Many people often mistake a vegan diet for being the same as a yogic or yoga diet. But what does it actually mean? What is a yogic diet? To find out we must go on an adventure into the world of yogic and Ayurvedic philosophy.
The 3 Gunas (Qualities) of Nature
⦁ Rajas
Rajas is a state of energy, action, change, and movement. The nature of rajas is of attraction, longing and attachment and rajas strongly bind us to the fruits of our work.
⦁ Tamas
Tamas is a state of darkness, inertia, inactivity, and materiality. Tamas manifests from ignorance and deludes all beings from their spiritual truths.
⦁ Sattva
Sattva is a state of harmony, balance, joy, and intelligence. Sattva is the guna that yogis achieve towards as it reduces rajas and tamas and thus makes liberation possible.
To increase sattva reduce both rajas and tamas, eat sattvic foods and enjoy activities and environments that produce joy and positive thoughts. Sattvic foods include whole grains and legumes and fresh fruits and vegetables that grow above the ground. All of the yogic practices were developed to create sattva in the mind and body. Thus, practicing yoga and leading a yogic lifestyle strongly cultivates sattva.
Sattvic foods include:
⦁ wholemeal bread
⦁ fresh fruit and vegetables
⦁ pure fruit juices
⦁ milk
⦁ butter and cheese
⦁ legumes
⦁ nuts
⦁ seeds
⦁ sprouted seeds
⦁ honey and herb teas