Bhagavad Gita · Chapter 17: The Three Kinds of Faith

Bhagavad Gita 17.9

kaṭvamlalavaṇātyuṣṇatīkṣṇarūkṣavidāhinaḥ | āhārā rājasasyeṣṭā duḥkhaśokāmayapradāḥ ||

Foods that are bitter, sour, salty, very hot, pungent, dry, and burning, and that bring pain, grief, and sickness, are liked by people of passion.

Modern context

Rajasic food is too bitter, sour, salty, hot, pungent, dry or burning. It excites and stimulates, and eventually brings discomfort. The key word is 'too'. Spice and salt are not forbidden; excess is. A diet of constant stimulation matches and feeds a restless mind. Many people notice that what they crave when stressed is exactly this kind of food.