By Elizabeth Herman | Posted: April 20, 2018

Have you ever had a day where you sit to meditate but you feel sleepy or a zillion thoughts bombard you? Do you wonder why? Generally, what you eat can contribute to your experience of meditation. Let's look at how food plays an important role in determining how restfully and blissfully you meditate.

You Are What You Eat

Once upon a time in India, there lived three friends, Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas. They were very close to each other but very different in nature.

Tamas tended to rest but easily fell into laziness. He would lie down all day, lethargic, not working. But he suddenly changed at meal times, becoming very active; he ate all kinds of meat and heavy food.

Rajas was focused on action, but he was very restless, with many thoughts in his mind and many tasks in his hands at the same time. He was a fan of hot and spicy foods, and very sugary sweets.

The wisest among them was Sattva, with a natural balance between calm and enthusiasm. Extremely careful with his diet, he ate only what was necessary. Freshly cooked green vegetables, grains, fruits and juices were part of his diet. So he remained healthy, light, and energetic (unlike his friend Tamas), and could think clearly and logically.

Which of the three friends do you like? Whom would you like to have as your best friend?

Well, they are already part of your life, all three of them! Tamas helps you settle down for good sleep at night, Rajas keeps you active during the day, and Sattva keeps your energy high. But of the three, make Sattva your best friend so you can adopt his qualities. Higher Sattva equals deeper meditation. Choose your food wisely and clear the way for blissful meditation.

Choose Your Diet According to Your Prakriti (Vata, Pitta or Kapha)

Each body type has a unique, natural constitution composed of vata, pitta, and kapha. Knowing which of these prakriti you are can help you change your eating habits, so you stay healthy and balanced, and also have deeper meditation.

5 dietary tips to make your meditation deeper

1. Switch to vegetarianism - It is healthy and also makes meditation easier.

2. Eat more fresh fruits and green vegetables - Include high fiber foods in your diet.

3. Drink plenty of water - It is good to consume at least two liters of water every day. Prefer fruit juices to carbonated beverages.

4. Eat the right amount - It is not a good idea to eat too much, because a very full stomach makes meditation difficult.

5. Have a sattvic diet - Higher sattva helps bring on a deeper experience of meditation.

Note: To learn about your own body constitution (Prakriti) and receive personal guidance on appropriate food for deeper meditation, consult Shankara Ayurveda Spa and get your Nadi Pariksha (an ancient method of pulse diagnosis) done. Many treatments and extended programs, such as panchakarma, for treating yourself Ayurvedically are available here in the U.S.  Eat well, live well, and meditate well!

Feeling unmotivated or restless? Emotions taking a toll on your personal and work life? Learn more about how meditation can help you overcome daily issues and improve your life.

This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

By Elizabeth Herman based on wisdom talks of Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar