Sattvic Yogi Diet

A Sattvic Yogi Diet is based on purity, nourishment, and groundedness. The term Sattva is widely known in the Yoga world and its practices, but transcends to all aspects of life. When people first learn about Ayurveda, they are drawn to it by the feeling of peace that surrounds everything about this ancient science.

Ayurveda is grounded in the idea that harmony can be achieved by practicing the four pillars of life. Eating foods that nourish our bodies and minds. Living in alignment with nature's rhythms and seasons. Getting proper sleep and managing our energy, both physically and mentally.

We achieve balance in these four areas of life by increasing Sattva and by incorporating foods that connect us with our higher consciousness. Sattvic foods are cultivated using mindful practices that prioritize organic, non-GMO, and locally produced methods. They digest easily and provide the strength and vitality you are meant to have naturally.

Ayurveda and Yoga are based on the philosophy of the three gunas: Sattva (lightness, balance, harmony, purity, and peace), Rajas (heat, activity, passion, turbulence, and stress), and Tamas (heaviness, lethargy, dullness, darkness, and ignorance). These concepts describe the qualities found in food, nature, actions, as well as in our body and mind.

Sattvic foods are known for being balancing, harmonious, and abundant. They typically include a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, along with whole grains, legumes, and nuts. However, the way they are prepared—such as cooked versus raw—can influence whether they bring Sattva or Rajas to the mind and body. For example, a vegetable might have all the potential for Sattva, but if eaten raw, it may become Rajasic for the body and mind. Many fruits are also Sattvic when lightly cooked with ghee and spices. 

Sattvic Foods

Grains: Basmati rice, oats, rice, and wheat.

Dairy: Raw milk, raw-milk cheese, and small amounts of freshly made yogurt.

Sweeteners: Honey, Jaggery, and raw sugar. 

Oils: Ghee and olive oil.

Fruits: Just about all organic fruit, in season, and ripe, but smaller quantities of the heavier fruits.

Vegetables: Most vegetables are good, but smaller quantities of broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, potatoes, and sweet potatoes are recommended, except mushrooms.

Nuts and Seeds: Almonds and pine nuts.

Legumes: Aduki beans, mung beans, and tofu. 

Spices: Cardamom, cinnamon, coriander, fennel, fresh ginger, and turmeric. Avoid raw garlic, raw onion, and very pungent spices.

Beverages: Pure spring water, raw milk, chamomile, mint teas, and sattvic vegetable juices.