Yogic Diet for children

Prayer

OM SAHANA VAVATU SAHANA BHUNATTU
SAHA VIRYAM KARAWAVAHAI
TEJASVINAVADITAMASTU
MA VIDVISHAVAHAI
OM SHANTI SHANTI OM

Together may we be protected
Together may we be nourished
Together may we work with great energy
May our journey together be brilliant and effective
May there be no bad feelings between us
Peace, peace, peace

Diet

Ahar (diet) plays vital role in the development of overall personality. A Yoga practitioner is supposed to take agreeable food. Consumption of refined food induces tamsik gunas and tamsik diseases. Hence ‘Satvikahara’ which includes millets, other whole grains should be encouraged especially in kids whose need for calcium, iron is more compared to the other individuals. Diet works to prevent illness, increase energy and improve overall health. It relies on food as close to its natural state as possible. This means eating foods that do not contain artificial ingredients and are free of chemical preservatives and additives. The primary intake should ideally include organic whole foods that are as fresh as possible to ensure maximum nutritional value and life force.

• Vegetables: All green leafy vegetables, Ash gourd, Ridge gourd, Apple gourd, Beet root, Turnip, Carrot, Cucumber, Spinach, Tomato etc.
• Cereals: Unpolished rice, Whole wheat and multi-grain flour.
• Sweet: Honey, Organic natural Jaggery.
• Sprouts: Green gram, Bengal gram, Wheat, Groundnut.
• Dry Fruits: Dates, Figs, Dry grapes, Cashew, Almonds, Walnut, Dry grapes (soaked overnight).
• Fresh Fruits: Ripened, Seasonal and juicy fruits like Guava, Pear, Apple, Banana, Sapota, Orange, Sweet orange.
• Fruit Juice: Apple juice, Carrot juice and Orange juice.
• Soups: Spinach, Carrot, Tomato, Beetroot and Coriander either all mixed or can be prepared separately.
• Others: Lemon water, Butter milk, Tender coconut water etc.

Yoga helps in inculcating positive thoughts in children to distinguish between right and wrong and good or bad. It also helps them to cultivate good habits. Children are to be taught karma Yoga concept i.e. they should be taught in such a manner that they learn to work in harmony. They should be taught to remain happy and cheerful and thus creating a relaxed environment all around. This helps to keep them in happy and healthy state. This will also help to enhance the creativity and enjoy good health.

Source : POSHAN Abhiyaan