In recent years, veganism and vegetarianism have gained significant popularity, with many people adopting these plant-based diets for ethical, environmental, and health reasons. As a yoga practitioner, I’ve often been asked why I don’t follow a vegan or vegetarian diet, despite the movement’s growing presence within the wellness community. The truth is, after carefully exploring the relationship between food, health, and overall wellness, I’ve chosen a different path—a balanced, well-rounded diet that aligns more closely with my yoga philosophy of holistic health.

While veganism and vegetarianism offer many benefits for the body and the planet, I believe that embracing a diverse range of foods can provide a more well-rounded and sustainable approach to health—especially when it comes to active lifestyle.

Let’s explore why I’ve chosen this route and how it aligns with my yoga practice and philosophy.

The Yoga Philosophy of Balance

Yoga isn’t just about physical postures (asanas) or deep breathing exercises. At its core, yoga is about finding balance—both within ourselves and in the world around us. It’s about integrating body, mind, and spirit into one harmonious unit. This balance extends to all areas of life, including nutrition. The path of yoga also encourages self-awareness, personal growth, and the exploration of what truly works best for each individual.

For me, this personal exploration led to the realization that a more balanced approach to nutrition, including a variety of plant-based and animal-based foods, supports both my yoga practice and my health on a deeper level.

The Contradiction of Veganism, Vegetarianism, and a Well-Rounded Diet

While veganism and vegetarianism are undoubtedly healthy and compassionate lifestyles for many, I found that adopting a strictly plant-based or vegetarian diet didn’t provide the most well-rounded nourishment for my body. Here are a few key reasons why:

1. Nutrient Absorption and Bioavailability

Certain nutrients, such as vitamin B12, omega-3 fatty acids (EPA/DHA), iron, and zinc, are more bioavailable in animal-based foods, meaning our bodies can absorb and utilize them more efficiently.

• B12, for example, is essential for brain function, red blood cell formation, and DNA synthesis. While plant-based alternatives exist, they often don’t offer the same bioavailability as animal products.
• Omega-3 fatty acids are crucial for heart and brain health, and fatty fish, such as salmon, provide a high-quality source of omega-3s that can be challenging to replace with plant-based foods like flaxseed or chia.

Incorporating a variety of foods helps me ensure I’m getting these essential nutrients in their most bioavailable forms, which fuels my body for both everyday life and my yoga practice.

2. A Holistic Approach to Health

Yoga teaches us to listen to our bodies and to choose what nourishes us holistically. For me, a well-rounded diet that includes plant-based and animal-based foods is more in line with the principles of yoga because it allows me to take a balanced approach to health.

• Vegetarian diets, which typically include dairy and eggs, provide high-quality protein and essential vitamins, like B12 and calcium, that support muscle recovery and bone health.
• Plant-based foods provide essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that help cleanse the body and keep energy levels high.
• Animal-based foods offer high-quality protein, essential fatty acids, and other nutrients that support muscle recovery, brain function, and overall vitality.

By embracing all worlds—plant-based, vegetarian, and sourced animal products—I can practice yoga with more energy, better mental clarity, and enhanced flexibility—all while respecting my body’s unique nutritional needs.

3. The Need for Variety in a Yoga Lifestyle

Yoga encourages us to embrace variety—whether it’s through different poses, practices, or diets. Just as yoga incorporates a range of postures and breathing techniques to promote physical and mental well-being, my diet reflects the need for a broad array of nutrients to support my wellness journey.

A diverse, well-rounded diet helps me feel nourished, grounded, and energized for my yoga practice. Whether I’m doing a gentle flow or an intense power yoga session, I know that the foods I eat provide me with the right fuel.

How to Maintain a Balanced, Yoga-Friendly Diet

If you’re considering a more well-rounded approach to food while aligning with your yoga practice, here are a few tips:

1. Incorporate Whole, Nutrient-Dense Foods: Focus on whole foods—fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats—that nourish your body and mind.
2. Be Mindful of Your Body’s Needs: Pay attention to how your body feels and adjust your diet accordingly. Yoga encourages mindfulness, so tune in to what foods support your energy, digestion, and overall well-being.
3. Explore a Variety of Plant-Based Options: Include a wide range of plant-based foods, such as leafy greens, legumes, nuts, seeds, and whole grains, to ensure you get a diverse array of vitamins and minerals.
4. Hydration is Key: Staying hydrated is vital for both yoga practice and overall health. Drink plenty of water throughout the day, and consider adding herbal teas or coconut water for extra hydration and electrolyte balance.

Conclusion: Embracing Balance in Yoga and Nutrition

Yoga is about finding harmony in all aspects of life, including what we eat. While veganism and vegetarianism offer incredible benefits, I believe a more balanced, holistic approach to nutrition is better suited to my unique needs as a yoga practitioner. By embracing a well-rounded diet, I can nourish my body with the best of both worlds—plant-based foods for energy, antioxidants, and healing, along with animal-based foods for essential nutrients and recovery.

Ultimately, the key to a fulfilling and sustainable lifestyle, both in yoga and nutrition, lies in balance. It’s about making choices that nourish the body, respect ethical values, and support long-term health and vitality.