Introduction:
It is said one should follow only a yogic diet in order to keep themselves calm and focus on meditation and yoga. The yogic diet is not a vegan diet. Many people are not even aware of what type of diet is a yogic diet. Basically, it is a sattvik diet that includes the consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables and avoids the consumption of meat, eggs, garlic, onions, fried food, and alcohol. This diet basically includes fruits, vegetables, and whole grains like oats, legumes, plant-based oils, and herbal teas. Even microwaved food, genetically modified or canned food do not count as a yogic diet.
What Is Yogic Diet?
A diet that is focused on the consumption of natural food that boosts mental and spiritual health along with physical health. Yogic health mainly comprises three principles: Ahimsa, Sattva, and Saucha. Ahimsa means non-violence, and it says that all the living beings on this planet are interconnected, and everyone could make this world a better place if they stopped harming living beings. The best way to not harm them is to reduce or eliminate meat and dairy products from the diet. The second one is Sattva which refers to a state of equanimity that yogic practices aim to cultivate. A sattvic diet keeps the heart calm and clears the mind. Sattvic food refers to fresh vegetables, whole grains, and mildly sweet fruits and vegetables. The last one is Saucha, and this is what calls the practice of purity and calmness. The most simple way to achieve Saucha is by reducing impurities in the body by consuming organic food that is chemical-free.
What Are The Benefits Of A Yogic Diet?
The yogic diet has innumerable benefits, some of which are :
- Boosting Weight Loss - Since the yogic diet mainly comprises fresh fruits, vegetables, grains, and plain unprocessed food, a healthy eating pattern gets developed. A yogic diet includes foods that are high in fiber and nutrient-dense. This promotes weight loss to a great extent.
- Improved Digestion - Food items like whole grains and fruits that are highly rich in fiber help improve gut health. Green leafy vegetables, fruits, and grains are a good source of roughage and increase bulk in stools, thus improving bowel movements. Hence this is a proven fact that a yogic diet helps in giving improved digestion.
- Toxins Get Removed - Human body removes toxins every day in the form of feces, urine, and sweat, which improves the overall functioning of the body. Fruits like berries and lemons also help in the detoxification of the system. Less intake of toxins in a daily diet makes everyone feel lighter and better.
- Boosted Metabolism - The yogic diet mainly includes raw food that helps in metabolism. Since this is a plant-based diet, the human body finds it way easier to digest, thus boosting the metabolism.
- Improves Mood and Increases Energy - Spirituality is heavily affected by a yogic diet. If one includes yoga in their routine along with this diet, they will notice a significant change in their mental state. They will find themselves to be calmer and stress-free. They will have a positive impact on both their physical and spiritual energy.
- Decreases the Risk of Chronic Illnesses - Numerous studies show vegetarians have a 22 percent lower risk of developing coronary heart disease than meat eaters. Research has also revealed that vegetarians have a lower risk of diabetes, cancer, and other chronic health disorders because they consume more plant-based, antioxidant-rich meals.
How to Follow A Yogic Diet?
Following a yogic diet could be hard initially but taking things slow can help. One can start by changing just one or food items to see how they feel and if they can proceed. If they feel okay, they can slowly transform their whole diet. One can follow the following steps to adapt themselves to a yogic diet.
- Eating Fresh Seasonal Food - A yogic diet is what consists of whole, fresh, and unprocessed organic food that is mainly grown locally and is as close to its natural state as possible. The best option is growing their own vegetables in their garden or even a container. One can also choose to shop at a farmer's market or buy directly from the farmer to get fresh food and avoid processed and packaged items, even if they are organic.
- Being Vegetarian - Yogis prefer a plant-based whole-food diet. A yogic diet is not vegan. Nuts, dairy products, and leafy greens, along with legumes, are what provide protein and are thus included in a yogic diet.
- Avoiding Chemicals and Stimulants - There are chemicals everywhere, in the air, water, and the food humans consume too. So it is always suggested to avoid processed food, artificial sweeteners, caffeine, tobacco, and alcohol for leading a healthier life.
- Eating at regular intervals and having a gap between meals. It is always suggested to have at least five hours between the meals to give the system the time to fully digest the last meal one had. So it is always better to have food only when one is truly hungry and not out of stress and boredom.
- Eating two hours before sleeping.
- Making lunch the biggest meal of the day is also what should be followed.
- Dinner should contain cooked food because that would be easier for the body to digest than raw food items. One can also include soups and root vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, winter squash, yams, and beets in their diet at dinner.
- Focusing on healing herbs and spices like turmeric, cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, fennel, mint, basil, cumin, parsley, cilantro, and black pepper to get improved digestion, reduced anxiety, and boosted mental health. It also helps in alkalizing the blood and promoting cleansing and healing.
- Fasting can also be considered a part of a yogic diet, but people with poor digestion and a tendency towards weight gain should not practice it.
- One should always prefer eating with mindfulness and a positive attitude.
Conclusion:
A yogic diet might be challenging, but the set of pros it has is way bigger than the set of cons. It is also very important to keep a check on the environment individuals are having their food in. One can also talk to their dietician before moving to a new type of diet, no matter what diet it is.
