Ahimsa/Non Harming
Ahimsa would suggest that the foods that you ingest should cause no harm to you are anyone else. Questions that surface when contemplating Ahimsa and diet:
- Is the food I am eating causing damage to my body?
- Was anyone or anything harmed unnecessarily in the creation or processing of this food?
Aparigraha/Non Hoarding
Aparigraha deals with taking only what is necessary and letting go of attachments. Questions that surface when contemplating Aparigraha and diet:
- Is there more food on my plate that what my body needs to be healthy?
- Am I wasteful with food?
- Are my eating habits taking food away from others?
- Am I attached to certain foods in a way that is harmful to me, the environment or to others?
Sauca/Purity
Sauca deals with purity and cleanliness. Questions that surface when contemplating Sauca and diet:
- Is my food clean and free of all impurities?
- Does this food contain toxins?
- Is this food toxic to me, other living beings or the environment?
- Does this food disrupt the purity of my mind and emotions?(Maybe think about alcohol,sugar, caffeine and its effects on mood and behavior)
Santosha/Contentment
Santosha deals with being satisfied and content. Questions to contemplate:
- Do I feel satiated when I am done eating or am I too full or underfed?
- Does this food turn off my hunger signals or make me crave more? (sugar, high fructose corn syrup)
- Are my cravings disruptive to my feeling of satisfaction?
- Am I making a decision to be happy about the food that I have to eat?
Tapas/Disciplined Use of Energy
Tapas deals with the heated energy it takes to stay disciplined. Questions for diet and Tapas:
- Am I eating more calories then I can burn off?
- Am I disciplined about my food intake?
- Am I disciplined about my yoga practices and exercise that helps my body stay balanced?
- Are my thoughts on food steady and balanced?
Svadhyaya/Self Study
Svadhyaya deals with self inquiry and studying things that will promote self improvement. Questions for diet and Svadhyaya:
- How do I feel when I eat this food?
- How do I feel when I eat at this time?
- Have I done research on the proper diet for my body?
- Do I understand the long term effects of this diet?
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