It’s been long known that what we eat influences our well-being, including our emotions and thoughts. To obtain and keep a healthy body, mind, and soul, it is not enough just to practice yoga or any physical activity we enjoy. Creating healthy habits and incorporating the right food in our diet should be an essential part of living a healthy life.
Unlike nutritionists who differentiate between carbs, protein, and fat, yoga classifies the foods based on the effect they have on your body and mind.
Sattvic food purifies the body and calms the mind. They are easily digestible. Cooked food can be considered sattvic if it is consumed within 3-4 hours of being cooked. This category includes fresh fruits, green leafy veggies, nuts, grains, herbs, seeds, and raw sugar.
Rajasic food stimulates the body and the mind. They are not as easily digestible and, if consumed in excess, they cause hyperactivity, irritability, and anger. This category includes onion, garlic, tea, coffee, chocolate, wine, chickpeas, and black pepper.
Tamasic food, on the other hand, dulls the mind and they are difficult to digest. They bring confusion and disorientation. This category includes reheated or stale food, meat, fish, eggs, sugary food, and alcohol.
“Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.”