While we all want to achieve the ideal "yoga butt," let us remember that feeling better is always better than looking better. Sure, more yoga may mean a tighter body for you, but to do yoga you must live yoga.
Traditionally, this means following a vegetarian diet (I know this may be a stretch for some of you). We are prana (or energy) so we must nourish our bodies with food high in prana; ie, fresh, wholesome foods. The purer the food and less processed, the better the taste and higher the energy source. If you eat crap, you will feel like crap.
You will see instantaneous results if you simply avoid foods that are bad for the body. The good thing about a yogi eating lifestyle is that you can eat good fat: nuts, pure oils like olive or peanut, avocado, etc. If you choose to eat foods that you know are bad, cherish them. Enjoy each bite. You will eat less of it, experience it, and therefore not feel guilty (a little chocolate cake goes a long way!)
Here are a few tips to help you kick-start your yoga diet or lifestyle:
Avoid overly processed foods (anything hydrogenated, an ingredient you can't pronounce, or with high fructose corn syrup. Products: soda, white flour, sugary candy, coffee creamer, etc. )
Try to limit your daily meat intake,at least once a week (chicken, beef, pork). See how much better you feel the next day! If you eat meat, eat small bites and reduce the amount.
Try to avoid dairy. Believe it or not, you DON'T need milk. Milk is for calves and babies. As an adult, ingesting it only gives you gas and mucus. If you don't believe me, try avoiding it all together and see how many times you blow your nose afterwards! The calcium benefit can be achieved through other sources like broccoli. Drink soy milk instead!
On fish. It is a great source of protein (though you may obtain similar amounts with beans) but could also be dangerous. Avoid farm raised fishies or fish with high levels of mercury or other toxins. If you eat it, purchase organic fish at your local organic grocery. The expense now is less than medical bills later.
Snacking is actually good for you, so long as you snack on good things. Fruit and veggies are always a winner, but if it isn't your cup of tea, buy unprocessed goodies like whole wheat crackers, freshly popped popcorn, etc. Trader Joe's offers an excellent healthy snack aisle.
Most of all. ENJOY YOUR FOOD. Whatever you eat, make sure you are eating for the right reasons. Are you salivating? If not, the body doesn't need food. Don't eat and talk at the same time. This distracts us and makes us eat more. Take time to savor each bite.
