Traditionally, yoga divides food into three major categories corresponding with the three qualities, or gunas of nature (Prakriti). The three gunas are: Tamas, Rajas and Sattwa. These three types of energy are present in food as well. Consequently, as we consume certain foods, they influence our personality in distinctive ways, making us either balanced or imbalanced.
 
Each of the types of food has a related state of consciousness:

• Gross  Tamasic
• Intermediate Rajasic
• Spiritual  Sattvic

 
Tamasic food promotes apathy and inactivity. This diet includes:

•  Anything stale
• Anything processed, packaged, frozen or preserved
• Over processed or canned food
• Fermented foods like aged cheeses
• Chemical-filled foods
• Alcohol
• Any sources of caffeine

Those foods should be avoided, as Tamasic food deprives your body of nutrition and energy, and makes you feel tired.
 
Rajasic food promotes agitation, excessive energy, and discontentment. This diet includes:

• All meat, fish and eggs
• Most strong spices
• Caffeine drinks

Those foods should be avoided, or limited.
 
Sattvic food promotes health, vitality, strength, and tranquility. This diet includes:

• Fresh, unprocessed, organic fruits
• Vegetables and grains
• Close to their natural state
• Free of additives, preservatives and other chemicals
• Nuts and seeds (especially almonds and sesame seeds)
• Dried peas, beans and lentils
• Honey
• Milk and its products, including butter

These foods should constitute the yogic diet. Sattvic foods are those that help balance the body and mind, making us feel peaceful and energised.

Yoga teaches us about the connection between what we eat and how we feel emotionally and physically. Therefore, it is vital to eat only natural, unprocessed fresh food that is as close to its original state as possible. Best to cook those foods that actually require cooking.
 
According to “Hatha Yoga Pradipika”, certain foods are injurious to a yoga practitioner. These include:
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• bitter, sour, salty, hot, fermented or oily foods
• alcohol, fish, meat, curds
• strong spices and herbs including garlic and onion
• vegetables causing a burning sensation

 
“Hatha Yoga Pradipika” also recommends certain foods as beneficial to a yogi. These include:

• wheat
• rice and barley
• milk and butter
• sugar and honey
• dried ginger
• vegetables
• pure water
• well sweetened tonics

 
Traditionally, a yogic diet should consist of:

• fresh uncooked food
• fresh fruits and juices
• fresh vegetables
• wholegrain cereals
• nuts and seeds
• dried peas
• beans and lentils

 
Food should be eaten slowly, with full attention to eating, and chewing properly to aid digestion. We should eat in moderation, not too much or too often.
 
Meat should be avoided as it interferes with our spiritual development. Processed foods, filled with preservatives, additives and colorings are considered to be foodless foods as they are usually full of fat and sugar and they contain no vitamins or minerals. These should also be avoided as they provide the body with unnecessary calories, chemicals and toxins that are harmful.