With such a litany of diet books today it’s hard to know what to eat and what not to. Just like the practice of yoga, the practice of eating should be based on a clear line of communication between yourself and your body. Always be mindful of what you put into your body and how it makes you feel. We have all had the experience of eating too much and feeling sluggish or eating something that is not good for us and feeling sick. In the common sense food program, we are trying to expand our awareness of how the food we eat affects our constitution. Follow these guidelines and you are guaranteed to improve your health.
The Ultimate Yogi suggests the common sense food program: REMOVE
- processed foods
- refined sugars
- flour
- preservatives
- bad fats
- alcohol
1) Chew your food. This is a great habit to get into for two reasons. Chewing is the first step in the digestion process. It breaks down the larger pieces of food and infuses it with enzymes. Chewing also slows down the eating process so the body and brain have time to prepare for internal digestion.
2) Cook your own food. It may take a little more time out of your busy schedule to do so but it is important to connect with what you are about to eat. If time is an issue, then cook two or three meals at once. A great healthy stew or soup can keep you nourished for a few days.
3) Choose ingredients with life in them. This means that they are as close to the ground as possible. Leafy greens are a great example of these. They are bursting with life force from sunlight and the earth. If you can fill eighty percent of your plate with life-giving ingredients you are guaranteed to exude health.
4) Share your meals. Don’t forget the value of good company and the relationships you build while breaking bread. So often in our rush to do more, we just stuff our mouths with whatever is available losing track of all the intangible benefits of sharing a meal with a friend.
5) Read the labels. If you can’t understand what the ingredients are, chances are it is not healthy. Food has much health-giving properties but there is no such thing as health food.
6) Listen to your body. A good relationship is based on communication. Take note of what you are eating and how it makes you feel. We all have different constitutions and we all react to food differently. Take time to note what you ate and how it made you feel. No nutritionist can tell you more about your own energy levels and vitality than your digestive system will.
7) Buy local. Buying local is good for the environment and good for the community. It supports your neighbors and it reduces the carbon footprint of a large industry.
8) Buy seasonal. The food that survives the season it is in does so for a reason. There is an innate connection between the body and the environment. It is very subtle and it is dependent on a myriad of conditions. We could write a whole book on just that. Within reason try and follow this principle and you will marry yourself to your environment.
9) Variety truly is the spice of life. In every system on earth, biodiversity ensures its survival. As long as we eat within the spectrums described above we will guarantee our long term health and survival. It is up to us to ensure our long term survival by promoting and supporting biodiversity.
10) Keep connected. Share your recipes on The Facebook GroupT
Three Cleanses on your Journey
Vegan Lifestyle | Days 33 – 35
This is the first of the three cleanses. For three days avoid all foods which contain any animal products. This includes dairy. Not only is this incredibly healthy but its also good for the planet. Just ask yourself if it grew in or on the ground when deciding what to eat. If the answer is yes, it’s good to go.
Raw Food Detox | Days 69 – 71
Eating raw is one way to ensure you are getting your food at its optimal state. Cooking destroys many of the vital nutrients foods contain. Not only do you detoxify your system with this diet but you also give your digestive system a workout. During these three days avoid animal products as well.
Juice Feast | Days 105 – 107
The word feast has been chosen on purpose – you are not trying to starve yourself. You are giving your entire digestive system a vacation as well as detoxifying the body. Try and drink at least four ounces of juice every two hours. Ensure that you are combining the juice of at least one leafy green with a little bit of fruit.
THE ULTIMATE YOGI
The Ultimate Yogi is the most comprehensive yoga DVD set on the market. Renowned yoga instructor, Travis Eliot will take you to your physical limits and beyond. Take a journey of 108 days as you transform your life from the inside out. After three thirty-six day cycles we guarantee that your body will be leaner, your mind will be sharper, and you will have purified every facet of your being. Find the program HERE.
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