Question

Tarun is obese and wants to reduce body fat. He has started yogic practice. What advise will you give him regarding food?

• A. Fill half the stomach with food and half with water
• B. Fill half the stomach with food, one quarter with water and fourth quarter should be saved for expansion of air
• C. Fill 3 quarter stomach with food and one quarter with water
• D. Fill 3 quarter stomach with food and one quarter with air

Hint:

Yogic guidelines for food intake suggest a balanced approach: half food, one quarter water, and one quarter air. This ensures proper digestion and vitality.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
In Yogic dietary guidelines, the concept of Mitahara (moderate diet) is emphasized for health and spiritual progress.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Hatha Yoga texts (like Hatha Yoga Pradipika) describe Mitahara with a specific ratio for the stomach's volume:
- 50% (Two parts): Should be filled with solid food.
- 25% (One part): Should be filled with liquid/water.
- 25% (One part): Should be left empty for the movement of air and the process of digestion.
This ensures that the digestive fire (Jatharagni) works efficiently without the stomach being overly burdened, which is crucial for weight management and overall health.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The advice is to fill half the stomach with food, one-quarter with water, and leave one-quarter empty.