Yoga is as much about the body as it is about the diet. A right diet can work wonders on the body and set the right frame of mind. Scientific studies have revealed that the enteric nervous system is the connection between the gut and the brain. This communication regulates the digestive system and this system works best when healthy. To keep it healthy, yoga is one of the best means.
Relationship Between Yoga and Nutrition
Nutrition plays a significant role in not only keeping chronic diseases at bay, but also in keeping the body in shape. You may work out in all diligence but if you do not have a proper diet or nutrition schedule, then that goes to waste. It has minimal to no effect on the body. This is the reason why nutrition and diet are stressed on the maintaining of a healthy body.
It has always been stressed that junk food can cause havoc on the body. This is because of the sugar, salt and oil content in junk food. These ingredients cause obesity and susceptibility to many lifestyle diseases that are unwelcome in everybody’s life. The desire for unhealthy foods comes from their craving. All these can be controlled by practicing yoga. Junk food cravings come from stress and distress in the human body. However, mindful eating can be taken care of by yoga. Yoga postures can aid proper digestion which is also part of a healthy body and diet.
Also read- A Healthy Blended Diet: The Traditional Indian With Modern Nutrition
Ideal Yogic Recipes for Robust Health
There are some ideal recipes that you can consume while practicing yoga. They are recommended to maintain good health.
Khichdi
According to Ayurveda, khichdi is one of the best dishes that can be recommended as part of a healthy diet. It is very easy to digest and balances the three doshas. Traditionally it is made by combining equal parts of moong dal with rice of your choice. It is topped with a dash of ghee and some spices like cumin, coriander and turmeric. It becomes soft and well-cooked and at the same time tasty and healthy. It is loaded with nutrients that are required by the body.
Golden Milk
It is a native drink of India, but its popularity has reached its zenith and transcended borders to the Western world. It is referred to as one of the super foods for good health. This popular ayurvedic drink is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Preparing it is easy. It is ideally made with a warm cup of milk wherein a teaspoon of turmeric, a pinch of black pepper powder and a teaspoon of honey is added. Other spices of one’s choice can also be added to it. You can add cinnamon and cardamom powder for added flavour.
Vegetable Soup
It is a powerhouse of micronutrients. Vegetable soup is a superb way to nourish the body and boost its immunity. It is made with chopped onions, garlic, ginger and spices like cumin and coriander in either ghee or oil. Vegetables like chopped carrots, beans, and bottle gourd are slow-cooked to make the vegetable broth and then they are seasoned.
Masoor Dal
It is very light and easy to digest and one of the most protein-rich lentils for nutrition purpose. It is simply boiled with water, a pinch of turmeric powder and salt till the lentils are well cooked. A few vegetables like garlic and onion can be sauteed with cumin seeds and chillies and tossed into the broth. Again a few vegetables of choice can be added. That is optional.
Buttermilk
It is an ideal summer drink that is a healthy probiotic just ideal for gut health. Take the required quantity of milk in a bowl. Add the required amount of white vinegar or lemon juice into the milk and stir till it combines well. Let this mixture thicken and curdle. After 5-10 minutes the buttermilk is ready to be consumed.
