Diet and Yoga: The Best Tips for Yogis

Anyone who is passionate about yoga will sooner or later always deal with the right yogic diet. We have summarized the best tips on the subject for you.

Yoga: Ahimsa in nutrition

One of the 5 Yamas, the ethical guidelines in yoga, is Ahimsa. In German this means non-violence. This principle is often applied to nutrition in yoga.

• The non-violence here is directed not only against others but also against oneself – both in action and in thought.
• In relation to yourself, this non-violence can mean that you do not harm yourself with your food, for example by giving your body foods that it cannot tolerate or which are unhealthy in the long term.
• But you could also view nonviolence as not mentally criticizing your food preferences, such as your weight or a delicious piece of cake.
• A conversation about ahimsa can hardly be conducted without also mentioning vegetarianism or veganism.
  For many, living non-violently and at the same time supporting violence against animals with one’s purchases is considered incompatible.
• Both vegetarianism and veganism are therefore widespread in the world of yoga.
• The Jivamukti Yoga style, for example, sees veganism as a central part of a yoga practice. Here the mantra “Lokah Samastah Sukinho Bhavantu” is sung regularly, which translates as: “May all living beings in this world be happy and free, and may all my thoughts and actions contribute to this freedom and happiness for all.”
• Other styles of yoga, particularly modern western ones, place less emphasis on the diet of your followers.
  But there are other aspects of nutrition where nonviolence can work.
• So yogis should ask themselves whether they are harming other people or the environment with their food.
• Many yogis choose fair trade and organic products to practice ahimsa towards both the earth and other people.
• As always with spiritual texts, however, the true meaning is ultimately a matter of interpretation. Read the yogic scriptures and make up your own mind.

Ayurvedic nutrition in yoga

Many yogis also subscribe to Ayurvedic principles when it comes to nutrition.

• In Ayurveda, there are 3 different types. Most people fall predominantly into one of these categories, with less pronounced tendencies toward others.
• Eating and other behaviors are about balancing these types and getting back to the center.
• For example, people of the Pitta type should consume little spicy food so that their already fiery mind is not further inspired.
• Kaphas, on the other hand, is said to steer clear of overly sweet and fatty foods and instead consume spicy foods to counteract the tendency to be lazy.
• If you fall into the category of hyperactive Vatas, you should eat enough warm food on a regular basis.
• This test will tell you which Ayurveda type you are.
• Not only people but also food is divided into different categories. So there are Raja foods that are considered stimulants. These include onions, garlic, pepper, and coffee. This should be enjoyed in moderation.
• Foods in the Tamas category are classified as sluggish. These contain little life energy and nutrients and should be avoided. Fast food, for example, is classified under Tomas, but also food that has been in the fridge for a week.
• Sattva is balanced. Foods in this category are fresh and rich in vitamins and minerals. Fruits and vegetables fall into this category.

Eat before yoga class

Anyone who practices physical yoga knows that a session can feel very different when practiced on an empty or on a full stomach.

• It is controversial whether a yoga practice should be practiced on an empty stomach, especially since this would not be possible for many in the western world due to jobs and other commitments.
• However, you should refrain from eating food for at least two hours before yoga, as this could make you nauseous during the physical movement, which eventually includes many twists and inversions.
• Many yogis like to practice in the morning without having eaten anything first. This is also extremely useful, especially for certain purification practices such as the Nauli.
• As with everything in yoga, you are the master of your own body. Experiment with what works best for you.