How did I become a vegetarian? How to be a healthy one?

   being vegetarian.....

  I have been a vegetarian for less than a year, but feels like a long time now...in my body as well in my mind.The benefits in my body so far are the improvement of digestion, smoother skin and hair and also I feel more energy during the day. Pretty awesome results in a really short time.

   My diet option came naturally with my yoga practice. I was not a red meat eater but I was a seafood lover! Its is hard to detach from something when you really like and enjoy. I stopped eating all meat excepted for seafood, just because somewhere in my mind I had this idea that they are different of other animals, we don't use them as pets and I don't know much about if they suffer or not.

  So in a beautiful day, I went for a dinner at a seafood restaurant. The waiter recommended us to sit in front of the lobsters aquarium. Watching them was really powerful. Their legs and claws were all tied with elastic rubber bands.When the cooker came to get one, the lobsters all back up on the aquarium forming a big group, trying to be far away as possible of his metal tool. As he gets one, the other lobsters around and even with their claws tied, try to help their friend, trying to keep their body in the aquarium while the waiter pulls the unfortunate lobster up. After that, all the lobster didn't stop starring up looking for their friend and believe me, with a sad look in their eyes. This scene repeated for every 3 minutes for about 2 hours while I was sitting there. After that day I took Ahimsa in my heart and I do not eat any living being.

  The problem begin when we label everything and we see ourselves separated from others. A dog, fish, cow or a pig, independent of the shape, we are all made by the creator with living energy on us. As we start to respect all living beings as One, we live one of many glimpses of Ahimsa.

What is Ahimsa?

Ahimsa is the first of the moral observances on the 8 Limbs of Ashtanga Yoga. This is the first of the first. Where we begin our practice. The other limbs evolve from here. Ahimsa means non-violence or no harm.

The practice it can mean do not kill, injure or harm any living being in thoughts and actions. Therefore many practitioners of yoga are vegetarians. Taking Ahimsa a step further, we must consider how we are harming ourselves through poor dietary and exercise habits, sleep deprivation and stress.

How to be a healthy vegetarian? Sattvic Diet!!!

   The basis of sattva is the concept of ahimsa (non-harming). A sattvic diet avoids any foods that involve killing or harming of animals. Sattvic diets also encourage foods grown harmoniously with nature, and foods that are ripened and grown naturally. 

  In addition, the foods that we eat should be prepared with love and positive intention. In eating a yogic diet, we are increasing prana and a higher state of consciousness. Please take note of these suggested yogic foods, while avoiding foods that do not align with yogic principles. These suggestions are recommended for any level of yoga practitioner or individual seeking a healthy, spiritual path.

Foods to Eat When Following a Yogic Diet

1. Fruits of all types, especially those that are naturally sweet

2. All vegetables, except onions and garlic

3. Whole grains, especially oats, wheat, and rice

4. Beans, tofu, mung, aduki

5. Plant-based oils, like sesame, sunflower, and olive oil

6. Nuts and seeds, yet not salted or overly roasted

7. Natural, raw sugar, maple, molasses

8. Herbal teas, water with lemon and/or lime

9. Sweet spices, like cinnamon, cardamom, mint, basil, turmeric, ginger, cumin, fennel

10. Food prepared with love, and gratitude given before consumption

Foods to Avoid or Reduce When Following a Yogic Diet

1. Meat and fish of all types, including eggs

2. Processed and/or artificial foods, junk food, artificial sweeteners, soda

3. Animal fats, margarine

4. Fried foods

5. Canned foods, except naturally canned tomatoes and fruit

6. White flour, white sugar

7. Garlic, onions, spicy foods

8. Stale or overly cooked foods

9. Microwaved foods

10. Alcohol, tobacco, stimulants

11. Foods that are genetically engineered

12.  Foods that are eaten in a rush or in a disturbed environment 

 Its is important to do not force yourself. If you are reading this you probably have the seed planted in your heart for change. Let it flow naturally. Don't judge yourself and enjoy the path!

Namaste