Did You Know?

Although the Rastafarian diet has not been formulated for weight loss, it can certainly assist in losing extra pounds and maintaining weight.

Foods to Eat

Natural Foods The Rastafarian diet focuses more on eating earth-grown foods. Vegetables and fruits that are cultivated without the use of any synthetic chemicals form an integral part of this diet. Foods that are processed and involve the use of artificial preservatives and sweeteners are against the ethics of the Rastafarian diet. Coconuts as well as its extracts are an integral part of the Rastafarian or Ital cuisine. No wonder, quite a few Rastafarian recipes contain coconut and coconut milk as their primary ingredient. Other foods that can be eaten when leading a Rastafarian way of life are legumes, whole grains, and beans. Fish Although meat products are not allowed in the Rastafarian diet, one can include fish in it. However, it excludes shellfish from the diet, as they regard it as an impure food. Crayfish and shrimp primarily eat dead stuff and prey on other fish, which is not pure. In fact, large fish prey on smaller ones for survival. So, when it comes to including fish in the Rastafarian diet , the size of the fish matters. Therefore, fish with a length more than 12 inches are prohibited. However, strict followers of this diet mostly prefer to completely drop fish from the diet. Herbal Tea The diet encourages the use of herbal tea, because they contain natural ingredients with minimal processing (if any). Anything that is herbal and does not contain unnatural ingredients can be included in this diet.

Foods to Avoid

Meat Being labeled as a vegetarian diet, meat products have no place in a Rastafarian diet. Rastafarians are against eating meat, as it is believed to lower the livity, or the life energy. They believe that handling meat is like touching a dead body; hence, they abstain from eating flesh. However, those who aren't very rigid in following the diet may prefer to include meat that comes from clean sources. So, meat from cows, goats, and sheep can be included, as they graze on pastures. However, as pigs scavenge on rotten stuff, pork is excluded from the diet. Birds, camel, horse, and even rabbit meat is also forbidden for the same reason. Dairy and Eggs People following this diet are also advised to desist from eating animal-based products, such as dairy (milk, butter, cheese) and eggs. Salt Adding salt in any dish is also prohibited. That is why canned foods that are laced with high amounts of salt are forbidden in this diet. The rejection is due to the fact that salt contains additives like iodine, and undergoes a lot of processing. However, some followers prefer to use pure sea salt. Alcohol Leading a Rastafarian lifestyle means staying away from alcohol and cigarettes. Drinking alcohol or smoking cigarettes only gives sensual pleasures, and moreover, is spiritually detrimental. Hence, alcohol consumption or smoking is against their beliefs. Followers of the Rastafarian diet also abstain from drinking caffeinated beverages, as they are processed and chemically altered to enhance their taste. That is why, coffee, sodas, and carbonated drinks are opposed by their followers.