Have you noticed the impact food has on your mind and body? If you notice carefully, what you put in your body has a tremendous effect on how your body and mind function. I am not only talking about the obvious physical effects such as bloating, gas, indigestion, acid reflux etc. but also of other subtler aspects.
Let us first familiarise ourselves with the 3 types of diets according to Ayurveda.
Tamasic food is any food that bring lethargy or inertia to the body.
A few examples of Tamasic food:
- Chocolate
- Coffee
- Tea
- Fizzy drinks
Rajasic food; Rajas is related to activity. Rajasic foods heighten the five senses and empower feelings of sexuality, greed, jealousy, anger, delusion.
A few examples of Rajasic food:
- Hot spices
- Spicy herbs
- Meat
- Onion
- Garlic
Sattvic food is anything that is grown under sunlight. These foods bring energy and lightness into the body and mind, they keep lethargy at bay. They are digested easily and are extremely nourishing to the body. They bring balance and harmony into the system. Sattvic foods reduce your sleep quota and make you more productive.
A few examples of Sattvic food:
- Most fresh fruits and vegetables (organic and seasonal)
- Most grains
- Millet
- Legumes
- Nuts
- Ghee (clarified butter)
- Buttermilk
Foods to avoid while following a Sattvic diet:
- Meat
- Garlic
- Onion
- Chilli
- Yogurt
Following a Sattvic diet has brought about tremendous changes in my life. I sleep less, about 5-6 hours a night versus the compulsory 8 hours I used to sleep earlier. I feel little to no lethargy, I am always full of energy and have a better command over my emotions. Overall, I have a better command over my day 🙏
