Bring Balance to Your Life with a Sattvic Diet

Yoga and Ayurveda are built on the philosophy of the three Gunas (qualities) – Sattva, Rajas and Tamas.
All life forms (nature/environment, food, actions, as well as our mind and body) possess these 3 Gunas, but in unique and distinct proportions.
This is partly what determines the character of someone or something at that moment, and this ratio is always in a state of flux.
If you’re new to Ayurveda or even you have taken a Dosha quiz before this one will reveal something new – I promise 😊 Take this quiz and discover your Ayurvedic Dosha (mind-body type), uncover your strengths and weaknesses, and find out what might be holding you back from living your best life.
Tamas
Tamas is downward moving energy. It’s a state of darkness, negativity, heaviness, dullness or inertia.
For example, when a seed is resting in the darkness of the earth, it’s in a state of tamas. The compost pile or frozen foods are also Tamas. When we sleep, it’s also Tamas.
Rajas
Rajas is a state of energy, action, change, and movement.
For example, when the seed pushes through the earth to reach the sun, it’s in a state of Rajas. Stimulants such as coffee and spicy food are Rajas, as well as when we are in a stressful situation.
Sattva
Sattva is a state of harmony, balance, joy and lightness.
For example, when a seedling has turned into a beautiful flower, it’s in a state of Sattva. When we are eating grounding, high-quality foods, that’s Sattva.
When we are engaging in peaceful, calming activities such as walking in nature, meditation and mindful physical Yoga practice, we are in a state of Sattva.
We need all three of the Gunas to experience life.
We need Tamas to rest our mind and body, but too much resting will lead to laziness and you need Rajas to move you out of Tamas and take action. But again, too much Rajas will create anxiety and restless nights.

One way we can cultivate more Sattva in our life is by eating more Sattvic food.
If you ever been to the ashram in India, the food they provide is all sattvic food!
Broadly, Sattvic foods are:
- Simple meals – ideally warm and cooked
- Fresh and natural products, prepared with love
- Whole foods (non-processed sugar and flours)
- Warm herbal teas
Tamasic and Rajasic foods are:
- Stimulants and foods that are difficult to digest
- Highly processed food and genetically modified food
- Food with preservatives or synthetic ingredients
- Microwave reheated
- Leftovers that are more than 24 hours old
- Cold food or beverages
- Meat, fish and dairy
Through awareness, discernment and active choice, the concept of the Gunas offers us a method of moving toward a sattvic life.
So next time, spend some time to analyze which guna is predominant in your food you are eating.
If you’re new to Ayurveda or even you have taken a Dosha quiz before this one will reveal something new – I promise 😊 Take this quiz and discover your Ayurvedic Dosha (mind-body type), uncover your strengths and weaknesses, and find out what might be holding you back from living your best life.
Please feel free to forward this to a friend, colleague or family member who you feel could benefit.