Yoga and nutrition can do without fanaticism
According to yoga philosophy, from what and how we eat depends not only our physical health, but also a state of consciousness. What are the basic precepts of good nutrition practicing yogi?
The principle of non-violence
Many are interested in: whether it is necessary, when you begin to practice yoga, change your lifestyle, including diet and? In order to
correctly answer this question, we must remember one of the key principles of yoga, which is called “Ahimsa – nonviolence.
Our habits, diet, lifestyle, our thoughts and desires – what we show is the result of our nature, which, truth be told, sometimes leaves much to be desired. But, nevertheless, it’s still our nature. And, strictly forbidding themselves to something – for example, eat bread or sweet, we commit violence on themselves, because it is not a cause of a phenomenon, and with the investigation.
Doing yoga, you start to clean his nature, his body and mind, thereby addressing the true causes of those or other addictions. Yoga practice is affected so that the person does not want that it is harmful to smoke, say, or have buns for the night. You need to start doing regularly and way of life will definitely change, but only non-violent way.
It is considered that yoga imply an immediate transition into the camp of vegetarians. Indeed, those who practice long ago, most of them do not eat meat. But here again it is important to distinguish cause and effect. Not eating meat leads to progress in the practice and practice development people come to vegetarianism. If you are accustomed to eat meat, do not try immediately to abandon it, Just don’t overdo it, and after a while it will naturally be reduced or disappear.
Closer to nature
The problem of “to be or not to be vegetarian” everyone decides for himself. But there are some General rules that are fair to all. The main thing for the person who is using yoga becomes aware of your body – ask yourself the question: what exactly am I eating? In theory, we all know that, going for groceries in a store, you have to consider the information on the packaging. But in practice we often forget this, moreover, deceive ourselves, buying into what is written in large letters. For example, the label “sugar free” may mean that the product contains an artificial sweetener, which, incidentally, is injurious to health is much more than sugar, even if this sugar is refined.
It is important to understand that quality products start your transition to a new quality. So buy fresh, organic foods, give yourself the trouble to go to market, take the time to choose the best vegetables, fruit and milk. If possible, buy organic products: they may not look so “richly and colorfully” – but it’s only because they are free of dyes and flavor enhancers.
The principle is simple: the closer to nature the better. Unrefined oil is always better than refined, brown sugar better than white, brown rice is better polished. According to Ayurveda, the ancient Indian science of life, we eat food, but eat contained therein prana – the energy that permeates everything around it. The more processed the product was subjected, and the longer it is stored, the less it remains the prana.
For example, you cooked vegetable soup: it should be eaten immediately, because, having survived a night in the fridge, it will lose its beneficial properties. If you still want to leave the soup for tomorrow, then don’t grind it in the blender whole vegetables will retain more energy. Avoid canned food, frozen, past deep processing – from the point of view of yoga is of no use to them, they only give you the feeling of satiety.
Without fanaticism
All this, of course, doesn’t mean you have to dwell on the problem of supply to consider the products under the microscope and shy away from anything called “tasty, but not useful”. Yes, when a person eats, the food must be simple. But if for the sake of communicating with each other is going to family or guests come, not necessarily to limit myself – let it be beautiful and delicious.
In the hard constraints, there is nothing good, and certainly should not starve: when you start doing yoga, your body is changing, and the amount of food should be sufficient to provide the body with building material. It is necessary that the food was varied and nutritious, and tea and coffee in small amounts does not hurt.
Since the birthplace of yoga – India, some are beginning to be fond of Indian food, and thus fall into another extreme. Of course, Indian food is delicious and beautiful. But all the same, it is more exotic, which is good in moderation. The most useful food for humans our latitude is made from things that grow only in this area, it is in this season. Apples, vegetables salad from grandma’s garden, “native” domestic cereals, milk is the basis of our diet. And Oriental food is better there where they were invented. By the way, if you consult a good Ayurvedic doctor, making you a customized nutrition program, he most likely will replace the exotic local ingredients. And in addition to the features of your Constitution, will take into account your lifestyle, plus the climate of the area in which you live.
In equilibrium
The basic principle of Ayurveda is to live in harmony with nature. And we have in mind and your own nature and what surrounds you. Ancient Indian medicine gives no universal recipes: every person is unique. Everyone has their own metabolism and the type of Constitution, which, according to Ayurveda, depends on the combination of the three doshas: Vata (air+ether), Pitta (fire+water) and Kapha (earth+water). According to Ayurveda, the goal of nutrition is to balance all three doshas.
If a person is dominated by Pitta, he should limit itself to savory dishes, and to add to the diet products with a cooling taste – for example, dairy. The person with a predominance of Vata dosha the Ayurvedic physician will advise soothing, grounding meals – porridge, soups. And if Kapha Constitution recommended over dry and light food, fresh salads, fruits and vegetables, less fat, but more sharp spices.
Accounting for their patients individual diet, Ayurvedic doctors always take into account the time of day and seasonality. In winter, for example, it is better to eat hot, spicy, oily food in the summer – cold foods and raw vegetables. And the best time of day to eat a big meal at noon.
When the doshas are balanced, the food starts to give much more energy. And it affects not only the physical but also psycho-emotional level: the person does not sink into apathy or, on the contrary, in bouts of feverish activity. Such differences are inherent in those who eat mindlessly, just to satisfy hunger or to have fun.
But the practice of yoga, as it is known, develops thoughtfulness and awareness. As you move forward, will begin to change your attitude to food too. Then you can simply listen to your body: it will not deceive.
