The Three Gunas

I have never imagined that by looking into our lifestyles and foods we eat, we can determine our behavior and habits.  From now on I will be aware of what I eat and what I should avoid. Let’s see …..In the Yoga’s philosophy, all matter in the universe arises from the fundamental substrate called Prakriti, which consists in the three primary gunas (qualities) and emerge creating the essential aspects of all nature—energy, matter and consciousness, Sattva, Rajas & Tamas.Sattva: “The mode of Goodness”, Divine, is a state of harmony, balance, joy and intelligence. Eating fresh and enjoying activities related with the environment, produce joy and positive thoughts. Sattvic foods include whole grains, legume, fresh fruits and vegetables that grow above the ground. It nourishes the body and maintains it in a peaceful state.  Rajas: “The mode of Passion”, is related to activity, energy, action, change and movement. They are considered to be neither beneficial nor harmful. These foods lead to aggressiveness and irritability. Foods that are very hot, bitter, sour, dry or salty are Rajasic. They destroy the mind-body equilibrium, feeding the body at the expense of the mind. Too much Rajasic food will over-stimulate the body and excite the passions, making the mind restless and uncontrollable. Eating in a hurry is also considered rajasic.  To reduce rajas avoid Rajasic foods, over exercising, over work, loud music, excessive thinking and consuming excessive material goods.Tamas: “The mode of Ignorance” destructive is a state of darkness, inertia, inactivity and materiality. Tamasic foods are those that have a sedative effect on the mind and body.  To reduce tamas avoid tamasic foods, oversleeping, overeating, inactivity, passivity and fearful situations. Tamasic foods include heavy meats, and foods that are spoiled, chemically treated, processed or refined. A Tamasic diet benefits neither the mind nor the body. Can anyone consume food from any of these categories?  In the overall I think I am more Rajasic but I will achieve the Sattvic diet.