
Hatha Yoga Pradipika Commentary on the Yogic Diet “the most conducive foods for the yogi are: good grains, wheat, rice, barley, milk, ghee, brown sugar, sugar candy (crystallized sugar), honey, dry ginger, patola fruit (species of cucumber), five vegetables (leafy vegies similar to spinach), mung and such pulses, and pure water” chapter 1 verse 62 “The yogi should take nourishing and sweet food mixed with ghee and milk; it should nourish the dhatus (skin, flesh, blood, bone, marrow, fat, semen/ova) and be pleasing and suitable” chapter 1 verse 63

Hatha Yoga Pradipika Commentary on the Yogic Diet

“the most conducive foods for the yogi are: good grains, wheat, rice, barley, milk, ghee, brown sugar, sugar candy (crystallized sugar), honey, dry ginger, patola fruit (species of cucumber), five vegetables (leafy vegies similar to spinach), mung and such pulses, and pure water”

chapter 1 verse 62

“The yogi should take nourishing and sweet food mixed with ghee and milk; it should nourish the dhatus (skin, flesh, blood, bone, marrow, fat, semen/ova) and be pleasing and suitable”

chapter 1 verse 63


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Yogic Diet

Swami Sivananda’s Dietetic Rules

take a moderate diet: stomach ¾ full
eat only when hungry
do not eat between meals
eat at fixed times
do not eat food that is too hot or too cold
include raw vegies / fruit daily
abandon too many combinations
eat combinations that are compatible
do not eat processed foods
no need to peel many veggies and fruits
do not overcook foods
never reheat food
eat in peaceful circumstances
rest for ½ hour after eating
avoid late dinners

Helpful Hints - Swami Satyananda

buy fresh foods, store at a cool temperature
buy foods in season
rinse all the dirt and chemical sprays off them
steaming or baking is better than frying or boiling
avoid large amounts of fat, oil or ghee
use salt sparingly ~ season with herbs, lemon juice or natural soya sauce
do not overcook; prepare food just before serving
cook with care in order to increase prana
keep meals simple
take meals at regular times; do not eat in between
chew carefully
eat when calm
only eat as much as you need
take food with the attitude that it is a health giving gift from nature

Yogic Diet

eat natural foods in moderation
vegetarianism isn’t necessary, but it is recommended in the higher stages of yogic practice
at meal times ½ fill the stomach with food, ¼ with water, and leave remaining ¼ empty
do not eat to the point of heaviness
avoid heavy, oily and spicy foods
eat to live rather than live to eat

Ayurveda and Diet

Ayurveda is simply translated as "science of life" and more comprehensively as "the knowledge that teaches us which substances, life-styles and activities are beneficial or harmful to life"...

...Ayurveda has developed in India over at least the last 4000 years. It has now spread all over the world. It is a blend of herbal medicine, spiritual insight, practical experience, scientific analysis and artisitic creativity.

Quoted from PukkaHerbs.com

more about Ayurveda...