Try the yogic diet

It’s often said: "As you eat, so you become."

Diet occupies a dominant place in yoga, which advises Sattvic or pure vegetarian food.

Food is traditionally classified according to its effect on the body and mind, using the three Gunas: Sattva (quality of love, light and life), Raja (quality of activity and passion, lacking stability) and Tamas (quality of darkness and inertia, resulting in ignorance).

Sattvic food

It’s "sweet, fresh and agreeable" and includes most fruits, nuts, seeds, vegetables, particularly green leafy vegetables, whole grains, honey, pure water and milk.

Rajasic food

Rajasic food includes spicy dishes, stimulants such as coffee and tea, peppers, spices, condiments, sour, bitter things and chocolate, as well as processed food. Eating too fast or with a disturbed mind is also considered Rajasic.

Tamasic food

Includes alcohol, stale food, eggs, meat, fish, fowl, as well as overcooked, over-heated food.

Eating rules

Eat no more than 85 per cent of your capacity as it aids in digestion.

Also eat slowly and chew thoroughly. Those who are overweight often make the mistake of eating too fast.

Eat at least two hours before sleeping.