Rastafarians follow a diet called “Ital”, which is a vegan diet that focuses on natural, unprocessed foods. This Ital diet guides all their meals, including breakfast. As Ital means vital, Rastas try to eat foods that give life and energy.
Do Rastafarians drink coffee?
Most Rastafarians avoid coffee and caffeinated beverages, as these are seen as artificial stimulants. Instead, many Rastas start their day with a cup of bush tea, an herbal tea made from roots and herbs like sarsaparilla, dandelion, or ginger.
Other natural beverages like fresh juice from fruits like ackee, mango, guava or sorrel are also popular morning drinks. Some also drink coconut water or nut milks like almond or cashew milk.
What are some common Rastafarian breakfast foods?
Here are some typical Rastafarian Ital breakfast foods:
- Ackee and saltfish – Jamaica’s national dish, featuring sautéed ackee fruit and salted codfish.
- Callaloo – a leafy green vegetable stew made with herbs and vegetables like okra, cho cho, spinach and onions.
- Fungi – a cornmeal porridge, often served with peanut or coconut milk.
- Johnnycakes – fried dumplings made from flour, cornmeal or cassava.
- Plantains – fried, boiled or roasted green plantain slices.
- Roots breads – like cassava bread or yam bread.
- Tofu scramble – tofu sautéed with vegetables and spices to mimic scrambled eggs.
- Vegetable stew – simmered vegetables like okra, squash, cho cho and pumpkin.
- Fruit – Fresh or stewed fruits like bananas, papaya, mangoes or soursop.
Rastas may eat smaller portions for breakfast and favor lighter foods to start the day. Heavier proteins like beans or tempeh might be eaten later in the day.
Why do Rastafarians follow an Ital diet?
Rastas eat according to Ital principles for a few key reasons:
- Ital foods promote vitality and energy.
- Eating natural, unprocessed foods is seen as physically and spiritually purifying.
- A plant-based diet is believed to promote a peaceful, harmonious mindset.
- Ital supports self-sufficiency using locally grown, organic foods.
- Eating animal products is seen as cruel and spiritually harmful.
- Rejecting artificial chemicals and additives demonstrates a protest against Babylon (corrupt Western society).
By following Ital, Rastas feel connected to their African roots and eat in a way that honors their spiritual beliefs.
Are there any Italian connections to the Rastafarian Ital diet?
Despite the similarity in names, the Rastafarian Ital diet has no direct connection to Italian cuisine or culture. The term “Ital” comes from the word “vital”, reflecting the vitality Rastas gain from natural foods.
However, Rasta Ital principles did help inspire vegan and vegetarian movements across the world. So in that respect, Ital philosophy has influenced plant-based eating globally, including within Italian cuisine.
Do Rastafarians eat dessert for breakfast?
Rastafarians do not typically eat sugary desserts like cakes or cookies for breakfast, as these are seen as artificial, processed foods. However, Rastas may enjoy naturally sweet breakfast foods made from fruit.
Some Ital desserts that could potentially be eaten for breakfast include:
- Baked sweet potatoes or yams
- Banana bread or banana fritters
- Coconut rice pudding
- Mango or guava stew
- Papaya slices
- Plantain pudding
- Stewed soursop, naseberries or tamarind
These provide natural sweetness in line with Ital principles, as opposed to refined sugar which is avoided.
What do Rastafarian children eat for breakfast?
Rastafarian children generally eat the same Ital diet as adults, focused on fresh, natural foods. Some breakfast favorites for Rasta kids include:
- Ackee and avocado on cassava toast
- Banana pancakes or banana French toast
- Callaloo with roasted breadfruit
- Mango and pineapple smoothies
- Oatmeal or cornmeal porridge with nut milk
- Plantain chips
- Soy yogurt with granola
- Tofu bites or scrambled tofu
The breakfast menu may be adjusted for children to make it more kid-friendly. But it will remain focused on unprocessed, natural plant foods aligned with Ital principles.
Do Rastas only eat Ital food?
Most dedicated Rastafarians follow a strict Ital diet all the time. However, some Rastas may incorporate some non-Ital foods occasionally. This may happen when eating away from home, at social gatherings, or if certain ingredients are unavailable.
So while Ital principles guide the Rastafarian diet, they do not always dictate it 100% of the time. The extent to which someone adheres to Ital depends on their level of commitment to the Rastafari lifestyle.
Conclusion
Rastafarian Ital breakfasts focus on fresh, natural foods like fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds and whole grains. Typical breakfasts feature staple dishes like ackee and saltfish, callaloo, johnnycakes and herb teas. Rastas avoid processed foods, chemicals, salt, oil, dairy, eggs and meat in alignment with their spiritual values. While not every Rasta follows Ital strictly at all times, these Ital principles heavily influence the traditional Rastafarian breakfast menu.