Do you have to be vegetarian to practice yoga?

Vegetarian, vegan, raw food,….the emergence of organic, new food trends are emerging more and more today with the practice of yoga.

Polls indicate that 50% of the French population say they want to increase their consumption of plant-based products. But only 5% are vegetarian or vegan.

More and more of you want to become vegetarian, vegan, or raw foodist for environmental, ethical, philosophical or animal reasons. Many of you are asking questions about your diet.

Do you have to be vegetarian to practice yoga?

The question comes up often. Yoga advocates balance in all things. How to make informed choices without going overboard.

From the point of view of yogic doctrine, the question of vegetarianism can be analyzed from two angles:

From the angle of yoga and its principle of non-violence ( Ahimsa ), it is recommended to be vegetarian because the practice of yoga advocates non-violence in all its forms, both for humans and animals. In addition, a yogi eating meat absorbs the fear of the slaughtered animal.

From the angle of Ayurveda medicine and its classification of foods. This science of life, associated with yoga, offers a healthy lifestyle linked to its dosha (Kapha, Pitta or Vata). Doshas are the reflection of our physical constitution and our vital energy responsible for our physiological and psychological health. The latter are associated with 3 gunas (sattva, rajas, and tamas). The goal of Ayurveda is to eat sattvatic, namely light, fresh and natural, in order to prepare the body for the practice of yoga. Because the latter is lighter.

Yoga therefore recommends its yogis a lacto-vegetarian diet in order to feel healthy and full of vitality.

What is a vegetarian diet?

This is the most common diet today, it is composed of a consumption of fruits and vegetables rich in fiber, vitamins and mineral salts, cereals, eggs, milk and dairy products which cover deficiencies in vitamin D, vitamin B12 and calcium.

It excludes the consumption of meat

What is a vegan diet?

It differs from vegetarian because it also excludes the consumption of eggs, dairy products and all products of animal origin except honey. Their consumption is limited to plant products.

On the other hand, it presents a risk of deficiency in essential nutrients such as calcium, iron, vitamins B2 and B12 since it is more restrictive.

So I ask the question again: do you have to be vegetarian to practice yoga?

I would say that everyone is free to make their own choices. But it is established that diet plays an essential role in health. A reduced consumption of animal products and a higher consumption of fruits and vegetables can help prevent certain diseases such as obesity, cholesterol problems, prevent cancer and cardiovascular problems.

The practice of yoga above all gives the desire to eat consciously, to feel better in one's body and to have a more balanced and more natural diet. Above all, you have to listen to yourself and listen to your needs. It's all a question of balance.