as fresh as possible, organic, and pesticide free.
Fish
Fish is another excellent choice for a healthy diet, being low in calories and high in protein. The American Heart Association recommends eating fish a minimum of twice a week. Fish contains an abundance of essential vitamins, oils, and minerals that are nourishing for both the body and the mind. Oil-rich or pelagic fish such as salmon, lake trout, tuna, and mackerel contain Omega-3, a polyunsaturated fat that can reduce cholesterol, improve circulation, and possibly reduce the risk of heart disease. And shellfish is reputed to have aphrodisiac effects, so you may want to bear that in mind if you want to improve your love life!
Meat and Poultry
Not all yoga diets are strictly vegetarian, although they all seek to reduce the amount of meat consumed, and none specifically recommends its consumption. Animal proteins tend to be high in saturated fats and cholesterol. Furthermore, excess protein can unbalance the body and damage organs such as the kidneys. According to yogic tradition, the different prana contained in animal meats tends to reduce our vitality and impede our functions. For those who are interested in pursuing a yogic diet, consider substituting meat with tofu and soy products. While nuts and seeds are also good substitutes, they are high in calories and should therefore only be eaten in moderation.It isn’t essential to completely cut meat out of your diet, however, and some nutritional diets seek to reduce rather than eliminate the amount of meat and poultry consumed. Eaten in moderation, lean meat and poultry are excellent sources of protein. Consuming small portions of lean meat, such as sirloin, and the white meat from poultry - without the skin - can provide you with essential nutrients without increasing the risk of ingesting harmful fats and cholesterol into your body.
Dairy
Diary products are excellent sources of protein, vitamins, and calcium. Calcium not only helps to strengthen bones in our bodies but is also beneficial for nerve and muscle functions. However, the fat and cholesterol content of diary products tend to be high, so even though it isn’t necessary to totally avoid dairy, portions should be small. If you really enjoy dairy products, try to use fat-free versions of products such as milk, cheese, and yogurt. Also make sure you read the ingredients on the milk cartons as some companies have begun to add additives to their milk, even the ones labelled organic.
Traditionally, yoga practitioners try to eat as much of their food raw as possible (or palatable). Cooking and preparing tends to break down beneficial elements, especially in fruits and vegetables. Additionally, for maximal nutritional value produce should be as fresh as possible, organic, and pesticide free. Try to use fish, poultry, and meats that are wild or free range and hormone-free.
Adjusting your diet always takes some getting used to, but ultimately it will prove to be highly beneficial for you. Of course, you don’t need to embrace this diet fully or dogmatically, and it doesn’t need to run your life.
Yoga is all about balance - and balancing your physical and spiritual practice of yoga with a sensible, healthy diet is a discipline that will definitely result in a positive impact on your health and wellbeing.
For those interested in reading more about nutrition and cleansing,
Dr. Mikio Sankey’s book “Support the Mountain” will give you a very clear and simple understanding of creating that internal balance.
If you are interested in learning how to follow a nutritional, health-conscious diet, try the suggestions in the following links: For those who are interested in learning more about the yogic diet, click on the following links:
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