HEALTH & NUTRITION “Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease & infirmity” (World Health Organization) It is the aim of most people in the world, to live a long and healthy life, however, when we take a good look around us, very few people have achieved this healthy state. Just as a car has specific requirements to run smoothly for it’s lifetime, so has the physical body. If we don’t look after the car with regular services and run it on quality fuel, the car will not run as it should. It is the same with our physical body, what we eat definitely has an impact on our body and mind. Some requirements needed for good health are: Correct eating habits, physical exercise, clean water and proper breathing. Correct eating habits - provides fuel for the body giving it energy to work, grow and maintain itself throughout its life. FOOD The yogic diet is vegetarian because it is important to have foods that have a positive effect on the mind. In yogic philosophy, there are three qualities of food : Sattva, rajas and tamas. Rajasic foods over stimulate the body and mind. Some of these foods include onions, garlic, coffee, tea, soft drinks, refined food products and spicy, seasoned, salty foods. Tamasic foods are heavy, creating dullness, depression and unhealthy thoughts. These foods include meat, fish, eggs and all intoxicants plus foods that have been reheated, fermented, burned, fried, stale and those containing preservatives. Also mushrooms because they grow in the darkness. PURE WATER Clean water - the intake of water can be from several sources. The most desirable and purest water will come from fresh fruits and vegetables ( ideally without chemicals). Do not use tape water for drinking and cooking as it is scientifically proven to be toxic with many harmful contaminants.This is the reason The Yoga Temple sells high quality water purification systems. For more information go to the water page on this website. EXERCISE It is best to exercise where both sides of the body get worked equally, example, walking, yoga, swimming, cycling etc In yoga, physical movements or postures called asanas, not only tone the muscles, tissues, ligaments, joints and nerves, but also maintain healthy functioning of the body’s systems. RECOMMENDATIONS Start with one yoga class a week for a while then build up from there. At the same time look at your diet. If your eating junk food and consuming to much sugar; eg alcohol, soft drinks, chips, chocolate etc, then STOP. Make positive change. Eat fresh fruit & veges, small amounts of protein and drink pure water. Don’t eat late at night. Walk by the sea in the mornings if possible and also collect the morning sun ( Vit D ), or walk in a park or in natural surroundings if possible and not in air conditioning. Walk at least three days a week for 30 to 60 minutes a day. Walk at a good pace and work up a sweat, take deep breaths of air. HEALTH/DIET LINKS www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ayurveda
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