Is being vegan a prerequisite to doing yoga?
Depending on what podcast you listen to or which yoga classes you attend, you might have always wondered whether you had to eat according to a vegan diet in order to practice yoga. After all, lots of yogis choose to mindfully eat vegan in a fast world. But do you have to? Like most things, both sides have their convincing points.
What’s ahimsa?
Yogis that eat vegan often talk about the principle of ahimsa, or the idea of non-harming. It is one of the main tenants of the Yoga Sutra and implies that practicing yoga goes off the mat. Some yogis even believe that diet is one of the most important parts of a yoga practice rather than just asana practice. Eating vegan is an easy way to practice ahimsa because in doing so, you are making sure you don’t harm any animals. Many yogis advocate for a vegan lifestyle and many even say it’s required.
But veganism goes beyond just a diet, it can also extend to what kind of products you buy and how you live your life. Co-founder of the Jivamukti Yoga School, Sharon Gannon, for example, practices veganism by not eating honey or wearing any clothes made from animals. Not everyone has the financial ability to eat and live vegan all the time, it can be hard when traveling for example — but for some, veganism is a critical part of yoga.
But what if veganism isn’t for you?
Not everyone can become a vegan. Different bodies require different restrictions, and it might be that your body requires more than a vegan diet can offer you. Yogi practitioner Alanna Kaivalya was unable to eat vegan because of a preexisting thyroid condition. That’s not to say she doesn’t practice ahimsa in other ways. Instead of eating vegan, she chooses to buy local and organic food and acts in other ways that support ahimsa.
Part of what makes yoga such a flexible and adaptable practice is that ultimately, it’s about finding your own way through the different yoga principles. So, while some may choose to practice ahimsa through veganism, it’s also possible to practice ahimsa by being more loving and caring towards others, by choosing to not be physically violent and by loving yourself.
So, should you eat vegan?
Practicing yoga is about being mindful, about seeing how you feel physically and emotionally — choosing to adapt your lifestyle choices to what works for you. If you think being vegan will make you feel closer to your yoga practice, then absolutely go ahead and try it out! But if you don’t think veganism will suit your body, that shouldn’t stop you from going to class and practicing yoga. If you do decide to switch to plant-based eating, check out Wellness52's article on more information about the yoga-vegetarian debate and tips for switching to that particular diet. Each of our bodies and minds respond differently to food and nourishment and you should find what’s best for you.
On a personal note, I choose to eat vegetarian. After much trial and error, I found that veganism wasn’t for me. My body didn’t respond to the dietary restrictions as well as I’d hoped. So instead, I practice ahimsa through other parts of my life and eat what I find makes my body feel good, whether that’s vegetables from the local market or a good cut of salmon. But I also know many vegans who are just as happy eating and living the vegan lifestyle. So, veganism — maybe try it if you’re interested, but don’t let it stop you from feeing like a good yogi.
