Yoga and Balanced Diet for Body and Mind

Nutrition is an intrinsic part of Yogic practices. The food we eat can have a profound impact on not only our body but mind also. Eating a well-balanced diet with sufficient nutrients is essential for maintaining energy levels, building strength and endurance, and supporting muscle recovery. Yoga and Ayurveda recommend inclusion of Sattvic foods in the daily diet which are light and healthy in nature. Foods that are vegetarian, high on antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and freshly made are believed to work wonders for your energy levels, happiness, calmness, and bring mental clarity. Such diet also works appropriately for building stamina and flexibility to perform Yoga asanas with ease. It also helps in enhancing focus which is important for achieving the meditative state.   

GUT-BRAIN CONNECT

 

Yoga is as much about the body as it is about mind. The right diet can bring us in the right frame of mind. We have trillions of microbes in our gut microbiota that regulate various body functions. Scientific studies have established that there is a great connect between our gut and our brain. The gut-brain axis refers to the interaction between the gut and the brain. This involves multiple complex pathways and mechanisms.

One of key functions of the gut-brain axis is its role in digestion and nutrient absorption. The gut and the brain communicate through the enteric nervous system, which is often referred to as the ‘second brain’ due to its ability to operate independently of the central nervous system. This communication helps to regulate digestive processes such as enzyme secretion, gut motility, and nutrient absorption. 

YOGA AND NUTRITION RELATIONSHIP

 

Nutrition can play a big role in keeping chronic diseases away. While we understand the importance of a healthy diet, we often crave for unhealthy foods to regulate mood swings and manage stress. We tend to munch mindlessly under stress and before we realise the entire box of cookies or a bag of chips goes into our system and begin to wreak havoc with our stress levels even more. This is a vicious cycle. The more we eat junk food, the craving for unhealthy stuff becomes more intense. The hidden sugar and salt content in these items can over the period of time make us obese and susceptible to many lifestyle diseases. Yoga can help support healthy eating habits. By reducing stress and promoting mindfulness, yoga can help individuals become more attuned to their bodies and make better food choices. Yoga can also aid in digestion and improve metabolism, which can help the body better process nutrients and maintain a healthy weight.

WHAT IS A BALANCED DIET

 

Eating a balanced diet which means including all the essential food groups can have a magical effect on your health. From improved concentration levels, to reductions in aches and pains, to enhanced immunity, better moods, healthy weight to an overall sense of well-being, eating better can bring a revolutionary change in your life. A balanced diet provides all the essential nutrients that the body needs to maintain optimal health and well-being. A balanced diet should include a variety of different foods from all the major food groups in the right proportions. For example carbohydrates provide energy to the body and the healthy sources of carbs include whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues and should make up around 10-35% of the total calorie intake. Sources of protein include dairy products, beans, and legumes. A balanced diet should also include healthy fats such as nuts, seeds, avocados, and ghee. However, the intake of saturated and trans fats found in processed and fried foods must be limited.  For good health, one must also include a variety of vitamins and minerals that the body needs to function properly.