Yoga is the only science that has laid great emphasis on food over centuries. In fact, there is a whole branch - called Anna Yoga - devoted to food for health and happiness.

Yoga over centuries has developed a concept of a balanced wholefoods diet and an eating philosophy. These principles of good eating use powerful techniques which help in maintaining a strong and health body, a stress-free mind and a positive spirituality within this mixed up world.

Never has this yogic philosophy of a balanced wholefoods diet been felt more than today when 97% of all health disorders can be traced to a faulty nutrition and diet. It has been observed that (East) Indian civilizations suffer least from bowel problems, constipation, indigestion and other food related disorders such as obesity. Do you know why? Because the Indian philosophy of cooking and eating draws heavily from the yogic philosophy of eating!

Yoga does not dissect food into vitamins, minerals, protein etc. The yogic philosophy is that the true benefits of these ingredients can be had only when they are NOT isolated but as much in their natural form as possible.

The key to true health is to have a balanced wholefoods diet. A balanced diet ensures that all the faculties of digestion work smoothly - absorption, assimilation and elimination. A balanced whole foods diet ensures a healthy you!!

It is extremely important that all these 3 aspects work well together. If all these aspects work in harmony it is extremely unlikely that you'll suffer from health disorders and even obesity. Often "synthetic" or "processed" foods create conditions that disrupt this balance. This leads to several physical and psychological problems. Over years, this can have dangerous consequences.

Food ...as you eat, so you become ......

Food and diet occupy an important place in the world of yoga and naturopathy. The effects of improper eating manifest themselves in unwanted appearance, incorrect thought, behavior and hence action.

In yoga, foods have been classified as Rajasik, Tamasik and Sattvik.

Rajasik Foods: Food of a king or of a restless and energetic disposition.

A large variety of foods having different methods of preparation such as fried, highly seasoned, or baked, form this category. Alcoholic and processed beverages as well as sweets come in here.

Disadvantages: These foods impart extra weight and fat to the body and create a feeling of uneasiness after eating.

  

Tamasik Food: Food causing a lethargic disposition.

Foods, vegetarian or non-vegetarian, that are prepared with excess spices, salts and hot seasonings are Tamasik foods.

Disadvantages: These foods perpetuate laziness and people eating these are characterized by a rough and intolerant temperament.

Sattvik Food: Food of a Yogi...

Foods which are cooked with minimum amount of spices or seasonings and are fresh are sattvik foods. These foods retain their nutritive value as they are cooked in a very simple fashion one of the most powerful & delicious foods which have tremendous benefit on the overall system is sprout. Yoga recommends such foods.

Non vegetarian food is Tamasik, while vegetarian food is Sattvik.

Vegetables such as cabbage, potatoes etc., if cooked with a lot of spices become tamasik.

Eat !	Don't Eat !
Whole grains, yam, oatmeal, millets, brown rice.	White bread, french fries, cakes, biscuits.
Raw veggies, salads, amla (gooseberry), spinach, papaya, lettuce.	Heavy salad dressings, veggies with cream sauce.