Balance, natural food and mindful eating have traditionally been some of the key aspects of the yogi diet. This diet is part of a holistic approach to wellbeing that includes also yoga (physical poses and philosophy) and meditation.
The yogi diet aligns with the principles of Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine and wellness. Many yogis adhere to a vegetarian diet, avoiding meat and sometimes even eggs, to practice the Yama principle of non-violence (Ahimsa) towards animals. Within this type of diet, Sattvic foods are preferred.
Sattvic foods
The term Sattvic comes from the Sanskrit word Sattva, which means purity, wholesomeness, and virtue. A Sattvic diet consists of foods that are fresh, light, and nourishing. They are believed to enhance mental clarity and spiritual growth.
Doshas
In Ayurveda, Doshas are energies believed to circulate in the body and govern physiological activity. They are considered to shape the physical body according to a natural constitution established at birth. The three primary doshas are Vata, Pitta, and Kapha.
Each individual has a unique combination of these doshas, known as their Prakriti, which determines their physical and mental characteristics, health tendencies, and personalised lifestyle recommendations. There are plenty of Dosha tests online that will help you find out your Dosha type.
Maintaining the balance of these Doshas is key to achieving optimal health and well-being in Ayurvedic practice. The table below shows the types of food that go best with each Dosha as well as the yoga asanas that will help balance them.
Light your Agni
Agni refers to the concept of digestive fire or metabolic energy that is responsible for the digestion, absorption, and assimilation of food and nutrients. Agni governs the entire digestive process, breaking down food into essential nutrients and waste products.
A balanced Agni means that digestion and metabolic function efficiently, leading to good health and vitality.
Maintaining balanced Agni involves a proper diet according to your Dosha, regular eating habits, and lifestyle practices. Consuming freshly prepared foods, and avoiding overeating or irregular mealtimes are also effective ways to keep your Agni balanced.
Mindful eating
How we eat our food is as important as what we eat. Eating should be mindful and done with awareness and gratitude, paying attention to hunger and satiety signals, and appreciating flavours and textures.
Portion control and avoiding overeating are key to maintain a balanced body and mind. As a general rule, we shouldn’t feel completely full after we have eaten.
Finally, meals should be eaten at regular times each day. Late-night eating is usually avoided to aid digestion and promote restful sleep. We shouldn’t eat unless we are hungry. Lunch should be the largest meal of the day.
Relevance nowadays
Modern research supports many principles of the yogi diet. For example, studies have shown that plant-based diets can reduce inflammation, support heart health, and improve gut health. The emphasis on fresh, whole foods aligns with contemporary nutritional guidelines.
Many aspects of the yogi diet, such as its emphasis on vegetarianism or veganism, align with contemporary concerns about animal welfare and environmental sustainability. Reducing meat consumption can lower one's carbon footprint and support more sustainable food systems.
The principles underlying the yogi diet align with modern understandings of health and nutrition. That, along its holistic approach, means that the yogi diet remains highly relevant today, offering a balanced, ethical, and mindful approach to eating that can support overall health and well-being.
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