PRANA FOOD

We all know this sentence: We are what we eat!

Sticking to your yoga class is great but you also need a balanced diet.

Yoga is all about energy: Energy through your breathing, your asana, meditation and exploring your chakras, etc… you can also get a lot of energy from the food you eat. Prana is “energy”, “life force” in Sanskrit. In yoga, there is positive and negative Prana food.
Food has a lot of power: power to heal and boost (positive Prana food), power to destroy (negative Prana food).

Today a lot of diseases are linked to eating habits or bad diets: diabetes, heart diseases, cancer, etc.. Processed foods, fried foods, food rich in sodium or sugar can all cause inflammation, they are negative Prana food. In other words: The further the food is from its source, the less Prana it will contain. Food will affect your body but also your mind. Some studies found that diets high in processed foods are associated with higher risks of depression.
Negative Prana food can give you the impression of energy boost for a moment but in the long-term, they will withdraw the energy from your body. Here is a short list of some negative Prana food that you should avoid in your daily diet:
• Garlic
• Onion
• Chili
• Coffee

On the opposite, Positive Prana food is rich in nutrients (vitamins, antioxidants, minerals, proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, water, etc…), probiotics and fibres. It helps your body to function properly (respiratory, nervous and digestive systems, bones and muscles) and boosts your immune system to fight infections. Prana positive food can also reduce risks of chronic diseases and enhance alertness.
Positive Prana food is fresh and preferably organically grown (not genetically modified). It should be kept as natural as possible: no preservative, no artificial flavours, preferably raw, steamed or lightly cooked. Animal products (meat, fish, eggs, etc..) can be beneficial as long as they don’t contain hormones or antibiotics used on animals bred in a healthy and natural environment.
Here is a short list of some positive Prana food that you should add to your daily diet:
• Fruits
• Vegetables
• Nuts
• Dried fruits
• Honey

There is also Zero or neutral Prana food. It will provide laziness in your body and tendency to sleep.
• Potatoes
• Tomatoes

How to switch to a “yoga” lifestyle diet?
– Plan your meals and snacks
– Include a balance of protein, carbs and fats
– Opt for organic and non-GMO foods
– Make your own meals (those colour-full Buddha-bowls are an easy and yummy choice if you have a busy life!)
– Add variety to your choice of fruits, veggies, nuts, dairy products and wholegrain so you don’t get bored
– Drink a lot. Prefer water and herbal tea to alcohol and caffeine (they can over-stimulate your body)

But of course everything is a matter of moderation. Bon Appetit!