Proper Diet (Ahara / Yogic Nutrition)
Proper Diet, or Ahara, is the practice of nourishing the body and mind with pure, natural, and balanced food. In yoga, diet is not just about physical health — it also affects thoughts, emotions, and spiritual energy. A sattvic (pure and balanced) diet promotes clarity, peace, and vitality, supporting both physical wellness and spiritual growth.
Core Principles
Purity (Sattva)
Choosing foods that are fresh, natural, and promote calmness.
Moderation (Mitahara)
Eating in the right quantity — not too much, not too little.
Mindful Eating
Eating with gratitude, awareness, and without distraction.
Non-Violence (Ahimsa)
Favouring a vegetarian or plant-based diet that respects all living beings.
practise
- Include fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts, seeds, and dairy (if suitable).
- Avoid processed, stale, or overly spicy foods that create imbalance.
- Eat slowly and at regular times, with a peaceful state of mind.
- Offer food mentally before eating, as an act of gratitude.
A simple meal of fresh fruits, steamed vegetables, whole grains, and herbal tea — eaten calmly and mindfully — nourishes the body deeply and supports inner balance and awareness.
“Food is energy — it shapes not only the body but also the quality of the mind. A proper yogic diet keeps the body light, the mind clear, and the spirit uplifted. It supports harmony between nature and the self.”