Introduction: 

Disease manifests in the body through undigested food, in the mind through thoughts that hang there like an autumn mist, and in the soul through the dominance of the ego. Yoga is concerned not only with Asanas but also with Yogic Nutrition, emphasizing the connection between what we eat and our general sense of well-being.

Satvic Diet: The Yogic Way of Eating: 

In the yogic and Ayurvedic traditions, the very center of balance and health is an understanding and management of the three fundamental energies of the body: air, or Vata; fire, or Pitta; and Kapha EARTH Kapha. Each of these doshas plays a very critical role in our physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

 Vata – Vata is composed of air and space, governs movement and flexibility within the body and mind. 

 Pitta – Pitta is a combination of fire and water, oversees digestion, metabolism, and energy production. 

Kapha – EARTH Kapha – Kapha is formed by earth and water, it is responsible for structure, lubrication, and stability.

An ideal healthy condition is preserved by a balance state of these doshas. Any imbalance of the three causes many health problems. A few things to consider in a yogic diet are listed below:

Some points to consider in a yogic diet:

1. Practice Mindful Eating: Relish every morsel of food by remaining absolutely present while eating.

2. Stick to regular Meal Times: Maintain a structured meal timing to achieve consistency of energy.

3. Chew Food Well:Have the best possible digestion process by chewing food properly.

4. Proteins: Lentils, chickpeas, and mung beans are some good sources of protein in vegetarian food. In Ayurveda, protein is related to 7 Dhatu’s, which is explained in detail on:  https://www.carakasamhitaonline.com/index.php/Dhatu

5. Hydration and the right quantity of food: According to Ayurveda, for a healthy man, half of the stomach can be filled with food, a quarter of the stomach with water, and the rest quarter can be empty(filled with air).

Fasting and Yoga:

Fasting is one of the yogic practices that should be done with care and guidance. It gives physical and spiritual benefits by detoxifying the body, purifying the mind, and developing discipline. Fasting during the change of seasons and on Ekadashi is considered good. One of the points to be noted is that fasting can help in the removal of toxins from the body, but a lot of fasting depletes dhatu from the body, thus reducing lifespan. important to note that fasting can help in removing toxins from the body but too much fasting can deplete tissues(dhatu) from the body and reduce lifespan. 

  Fasting for Vata dominant –Vata dominance should not go for more than 24 hours of fasting or should take care to eat Vata-pacifying food like grape juices during the period of fasting.

  Fasting for pitta dominant – More Pitta-dominant people who are generally healthy and can handle it may want to experiment with very bitter and astringent vegetable juices in the form of a juice fast with an emphasis on the use of lots of leafy greens. Juices from grape, prune, or pomegranate, when mixed with plenty of water, are allowed. No one with a Pitta body type should go on a fast beyond 48 hours without certain precautions.

  Fasting for kapha dominant – If you are a kapha dominant and are healthy, you can fast more frequently, up to three days, a couple of times a year on liquids like hot water, lemon, honey, apple or cranberry juice. Kapha Dominants may sprinkle a little Trikatu powder on their apple slices before eating these again to increase agni.

Conclusion: Nourishing the Yogi Within: 

Being food for yogis, it is something beyond survival the diet has to be well-placed in accordance with the principles of yoga for it to support us in our journey toward physical health, mental clarity, and spiritual growth.