Yoga, unlike other physical practices such as pilates or aerobics, enters a spiritual plane and diet becomes part of the practice and belief. Yoga advises a 2-hour fast before practicing. Not eating for an hour before class is workable; the twists and inversions work better on an empty stomach. What that stomach can be filled with though, is a personal choice.
Yoga and Vegetarianism
Eastern yoga with its Indian origins was obviously vegetarian. Originally, the diet was organic since there were no additives or chemicals to sustain food life. In a 2004 study 38% of female yoga practitioners said they were vegetarian.
Practicing yoga doesn’t imply vegetarianism (although it is suggested based on the eastern origins of the practice). It implies a mind body practice leading to enhanced concepts of self and sometimes simply leading to a good exercise program. Diet comes into play only as part of a spiritual practice or a health practice, or a combination of the two.
Yoga Food Categories
Yogis have three food categories called Gunas: Sattvic, Rajasic and Tamasic. These categories include pure or nonchemical ideal food in the Sattvic group, and stimulating and spicy food that includes meats, caffeine, fish in the Rajasic catgory. The last category includes the processed foods and frozen dinners, and snacks making up a typical western diet. None are completely wrong if done in moderation.
Purists, of course, propose the sattvic diet. Pragmatists propose practicality and moderation. The Whole Food Yoga Diet is one where wholesome foods are purchased in bulk packaging as opposed to fancy prepackaged meals. That is, there are no chemicals or additives nor are they combined with other substances for taste or composition. Simplicity and natural are the watchwords here, as the food is not far removed from its basic source.
Meat and Yoga
Some constitutions require meat to function well. Some people can more easily give it up. There are those whose allergies prevent eating grains or whose work and lifestyles and place require eating meat once in awhile. It is individual decisions that can still respect life. Whether one eats fish (a form of meat), fowl, or beef, or even drinks the milk of a creature used for breeding, one can still be a yogi.
Fasting and Yoga Practice
Many practitioners feel detoxing the body means abstaining from food. For the average person this is a missed meal or two although some may join a medically supervised fast of juices, teas, soups or light food. The purpose of the fast is not to lose weight or even to improve physical practice. There are many theories on the benefits of fasting although one can practice yoga for a lifetime without fasting. The sick body will reject food on its own when needed.
The yoga way of life adheres to a philosophy of nonharm or Ahimsa. Whether this is reflected in the food eating or the spirit of practice does not necessarily make one person better than another. That would also be contrary to the practice and philosophy of yoga.
Research Yoga Diets
The varying lifestyle diets and the yogic thought of doing no harm (Ahimsa) can be examined further in the following diets. Remember, no one can tell another what is wrong or right for his or her ongoing practice and self-realization.
- The vegan diet of eating no living creature is plant-centered and allows no dairy
- The Bhagavad-Gita describes the guidelines and practice of the sattvic, rajasic, and tamasic food groups advocating vegetarianism
- Vegetarian diets include fruits and vegetables, grains, plants and sometimes eggs and other dairy products.
Meat diets in yoga are practical for those whom meat is a necessity and who find they cannot live comfortably without it, for whatever reason. Red meat is to be avoided if at all possible and if not, eaten in moderation. Some find they need certain foods to maintain a sense of well-being. Certainly what is eaten is part of the practice but not part of exclusion or seeking perfection; this is not yoga.
References
Whole Foods Diet Cookbook, Larson, Ivy and Andrew,2009, Gibbs Smith
All Spirit Fitness.com accessed Feb 14 2011
Amy Andersen - Amy Andersen, MSN, ARNP, family & pediatrics certified, practices yoga and explores the inter-relationships of mind body fitness and ...
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