DIET BASICS
Diet is an element that influences our sense of wellbeing and yoga practice. Comprehending and following diet basics does not require memorizations of herbs, vitamins and their properties. Diet basics hinges on the idea that the digestive system needs to never slow or stop. As long as the digestive system moves at a pace nature intended then the possibilities of arthritis, low energy, slow mental functions and tight postures will be dramatically reduced. A basic understanding of major influences responsible for slowing or stopping digestion is needed. Various influences exist and consulting with a nutritionist will be ideal for individual needs. For the general population the diet basics is of real help and easy to follow. Simply knowing the 4 limits, understanding habits of consumption and practicing easy fasting methods will help one to follow diet basics.
The 4 limits of diet basics are meat, alcohol, caffeine and sugar. The consumption of meat within yoga circles is a taboo due to the principle of ahimsa / nonviolence. Despite this there are many spiritual masters such as Buddha, Christ and the enlightened Shaolin warrior monks of China that ate meat. Diet basics follow the idea that the digestive system must keep moving as nature intended. It is known that red meats may take 2 – 3 days to digest. On the other hand poultry takes less time and fish requires the least digestive energy. The longer meats are digesting the more it putrefies in the intestines causing constipation, low energy and poor postures. If meat is included in the meals then do not consume more than 30 grams at a time and do not eat it every day. Follow the idea of consuming white meat before red and fish before poultry. Excessive amounts of alcohol, caffeine and sugar will slow the digestive system. The recommended limit is two cups of any alcoholic or caffeine beverage per day . Follow the 2 serving rule and try to avoid eating sweets every day. The 4 limits require more water from within the body to pass them. A serving of the 4 limits not only passes through but they take additional water from the body to eliminate it. When consuming the 4 limits drink water regularly throughout the day in order to insure they digest and pass through.
Habits are part of diet basics. It is important to avoid practicing yoga for atleast 4 – 6 hours after a meal. The meal has not finished digesting. After the meal digested then may the practice begin. The same is true for eating. Only after a meal finished digesting, normally taking a 4 – 6 hour minimum, then only may the next meal be eaten. Eating all day whenever desired will lead to indigestion, sluggishness and poor yoga practices. In India it is said, “that if one eats 1 meal a day then this person is a yogi. If one eats 2 meals a day then this person loves life. If one eats three meals a day then this person needs to see a doctor”. The correct choice stems from individual metabolism. Good habits require the individual does not eat for 2 - 3 hours before sleeping. Consuming meals close to bed time leads to weight gain. Then when eating 3 additional habits need to be followed. First do not to eat till completely full. Second eat slowly and finally chew completely. By simply chewing food till it is absolutely broken down before swallowing enables the digestive system to easily absorb the nutrients. Eating slowly allows the digestive system sufficient time to release nutrients into the blood stream from the food being eaten. This starts the process of communicating to the body that it is getting full. Eating fast will only make a person full before they become consciously aware of it.
Fully grown adults may consider fasting once a week during the day. On this fasting day wake-up in the morning and drink still (not sparking) water every hour till 5pm. Follow this with a light meal which avoids the 4 limits. The colon will catch-up on passing anything that is trapped from stress, mistimed meals and even irregular sleep which affect digestion. Mornings are a time for detox and the firsts hours should be spent just drinking still water followed by juices to detox. Water is most important for cleaning and eliminating waste. Drink still water regularly every day. Consuming around 10 or more glasses a day is necessary to follow diet basics. Avoid sparkling water for fasting and morning water. Drink sparking water moderately to prevent becoming gaseous. Moderate consumption of mineral water which contains sodium is good for replacing electrolytes lost in sweat. But too much sodium is not acceptable for health.
To become fluid with digestion consider vegetarianism but do so with a doctor’s advice especially with medical issues. While on social events splurge without guilt. Having a sweet or two makes life sweeter. Then hit the mat the next day. Practicing diet basics hydrates joints, increase circulation, and allows easier warm-ups and better postures.
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