Proper Diet (Vegetarian)
The Yogic diet is primarily vegetarian, consisting of pure, simple, and natural foods that are easily digestible and promote health. Simple meals aid in efficient digestion and nutrient assimilation. Nutritional needs encompass five categories: protein, carbohydrates, minerals, fats, and vitamins. Achieving a well-balanced diet requires an understanding of dietetics. Opting for foods directly from nature, cultivated in fertile soil (preferably organic, free from chemicals and pesticides), ensures a superior supply of essential nutrients. Extensive processing, refining, and overcooking diminish the nutritional value of food.
Nature operates through a cycle known as the "food cycle" or "food chain." The Sun serves as the primary energy source for all life on Earth. It nourishes plants (at the top of the food chain), which are then consumed by vegetarian animals, which, in turn, are consumed by carnivorous animals. Food at the top of the food chain, directly nurtured by the Sun, possesses the highest life-enhancing properties. Animal flesh is considered a "second-hand" source of nutrition, inferior in nature. Natural foods (fruits, vegetables, seeds, nuts, and grains) contain varying proportions of essential nutrients. These natural foods, as protein sources, are easily assimilated by the body. Second-hand sources are often harder to digest and less valuable to the body's metabolism.
Many individuals express concerns about protein intake, often overlooking other vital factors. Protein quality surpasses quantity in importance. Dairy products, legumes, nuts, and seeds provide vegetarians with a sufficient protein supply. The high protein requirement endorsed by some Health Departments relies on outdated data and has been scientifically disproven numerous times.
A healthy motto to adopt is: "Eat to live, not live to eat." It's crucial to understand that the purpose of eating is to provide our beings with life force, or Prana, the vital life energy. Thus, the ideal nutritional plan for a Yoga practitioner is a straightforward diet of natural, fresh foods.
Yet, the genuine Yogic diet is even more selective. Yogis consider the subtle impact of food on their minds and astral bodies. As a result, they avoid excessively stimulating foods and prefer those that promote mental calmness and sharp intellect. A serious Yoga practitioner refrains from consuming meats, fish, eggs, onions, garlic, coffee, tea (except herbal), alcohol, and drugs.
Any dietary changes should be gradual. Begin by replacing larger portions of vegetables, grains, seeds, and nuts until all animal products are completely eliminated from the diet.
The Yogic diet facilitates the attainment of robust health, a sharp intellect, and a serene mind. To fully comprehend the Yogic dietary approach, one must become familiar with the concept of the three Gunas or qualities of nature.
Yoga Asanas
Amila Sulabhasana |
Ardha Halasana |
Ardha Matsyendrdsana |
Ardha Padmasana |
Ardha pavanmuktasana |
Arohandsana |
Bhujangasana |
Chakrasana |
Dhanurasana |
Gomukha-asana |
Halasana |
Hasta Parshvasana |
Hastapaddsana |
Katichalana |
Katishaktiasana |
Makarasana |
Mandukasana |
Matsyasana |
Mayurasana |
Naukasana |
Navasana |
Padahastasana |
Padmasana |
Pagachalana |
parivrtta trikonasana |
Parvat Trikonasana |
Parvatasana |
Paschimottasana |
pavan muktasana |
Sarvangasana |
Setubandh asana |
Shalabhasana |
Shashankasana |
Shavasana |
Shirshasana |
Siddhasana |
Sitting Position for yoga |
Skandha katiasana |
Sukhasana |
Supine Position for yoga |
Supta-vajrasana |
Surya namaskar |
Trikonasana |
Uddyiana Bandha |
Uttan Tadasana |
Uttana padasana |
Utthit padmasana |
Vajrasana |
Viparitakarani mudra |
Vrikshasana |
Yoga Mudra |