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Proper Exercise | Proper Breathing | Proper Relaxation | Proper Diet | Positive Thinking & Meditation
PROPER DIET
The yogic diet is a vegetarian one, consisting of pure, simple, natural foods
which are easily digested and promote health. Simple meals aid the digestion and
assimilation of foods. Nutritional requirements fall under five categories:
protein, carbohydrates, minerals, fats and vitamins. One should have a certain
knowledge of dietetics in order to balance the diet. Eating foods first-hand
from nature, grown in fertile soil (preferably organic, free from chemicals and
pesticides) will help ensure a better supply of these nutritional needs.
Processing, refining and overcooking destroy much food value.
There is a cycle in nature known as the "food cycle" or "food
chain". The Sun is the source of energy for all life on our planet; it nourishes
the plants (the top of the food chain) which are then eaten by animals
(vegetarian), which are then eaten by other animals (carnivores). The food at
the top of the food chain, being directly nourished by the Sun, has the greatest
life promoting properties. The food value of animal flesh is termed as
"second-hand" source of nutrition, and is inferior in nature. All natural foods
(fruits, vegetables, seeds, nuts and grains) have, in varying quantities,
different proportions of these essential nutrients.
As source of protein, these are easily assimilated by the
body. However, second-hand sources are often more difficult to digest and are of
less value to the body's metabolism.
Many people worry about whether they are getting enough protein, but neglect
other factors. The quality of the protein is more important than the quantity
alone. Dairy products, legumes, nuts and seeds provide the vegetarian with an
adequate supply of protein. The high protein requirement still being used by
many Health Departments is based on antiquated data and has been scientifically
disproved many times in the laboratory.
A healthy motto is: "Eat to live, not live to eat". It is
best if we understand that the purpose of eating is to supply our being with the
life force, or Prana, the vital life energy. So the greatest nutritional plan
for the Yoga student is the simple diet of natural fresh foods.
However, the true Yogic diet is actually even more selective
than this. The Yogi is concerned with the subtle effect that food has on his
mind and astral body. He therefore avoids foods which are overly stimulating,
preferring those which render the mind calm and the intellect sharp. One who
seriously takes to the path of Yoga would avoid ingesting meats, fish, eggs,
onions, garlic, coffee, tea (except herbal), alcohol and drugs.
Any change in diet should be made gradually. Start by
substituting larger portions of vegetables, grains, seeds and nuts until finally
all flesh products have been completely eliminated from the diet.
The Yogic diet will help you attain a high standard of health, keen intellect
and serenity of mind. To really understand the Yogic approach to diet one has to
get familiar with the concept of the 3 Gunas or qualities of nature.
Proper Exercise | Proper Breathing | Proper Relaxation | Proper Diet | Positive Thinking & Meditation
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