Yoga Can Get Your Diet on the Right Track

The ancient Indian sages were involved in intensive study and research into the nutritional value of food and one of the upshots of this was that they divided food into three categories which became known as Sattvic, Rajasic and Tamasic.

Tamasic food can be said to be in the lowest category as far as its food value is concerned and it is classed as being without quality prana (life energy).

Rajasic food is stimulating, possesses considerable prana and forms a significant percentage of the average persons diet.

Sattvic food however, is the only category that fulfills the ideal food of the Vedic teachings. It comprises foods that are fresh and natural, and contain a high pranic or life content. Some examples are fresh fruits, nuts and vegetables.

The teachings encourage an adherence, in the main, to the Sattvic foods, balanced by a percentage of the Rajasic class, but an abstinence from foods that are classed as Tamasic; in that have little or no prana.

These ancient principles are still adhered to today and it has been amply demonstrated by contemporary food scientists at the Yogic Umachal Hospital in india that the ancient teachings are, in fact, quite valid.

Although modified to some extent, a simple parallel can be seen in the conclusions of Western nutritionists who recommend that people:

• avoid lowest grade foods; those that are commercially produced using artificial flavorings, colorings and that contain chemical preservatives and additives
• eat limited quantities of rich, highly spiced, highly processed and cooked food, as well as butter, cheese, eggs, chocolate, confectionery and other foods containing high levels of processed cane and beet sugar, and
• ensure that a high percentage of the diet should consist of fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, nuts and grains

The important difference is that modern diets still include great quantities of meats of all kinds. These are totally excluded in the Yoga diet for several reasons.

1. The traditional Yogic rule of nutrition excludes them as being devoid of life energy or pranathey are in fact classed as dead foods
2. Meats in quantity cause acidity and leave deposits of toxins in the blood that can cause arthritis and other diseases, depending upon the health of the animal whose flesh was consumed, and
3. yoga adherents believe firmly that no one who loves animals would wish to kill them and eat them or even to foster their exploitation for human consumption

It is the over-riding altruistic reverence for all life that influences a tradition that precludes killing animals for food. The Yogis diet is therefore vegetarian.

This as well as other yoga teachings and disciplines are incorporated into personal Sadhana according to the individuals choice and understanding of health and spiritual matters.

Sally Janssen is one of the best known Yoga teachers in Australia, and is a former President of the International Yoga Teachers Association. She runs an informational website that deals with the very spirit of traditional Yoga. To benefit from her extensive knowledge be sure to visit her site at http://www.classical-yoga.com

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Tips For Preserving Your Home's Exterior And Preventing Costly Repairs

It's what inside that counts is a good mantra for dealing with people, but when it comes to houses, the outside is just as important. Routine exterior maintenance makes a world of difference to a home's look and quality, not to mention the homeowner's wallet. severe weather, sun exposure and moisture buildup wreaks havoc on a home's exterior. Pinpointing and repairing damaged areas before they escalate into major problems preserves the homes value and saves the homeowners from much more costly repairs down the road.

Annual spring or summer checkups, are a great way to preserve the beauty and value of your home. These are ideal times to identify weather damage and complete any needed repairs before cooler weather sets in. Some professional painting contractors provide this service to their customers free of charge, such as Hester Painting & Decoratings Exterior Maintenance Program.

You can also follow these simple steps to assess the health of your home:

1) Walk around your homes exterior and look for any paint or caulk that has cracked, peeled or blistered. Properly painted areas not only look better, they also protect the home as exposed wood is especially prone to weather damage. Any break in the exterior finish of the house is an opening for moisture to enter, eventually leading to mildew and rot.

2) Examine your gutters and clear out any debris. Roof damage occurs when water gets backed up and leaks in, so clearing out any leaves and dirt will help prevent internal wall and ceiling damage.

3) Check all flat surfaces, such as window sills, thresholds, steps and decks for wear. Identify vulnerable areas and watch for water pooling up on the surface.

4) Pay particular attention to areas of intense sun or shade. Harsh sun can fade sections of paint finish, while portions of a home that are in deep shade may be subject to mildew and mold.

5) Be sure to protect all painted or stained outside furniture by covering or storing it before winter hits. The minimal effort involved in covering patio furniture will reward you many times over.

Routine, preventative maintenance keeps your home looking its best while dramatically reducing the cost of repairs. Whether you do it yourself or schedule an inspection with your local painting contractor, give your homes exterior an annual checkup and identify any minor issues before they develop into major problems. Youll preserve the value and beauty of your home one of your largest assets, and youll save money by avoiding extensive repairs that could have been easily resolved by early detection.

This article is provided courtesy of www.hesterdecorating.com and may be reprinted provided this courtesy notice with the author name and URL remain intact.

Jeff Hester, a.k.a. Professor Paint, is an expert on high-end painting, faux finishing and wall covering. He has 28 years experience in the field and is vice president of Hester Painting & Decorating. Visit http://www.hesterdecorating.com

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Boat Lifts - Their Functional Uses

In docks or other harbor areas, it is essential to have boat lifts that would thrust and carry the vessels to and from the water. They facilitate hassle-free and safe storage. When the boat is not in use, it is carefully lifted from the water to prevent rust from forming and corrosion from taking place.

Boat lifts are usually made of thick aluminum that is of marine-grade quality. The fasteners themselves are made of stainless steel, thereby making the entire equipment "as light as a feather", rust-free, and simple to install. Boat lifts have different water depth tolerances corresponding to particular models and types. A majority of them are immune to fresh and sea water while others can sustain deep waters.

Boat lifts are available in a variety of models such as the four-post lifts, elevator lifts, boathouse lifts, swivel lifts, sailboat lifts, single post lifts, low profile lifts, and custom cradles. Among them, it is the elevator and four-post lifts that rank highest in popularity.

In order to operate, boat lifts are electricity-supplied. There are a few models that are solar or AC-powered. There are still other types that are wirelessly run which makes it easy and convenient to maneuver the safe thrusting and carrying of the vessel. An amateur boater can instantly turn professional when using this type of boat lift.

The structure of boat lifts is such that engine and boat hull maintenance provide easy access as the boat is taken out of the water and stored safely. The lift posts are positioned in such a way that water can be continuously drained and thus prevent rust and other damage.

Boat lifts carry the vessel near the dock or harboring area, allowing anyone to enter the boat with no difficulty. For the wireless operation of boat lifts, the function of lifting the boat to and from the water is more simplified.

There are types of boat lifts that weave easily through constricted dock areas. This consumes minimal space and thus is more efficient. To keep up with the times, models of boat lifts are now operating with fewer wires for convenience, thereby eliminating entangled cables.

There are a few models where the top beams are done away with or others where the beam automatically rises when the boat is brought down. All these talk have the main purpose of facilitating boat entry and mobility.

Due to technology, boat lifts are geared toward customer satisfaction and so they are equipped with client-friendly features such as time and space efficiency.

You can also find more info on Boat Accessories and Boat Covers. Boatupgrade.com is a comprehensive resource to know about Boat accessories Like Covers, Lifts, Storage and more.

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