By Remco, The Netherlands
Food is more than just fuel for the body; it is a bridge connecting us to the very essence of life. Yet, in today’s fast-paced world, the art of wholesome and awareful eating has been largely forgotten. As more people turn toward overall wellness, the importance of cultivating healthy eating habits and gut health has taken center stage. Practices rooted in yogic principles offer profound benefits, from enhancing gut health to promoting emotional balance and mental clarity.
This blog introduces seven transformative eating habits inspired by a personal journey of adopting a yogic lifestyle at the Yoga Gita Ashram in Srirangapatna, near Mysore, India. Whether you’re seeking better health, wellness, a more balanced meditation practice, or a simply more fulfilling relationship with food, these habits can guide you toward lasting transformation.

Table of Contents
Transitioning from Western Eating to Yogic Eating at Yoga Gita ASHRAM, The science of consciousness ashram
Growing up in the Netherlands, our approach to food mirrored the typical Western lifestyle: structured around three main meals a day: breakfast, lunch, and dinner with an emphasis on fast preparation of meals. When we moved to the Yoga Gita Ashram in Srirangapatna, India, we were introduced to a completely new way of approaching food. Here, meals are deeply rooted in the Satvic principles of Yoga and Ayurveda, emphasizing pure, fresh, and wholesome ingredients that support not just physical health but mental clarity and emotional balance. Instead of simply filling the stomach, each meal was crafted to nourish the body, mind, and soul in harmony with daily practices of Yoga, Meditation, and awareful living.
The Magical 7 Eating Habits That Can Transform Your Life Today
- Eating Rhythm
- Eating Half Belly Full
- Vegetarian, Sattvic Food
- Balanced Meals
- Peaceful Cooking Process
- Celebration
- Shared Responsibility
Eating Rhythm
At the ashram, we follow a unique rhythm of eating: two main meals a day—brunch at 11 AM and dinner at 5 PM—supplemented by light snacks such as soup, fruits, and juice. This rhythm is designed to align with daily Yoga practices like Asana, Pranayama, and Meditation, supporting digestion and energy balance throughout the day.
Eating Half Belly Full
A principle rooted in both Yoga and Ayurveda, eating half belly full ensures that the body remains light and energetic. This involves filling half the stomach with food, one-quarter with liquid, and leaving the remaining quarter empty. While it requires discipline, the benefits for digestion, absorption, and overall wellness are undeniable.
Vegetarian, Sattvic Food
Central to a yogic lifestyle, Sattvic food is fresh, pure, and life-enhancing. At the ashram, many of the ingredients are grown on-site, ensuring meals retain their vitality. A Satvic diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, grains, and lentils, not only improves gut health but also promotes mental clarity and emotional balance. Even if growing your own food isn’t feasible, choosing fresh and vegetarian ingredients can have a transformative impact.




Fruits and vegetables organically grown, harvested and ripened at Yoga Gita Ashram, The science of consciousness ashram
Balanced Meals
Meals at the ashram are carefully designed for providing holistic nourishment and easy merging. Brunch often features South Indian staples like chapati, dosa, and sambar, while dinner includes rice-based dishes paired with vegetables, beans, or lentils. Fresh herbs, raw vegetables, and occasional treats like payasam or pakoda add variety while maintaining balance.

Peaceful Cooking Process
Cooking at the ashram happens in a peaceful atmosphere. A clean, organized kitchen and the use of fresh, Satvic ingredients contribute to the preparation of meals that are infused with care and harmony. This peaceful approach not only enhances the food’s energy but also aligns with the principles of wellness.

Weekly Indian Sattvic cooking workshop in Holy Belly kitchen in Yoga Gita Ashram, The science of consciousness ashram in Srirangapatna, Mysore, India with Sandhya, kitchen team and participants.
Celebration
Eating is a celebration of life itself. At Yoga Gita Ashram, meals are enjoyed in a tranquil, distraction-free environment, accompanied by chanting before and after the meals. This approach fosters gratitude and joy, making eating a sacred and transformative experience.
Shared Responsibility
Meal preparation and cleanup at the ashram are collective efforts, with everyone contributing in some way. This shared responsibility builds community bonds and deepens appreciation for the process of nourishing both the body and the soul.
Benefits of Eating Right
By adopting these Sattvic habits, you can unlock a host of benefits for your body, mind, and soul:
Improved Digestion and Gut Health: Mindful eating and a Satvic diet ensure a healthy gut and enhance energy levels.
- Mental Clarity and Emotional Balance: Nourishing the brain with pure, wholesome food enhances focus and improves the effectiveness of practices like meditation.
- Strengthened Immunity and Physical Health: Fresh, nutrient-rich foods bolster the immune system and promote long-term wellness by improving gut health
- Deeper Gratitude and Connection: Preparing and consuming food fosters gratitude and transforms meals into a source of healing and joy.
- Enhanced Community Harmony: Sharing meals and responsibilities strengthens connections and creates a supportive environment.

Summary
At Yoga Gita Ashram, The science of consciousness, food is a cornerstone of the yogic lifestyle. Whether you’re participating in a Yoga retreat, a 21-day program or just staying a few days, the ashram’s focus on sattvic food and mindful eating is integral to its holistic approach. The practices shared here—from conscious meal preparation to adopting a healthy eating rhythm—support gut health, overall wellness and mental clarity. By incorporating these habits, you’ll experience increased vitality and emotional balance, transforming your relationship with food and life.
About the Author

Remco de Groot resides at Yoga Gita Ashram, The science of consciousness in Srirangapatna, India, with his wife Martine and daughter Anna. As active members of the Yoga Gita Ashram community, they involve and support various programs, including yoga retreats, Yoga teacher training courses (TTC), detoxification retreats, meditation programs and a Patanjali Sutra Course. They also contribute to the daily life of the Yoga Gita ashram, which was founded by Indian yogi Sage ViGo. For more information, visit the Yoga Gita Ashram website or follow them on social media, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. Together with the community, Remco helps sustain the ashram’s mission of spreading holistic well-being through Yoga and conscious living.