What influences our food choices? TASTE!!! Nutrition knowledge Access Affordability Time Spirituality Examples of spiritual dietary rules Islam- avoid pork, only eat Halal meat Mormon- avoid tea, coffee, alcohol Hindu- avoid beef, pork, eggs Judaism- avoid pork, seafood, meat/poultry, only eat Kosher foods Examples of spiritual dietary rules The Spiritual Path of Siddha Yoga recommends a Lacto-Vegetarian Diet within the Ashram. Outside of the Ashram, the adherents are encouraged to follow a vegetarian diet in as much as that is possible considering their environment. Source: Correctional Services of Canada http://www.csc-scc.gc.ca/text/prgrm/chap/diet/diete- 03_e.shtml The Yogic/Sattvic Diet For information purposes only. Does not represent the recommendations of Public Health Services The Yogic/Sattvic Diet Yoga teaches that a vegetarian diet is best for spiritual life but also for good overall health “Various grains, fruits, roots; and for beverages: milk and pure water openly exposed to air and sun- are decidedly the best natural food for man.” –Sri Yukteswar (the guru of Paramahansa Yogananda ) For information purposes only. Does not represent the recommendations of Public Health Services More than a Vegetarian diet The sattvic diet is a spiritual type of vegetarianism. Body consciousness, calming of the mind, increased prana and spiritual fastings are all a part of this lifestyle. For this reason, the sattvic diet is much more disciplined than a vegetarian diet. For information purposes only. Does not represent the recommendations of Public Health Services Definitions Sattva The quality of purity and goodness Prana The life force Food is seen to be the carrier of prana Guna Type of category of food For information purposes only. Does not represent the recommendations of Public Health Services Traditional Sattvic Diet Consists of organic, whole, natural fruits & vegetables, grains, nuts and seeds Organically grown foods, naturally ripened and harvested often carry the highest level of prana Preparation The attitude in which food is prepared is just as important as the quality of the food itself Foods grown and prepared with care and a positive feeling will ensure only nourishment is being absorbed For information purposes only. Does not represent the recommendations of Public Health Services Modern Sattvic Diet Vegetarian Does not include White flour, White sugar, Junk food, Excessively spicy or salty foods, Fried food, and Other forms of food that unnaturally stimulate your mind and/or blood sugar It avoids meat, alcohol, garlic and onions. Some also exclude fish and eggs. For information purposes only. Does not represent the recommendations of Public Health Services Three Gunas of Food Sattvic Foods which are considered clean and pure Savoury, smooth, firm and pleasant to the stomach Rajastic Foods that cause over-stimulation and agitation Pungent, sour, harsh or astringent Tamasic Foods that leave us tired and sluggish Stale, tasteless,For information rotten purposes oronly. foul Does not represent the recommendations of Public Health Services.