Yogic Diet – THREE JEWELS WELLNESS

Ahimsa (non-violence) has been referred to in the ancient Vedic texts as ‘Do not harm anything’ and is an important aspect of the code of conduct of a yoga practitioner. This principle of Ahimsa is challenged by the food chain hierarchy as one has to eat other living beings (whether plants or animals) in order to survive. In such a situation, a practical approach is prescribed to have a vegetarian diet where harm to living beings (in particular those with more developed senses) is kept to a minimum.

In Ayurvedic terms, a Yogic diet comprises of food which are of a Sattvic (pure) nature such as fresh fruits, salads and grains. Hot and spicy or very cold foods are Rajasic in nature and cause excitement. Fried foods are examples of Tamasic foods which make you feel heavy and bloated. Such types of foods are to be avoided. Sattvic foods are those which keep you satisfied and, are energising and refreshing.

Watch this video which shows a freshly prepared Sattvic Yogic lunch and here are the delicious recipes which go with it.

IMG_20140921_143020752 — Freshly baked cake, just out of the oven

Ingredients

2 cups wholemeal flour (sifted) 1 can (379g) condensed milk, sweetened ½ – ¾ cup sunflower oil ¾ cup warm water	½ cup mixed nuts, chopped ½ cup mixed dry fruit ¼ cup fresh fruit (eg cherries or blueberries) small pieces (optional)
1 tsp ginger powder 1 tsp cinnamon powder 2 tsp vanilla powder 1 tsp bi-carbonate soda 3 tsp baking powder	Egg replacement Mixture of 3 tbsp yoghurt, 3 tbsp milk, 3 tbsp cornflower

Method

Mix all ingredients to a dropping consistency cake mixture.
Line with baking parchment or greaseproof paper a 23cm round cake tin. Grease the lining with sunflower oil.
Pour the mixture into the cake tin.
Pre-heat oven and bake at 180⁰ C for 1 hour.
Cool cake on wire rack.