how to eat like a yogi

Most of what you will read about a yogic diet involves being a vegetarian or a vegan, but The Yoga of Eating by Charles Eisenstein (2003) takes a more nuanced approach. While acknowledging that vegetarianism serves the Yama of ahimsa or non-violence, Eisenstein invites readers to check whether this approach is right for them. In a very busy or active stage of life, yoga practitioners might need animal protein, he writes. Yet, readers are not off the hook completely – they should also be aware of where their food has come from and, in particular, what conditions have brought the meat to their table. By buying factory-farmed meat, we are saying yes to this model and supporting it. Of course, by buying more ethically and kindly produced meat we are contributing to a more humane world.

Awareness is a constant theme, to the point where Einstein recommends the practice of eating in silence to fully concentrate on and integrate food. This makes sense. If you pause to smell your dinner, and look at your plate, your digestive juices in your mouth will start to activate. Your mouth will water and your stomach will also start to prepare for what it’s about to receive. Aroma is key, and yogis need to slow down to allow the aroma to be fully appreciated. Silence might not be possible in a busy household, but we can all take a little more time (and teach our children to as well) rather than rushing through dinner. Silence, by the way, extends to limiting activities while eating, so that means pushing the book aside and turning off the TV.

Try it, even for a minute, just totally enjoy your food, and totally experience the flavours and textures. It’s the same as going into a yoga pose with awareness and observing what happens while you are there. Similarly when you sit down to eat, take your time. Be present.

True to the sub heading of the book: ‘Transcending diets and dogma to nourish the natural self’, Eisenstein implores readers to listen to their own body. Should I fast? Only if you are both mentally and physically ready. How much water should I drink a day? Listen to your body for signs of thirst and sip water accordingly – there is no magic number that will suit everyone (in case of doubt check that you pee is not too yellow or too clear). How much should I eat? Pause between bites for a full nourishing breath and notice how your body feels. How can I exercise my willpower? Rather, Eisenstein recommends to trust your body and surrender to it – which is a leap of faith for most of us!

“Your body tells you what it wants, Do not overcomplicate the matter.”

Eisenstein p76.

An interesting question posed in the book, is what else might you be using food for? Sometimes we use food for comfort, however we may need to look at what is lacking in our lives and address this rather than expecting food to nourish us and fill any gaps in our hunger for more connection, or deeper connection, with loved ones. Don’t mistake sugar for the sweetness of life, Eisenstein writes!

I really enjoyed this book. On the surface, it may look like Eisenstein is giving us permission to eat what we want, but actually this comes with the effort of mindfulness and a deep listening to and trust of the body. In short, enjoy your food, love your body, take notice and be kind.