The current pandemic has shook humanity at large. Almost all the countries in the world are in total lockdown. After exploiting nature for hundreds of years, mankind is facing one of the biggest crisis ever. Is it too late? Maybe, maybe not.
However, if we survive this Pandemic, what I do know is:
- Nature must be included in decision-making henceforth.
- We must not harm any animal or bird to feed our need.
- We must change our policies towards climate and change it fast.
- We must adapt to a tried and tested diet plan which has survived since the beginning of mankind.
Sattvic Diet: An Introduction
Sattvic diet is a diet which finds mention in Upanishads. It is one of the oldest diet plan dating back to over 2000 years. In this system of dietary classification, foods that decrease the energy of the body are considered tamasic, while those that increase the energy of the body are considered rajasic.
A sattvic diet is a blend of seasonal foods, fruits if one has no sugar problems, dairy products if the cow is fed and milked in the right conditions, nuts, seeds, oils, ripe vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and non-meat based proteins. It is also referred to as a yogic diet in modern times.
What is Sattvic?
Sattvic is derived from Sanskrit word sattva (सत्त्व). Sattva is a deep concept in Indian philosophy, used in many contexts, and it means one that is “pure, essence, nature, vital, energy, clean, conscious, strong, courage, true, honest, wise, rudiment of life” Mystical, isn’t it?
The Diet Plan
- Nuts, oil and seeds: Fresh nuts and seeds that have not been overly roasted and salted are good additions to the Sattvic diet in small portions. Choices include almonds (especially when soaked in water overnight and then peeled), coconuts, pine nuts, walnuts, sesame seeds (til) and pumpkin seeds. Red palm oil is considered to be highly sattvic. Oils should be of good quality and cold-pressed. Some choices are olive oil, sesame oil and flax oil. Most oils should only be eaten in their raw state.
- Dairy: Respect Nature and Nature will respect you. In this beautiful diet plan, milk must be obtained from an animal that has a spacious outdoor environment, an abundance of pasture to feed on, water to drink, is treated with love and care, and is not pregnant.The milk may only be collected once the mother’s calf has its share. Dairy products like yogurt and cheese (paneer) must be made that day, from milk obtained that day. Butter must be fresh daily as well, and raw; but ghee (clarified butter) can be aged forever, and is great for cooking. Freshness is key with dairy. Milk should be freshly milked from a cow. Milk that is not consumed fresh can be refrigerated for one to two days in its raw state, but must be brought to a boil before drinking, and drunk while still hot/warm.
- Fruit: If you’re not diabetic, fruits are a must in this diet plan. It is an important source of Vitamins and must be included in Sattvic Diet.
- Vegetables: Most vegetables are considered as Sattvic. . Pungent vegetables like hot peppers, leek, garlic and onion are excluded, as are gas-forming foods such as mushrooms (tamasic, as are all fungi). Some consider tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants as sattvic, but most consider the Allium family (garlic, onion, leeks, shallots), as well as fungus (yeasts, molds, and mushrooms) as not sattvic. Potatoes and rice are considered highly sattvic. The classification of whether something is sattvic or not is defined largely by the different schools of thought, and – even then – individually, depending on the understanding and needs of practitioners. Sometimes the given nature of certain foods can be neutralised by careful preparation. A practice is to drink freshly made vegetable juices for their prana, live enzymes, and easy absorption.
- Sweeteners: Most yogis use raw honey (often in combination with dairy), jaggery, or raw sugar (not refined). Others use alternative sweeteners, such as stevia or stevia leaf. In some traditions, sugar and/or honey are excluded from the diet, along with all other sweeteners.
- Spices: Sattvic spices are herb and leaves, including basil and coriander.
Conclusion
Follow this diet plan and you will never fall sick again. Vegetarian diets have proven benefits. Hinduism is the oldest surviving religion because of their commitment to knowledge. The knowledge of this diet has lived through thousands of years because it has not only added health benefits, but you also enjoy a surprising feeling of mental calmness. Save Earth, Save Humanity. Hindu way of living will help you.
