Food is seen as a carrier of the life force called prana and is judged by the quality of its prana and by the effect it has on our consciousness. Yogis understand that the fear of death permeates every cell of the body of an animal when it is slaughtered. Therefore, the traditional yogic diet is lacto-vegetarian and avoids eggs as well as all animal flesh (including fish!).

Foods are also classified as sattvic, rajasic and tamasic according to the quality of the impact they have on the heart, mind and spirit. Foods that are particularly nourishing for not just physical, but mental, emotional and spiritual health, are called sattvic - foods that impart sattva (purity) in Ayurveda. Rice, milk, ghee and almonds are examples of sattvic foods

A sattvic diet means consuming food that gives life, strength, energy, courage and self-determination. It also gives us the subtle nourishment necessary for vitality and consciousness. In other words, sattvic food gives us more than the gross physical requirements of the proper mix of proteins, carbohydrates and fats etc.

• Foods dear to those in the mode of goodness (sattvic) increase the duration of life, purify one’s existence and give strength, health, happiness and satisfaction. Such foods are juicy, fatty, wholesome, and pleasing to the heart.

• Foods that are too bitter, too sour, salty, hot, pungent, dry and burning are dear to those in the mode of passion (rajasic). Such foods cause distress, misery and disease.

• Food prepared more than three hours before being eaten, food that is tasteless, decomposed and putrid, and food consisting of remnants and untouchable things is dear to those in the mode of darkness (tamasic).

Sattvic food promotes clarity and calmness of mind and is favourable for spiritual growth. It is "sweet, fresh and agreeable" and includes most fruits, nuts, seeds, vegetables, particularly green leafy vegetables, whole grains, honey, pure water and milk.

Rajasic food feeds the body, but promotes activity and therefore induces restlessness of mind. It disturbs the equilibrium of the mind and is generally to be avoided by yoga practioners. Rajasic food should be avoided by those whose aim is peace of mind, but will benefit people with an active lifestyle. A little rajasic food can be sattvic. For example, hot spices can help digestion, and therefore help create peace of mind!

“Factors such as how we think, how we act, and how we relate interpersonally determine the kind of energies drawn to us. Diet is vital not only because it affects how the body functions but because it influences our thoughts and actions as well. Proper diet combined with chanting mantras (powerful words) and prayers greatly elevate the consciousness. It affects the vibrations of the body and allows us to develop greater fortitude.”

How and when to eat is also important. One should not eat too late at night, for there should be a gap of at least two, and preferably three to four hours between supper and sleep. Food should be freshly prepared and eaten with attention, respect and gratitude.

“Our eating habits have a significant impact on our lives, too. If you eat heavily before going to bed, your body has to work harder to digest the food. It does not get the rest it needs, and thus, you are likely to experience negative dreams.”

The great classic Bhagavad Gita further states that in addition to being better for us, vegetables, fruits, nuts, grains, sugar, and milk products, are foods being in the mode of goodness, and as such they may be offered to God.

patram puspam phalam toyam

yo me bhaktya prayacchati

tad aham bhakty-upahrtam

asnami prayatatmanah

"If one offers Me with love and devotion a leaf, a flower, fruit or water, I will accept it."

The result of offering these foods to God means that they can be transformed and purified of all karma which might be accrued by obtaining them. This should be of interest to those who comment that eating vegetables also has repercussions.

yagya-sishtasinah santo

muchyante sarva-kilbishai

bhunjate te tv agham papa

ye pacanty atma-karanat

The devotees of the Lord are released from all kinds of sins because they eat food which is offered first for sacrifice. Others, who prepare food for personal sense enjoyment, verily eat only sin.

Most importantly the attitude of the person preparing the food is vital, as the mood of the cook permeates the food. According to the subtle laws of nature, the cook acts upon the food not only physically, but mentally as well. Food thus becomes an agency for subtle influences on our consciousness. If we eat foods cooked by people devoid of spiritual consciousness - unhappy employees working in a dirty food factory somewhere - then we are sure to absorb a dose of materialistic mental energies.

Many deeply spiritual people still prefer their lunch box prepared at home to lunch in a restaurant for these very reasons, and some yogis only eat food prepared by themselves or other yogis

This should make us very concerned when next we are invited out to eat. Do we really want to take on the consciousness – and karma – of that person wielding the chopping knife!