Vegetarianism and Yoga: Why These Go Well Together

Two healthy practices mesh well as part of nourishing lifestyle

Vegetarianism and Yoga? What do down dog and broccoli have in common? More than you might think. For thousands of years, yogis worldwide have followed a vegetarian diet and lifestyle in accordance with their beliefs in non-harming and non-violence to all.

The first step in the renowned yoga system developed by the sage Patanjali is called ahimsa or non-harming, and this is the reason many yoga teachers and students renounce meat as part of their practice. As Jivamukti Yoga founder Sharon Gannon says, "You simply cannot eat another being without harming them first." B.K.S Iyengar, founder of the popular Iyengar school of yoga, added that a vegetarian diet is a necessity to practicing yoga.

In addition, some people believe that the fear and aggression felt by animals before they are killed translates into the meat you eat, yet another reason to consider vegetarianism. Some yogis initially struggle with this concept but find that a vegetarian diet aids their yoga practice in multiple ways while others choose to continue eating meat, but may reduce their overall consumption.

As a general rule, continuing yoga students get more and more in touch with their bodies and its unique needs; to that end, many find that eating a vegetarian diet makes them feel better whether they're on the mat or off and that they have more energy, better digestion, fewer colds and other illnesses, clearer skin, and a clearer conscience. Likewise, many yogis forego meat as part of a regular detox or cleanse process, since the body has to work much harder to digest meat products.

Whether you have taken two yoga classes or 200 classes, the decision to become a vegetarian is a personal decision worthy of both time and sincere reflection.

For more information: You can also check out Recommended Reading for Aspiring Vegetarians

More resources on vegetarianism and Yoga: