"Recent studies suggest that the sugar-laden and high-fat foods we often crave when we are stressed or depressed, as comforting as they may seem, are the least likely to benefit our mental health. Instead, whole foods such as vegetables, fruit, fish, eggs, nuts and seeds, beans and legumes and fermented foods like yogurt may be a better bet."
- New York Times
A Sattvic Diet is rooted in Ayurveda, which places an emphasis on a vegetarian eating style with natural and non-processed foods.
The Benefits
In Ayurvedic practice, Sattvic foods are thought to:
- increase energy
- boosts the immune system
- potentially help people feel happier
- reduce the chemicals that cause stress and anger
- allow people to be calmer in their day-to-day life
- approach life with improved mental clarity
What is it based on?
The Sattvic diet is based in traditional Yoga practices and is based one of its three core guna -- or one of the three groupings of energy in physical matter:
- Sattva
- Rajas
- Tamas
Foods to Eat
- Land and sea vegetables
- Fruits and fruit juices
- Sprouted whole grains
- Nuts, seeds, and coconut products
- Fats and oils: olive oil, sesame oil, red palm oil, flax oil, ghee, etc.
- Dairy products when the cow is fed and milked appropriately
- Lentils, mung beans, chickpeas, bean sprouts, tofu, etc.
- Honey
- Herbal Teas
- Sattvic spices and herbs: coriander, basil, nutmeg, cumin, fenugreek, turmeric, ginger, etc.
Foods to Avoid
- Added sugar and sweets
- Fried foods
- Processed foods
- Refined grain products: white bread, bagels, cakes, cookies, etc.
- Meat, fish, eggs, and poultry
- Certain vegetables and fruits: onion, durian, scallions, pickles, and garlic
- Certain beverages: alcohol, sugary drinks, and caffeinated beverages like coffee
Best Practices
- Follow the diet diligently
- Eat foods in season
- Meditate
- Sleep and wake early
- Live mindfully in the present moment
