Mitahara

In today’s fast-paced world, everything is undergoing rapid change. This has affected our eating habits too. From kids to the elderly, everyone loves fried chicken, burgers, and pizza. As we indulge in fast foods and junk foods to satisfy our taste buds, we often forget how harmful these toothsome foods can be to our health. And this is where the importance of a proper diet is. 

Food and eating are a central part of our existence, hence in our yogic journey, we follow ‘Mitahara’. The food we eat builds not only our body but also our mind. Thus the importance of eating the right food in a proper manner cannot be emphasized more. This is especially true if you want to achieve success in yoga.

‘Mitahara’ or yogic diet is the diet of moderation laid down by the ancient sages of yore for those practicing yoga. ‘Mita’ in Sanskrit means limited or controlled and ‘Ahara’ means intake, which makes Mitahara, a diet of control or moderation.  There are three main concepts of Mitahara. 

These are: 

• Quality of food

• Quantity of food

• Mental attitude while eating

Let’s discuss these aspects

Quality of food

The quality of food depends upon the yoga practices one is pursuing. For instance, those who are practicing meditation should consume lighter, easily digestible foods, and yoga practitioners focused on strength gains should prioritize muscle-building foods.

Although yoga doesn’t classify any food items as good or bad, it prefers sweet and astringent natural foods over others, which may still be enjoyed in moderation. Generally, a nutritious, sweet, lubricated diet and food that is made with cow’s milk is ideal for a yogi. The food should nourish the elements of the yogi's body. Overly heated, stale, rotten, and preserved foods are discouraged. 

Quantity of food

The quantity of food is equally important to the quality of food. Gheranda Samhita, advises filling half the stomach with food and a quarter portion with water, leaving a quarter empty for digestion and gas. Overeating is seen as a major hurdle in yoga practice.

Yoga emphasizes controlling the mind, which includes controlling the senses. Taste is a powerful sense. However, severe food restriction is discouraged as it disrupts yoga practice. Yogis advocate for Mitahara, a balanced approach to food quantity.

Mental Attitude

while eating The food we eat influences our thoughts. The thoughts we have while procuring, preparing, cooking and eating influence our actions, and ultimately, what we become.  So, yoga places utmost importance on eating food with the right attitude. It advises to respect the food by eating without distractions for a healthier mind and body. Following Mitahara and mindful eating are key aspects of a yogic diet, promoting health and success in yoga practice.