If you are wondering how to maintain a healthy mind in a healthy body, this article is just for you!
Studies have found that performing yoga keeps a balanced, flexible body and also reduces stress levels. Some people have found solution to suffering from various health disorders too. Well it will not be an exaggeration if we say the secret to complete wellness of the body and soul lies in the ancient practice of yoga. At the same time eating a healthy diet is very important part of yoga. Eating healthy nurtures one's yoga system. Yogis believe that maintaining a healthy diet relieves body stiffness and here are some tips to stay fit and calm. A sattvic diet is the purest diet that purifies the mind and allows balanced flow of energy. Rajasic foods are hot, spicy, bitter, dry and salty which stimulates the mind. Tamasic food includes alcohol, meat, fermented foods etc. The sattvic diet consists of fresh fruit and vegetables, milk, nuts , honey and herb teas, butter and cheese. Yogis are of the opinion that a yogic diet should be vegetarian. Nuts, dairy products, leafy greens, and legumes are enriched with protein. Their main filtrate is cellulose, and does not pollute the body. It is readily digestible, body utilizes the food very efficiently and quickly. In order to maintain a good health one needs to choose organic foods over the available inorganic foods. Better to avoid caffeine, tobacco, alcohol, and artificial sweeteners. Fresh foods are the key to a sound health. Frozen, prepared and packaged foods are always a secondary choice. Taking the freshest is always the wise. Taking food at a regular intervals and avoiding food two hours before exercise or sleep helps the body to function smoothly. The human body has a cycle and taking food before two hours before asana practice and sleeping helps in better utilization of energy. The yogis suggest a fast in every week. The advantage of the fast is that it purifies the body and mind.
The yogis say Ahimsa or nonviolence can be applied to the food we eat. Making environment-friendly food habits that does not harm any living beings is always the best.
Therefore,we should keep our food choices simple, pure and fresh as prevention is better than cure!