The Sattvic diet- Eat like a yogi

The food we eat has a great influence on us, physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.

Based on this belief, the Ayurveda classifies the food into 3 grades called 'Gunas':

▪︎Sattva- Quality of goodness(Harmony, purity etc.)

▪︎Rajas- Quality of passion(Lethargy, laziness etc.)

▪︎Tamas- Quality of ignorance(Stress, anger etc.)

The balance between these gunas is essential for a stable mind and a healthy body.

WHAT IS SATTVIC DIET AND WHAT IT INCLUDES

'Sattvic' is derived from a Sanskrit word 'Sattva' which means pure, vital, wise etc.

A Sattvic diet includes foods and eating that promote health, purity, harmony and calm and composed personality.

Furthermore, you all must have heard this famous quote by Robert Urich that says, 'A healthy outside starts from the inside'.

A Sattvic diet is abundant with fresh and natural food, whole grains, legumes, fresh fruits, vegetables( except onion and Garlic) and nuts. It includes organic and seasonal produce. It also includes dairy products only if the cow is fed and milked appropriately in good conditions. Sattvic food is not too spicy and does not comprise of any food item that has been obtained from harming other living beings. It promotes eating in moderation, i.e., eating at a moderate pace and avoiding overeating. Sattvic meals are freshly cooked with love and care and are eaten with full consciousness.

WHAT DOES BHAGWAD GITA SAY ABOUT THE SATTVIC DIET:

The food we consume has direct impact on our gunas(qualities).

Also there is no denying the fact that our body gives the right output only if it has the right input.

Lord Sri Krishnahas very beautifully explained the significance of Sattvic diet in the holy book Bhagwad Gita. According to the Gita, sattvic people prefer foods which increase the duration of life, enhance purity, health, strength and promote compassion, calmness and gratitude.

Such foods are savoury, juicy, palatable and pleasing to the stomach.

The sattvic diet in accordance with the Bhagwad Gita, includes food that is grown organically, harvested at correct tone of the year and prohibits any good that involves harming animals.

Sri Krishna specifically highlights the importance of eating in moderation. He says that eating too much can make a person anxious and restless while by eating too little, one can become weaker. Hence a a balance is must for a healthy body.

BENEFITS:

The Sattvic diet benefits our body,mind and soul in immense ways-

▪︎it helps Improve the health of skin and the quality of hair.

▪︎It is highly beneficial specially for the people suffering from high BP and diabetes.

▪︎Easily digestible.

▪︎Eliminates tiredness and leads to enhancement in yoga practices.

▪︎It may help promote weight loss.

▪︎Promotes logetivity of life in an individual.

ARE THERE ANY CONS OF FOLLOWING SATTVIC DIET?

The few drawbacks that one can point in a Sattvic diet are that it restricts the consumption of meat, fish and eggs which are excellent sources of fats, proteins and other essential nutrients.

However these shortcomings can be easily overcomed by balanced consumption of cow milk and plant produce like lentils, chickpeas, soy, peanuts etc.which are also great sources of proteins.

POINTS TO BE KEPT IN MIND WHILE FOLLOWING A SATTVIC DIET:

▪︎Food shouldn't be overcooked.

▪︎Avoid over-spicing while preparing food.

▪︎Food should be free from chemicals and stimulants.

▪︎Sattvic foods need to be chewed properly and eaten in small servings.

▪︎Food shouldn't be microwaved canned or processed.

▪︎Never never overindulge Sattvic foods as they then become Tamsic.

The Sattvic or Yogic diet will not only benefit your body physically but will also calm and purify your mind and soul and help you experience your natural self.

Recommend: Integrate this diet with yoga and meditation to witness even better results.

-Rozee Behera