The Bhagwad Gita also explains how to eat: “while eating, one should concentrate only on eating as the food is served to one's consciousness” (9.27). Lord Krishna says that even eating leaves, fruits, and water suffice to keep us healthy”.31 Aug 2023
Another shloka - 1/62.
"Food items that are considered to be conducive for a yoga practitioner are: wheat, rice, barley, good grains like a variety of rice crop grown in sixty days, cow milk, ghee, jaggery, butter, sugar (Note: here sugar doesn't mean white sugar), honey, dry ginger, cucumber, seasonal fruits etc..., five leafy vegetables, greengram lentil etc..."
Sattvik food, rooted in Hindu philosophy, promotes purity through a vegetarian diet emphasizing fresh, seasonal, and natural foods. It aims to maintain a balanced mind and includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, and unprocessed dairy while avoiding highly processed or strongly flavored foods.
Characteristics: Sattvic foods are considered pure, clean, and wholesome. They are believed to promote clarity, mindfulness, and a sense of calmness.
Examples: Fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, dairy products, whole grains, and legumes.
Benefits: Sattvic foods are thought to enhance spiritual growth, mental clarity, and overall well-being. They are often recommended for those following a yogic or meditative lifestyle.
"Foods that are too bitter, too sour, salty, hot, pungent, dry and burning are dear to those in the mode of passion. Such Foods cause distress, misery and disease."
Characteristics: Rajasic foods are considered to be stimulating and are associated with activity, energy, and passion. These foods are believed to activate the mind and body.
Examples: Spicy foods, caffeinated beverages, certain types of meats, and foods with strong flavors or stimulants.
Effects: Rajasic foods are thought to promote energy, drive, and ambition. However, excessive consumption may lead to restlessness and heightened emotions.
Tamasic food is also the food which is taken without hunger, excessive in quantity, taken in disturbed state of mind (anger, jealousy, hatred,...), late at night. And also the too cold or hot foods/liquid, pasteurized milk, yogurt, cheese. The cooked food that is preserved in the fridge.
Characteristics: Tamasic foods are considered heavy, dull, and impure. They are believed to induce lethargy, inertia, and a lack of clarity.
Examples: Processed or stale foods, red meat, alcohol, heavily spiced dishes, and foods with artificial additives.
Effects: Tamasic foods are thought to be associated with a sense of inertia, confusion, and sluggishness. Consuming too many tamasic foods is believed to hinder spiritual and mental development.